Is the Bluetick Coonhound Better than the Labrador Retriever as a Pet? Our Answer.

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Bluetick Coonhound Versus Labrador Retriever: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Bluetick Coonhound and the Labrador Retriever? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Bluetick Coonhound and the Labrador Retriever better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Bluetick Coonhound and the Labrador Retriever.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Bluetick Coonhound and the Labrador Retriever is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Bluetick Coonhound and for the Labrador Retriever. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Bluetick Coonhound and the Labrador Retriever.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Bluetick Coonhound or the Labrador Retriever.

Bluetick Coonhound versus Labrador Retriever: Overview

A very important difference between the Bluetick Coonhound and the Labrador Retriever is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Bluetick Coonhound is a medium-sized dog while the Labrador Retriever is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Bluetick Coonhound belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

On the other hand, the Labrador Retriever belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

Bluetick Coonhound versus Labrador Retriever: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Bluetick Coonhound to the Labrador Retriever based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Bluetick Coonhound and the Labrador Retriever

Factor Bluetick Coonhound Labrador Retriever
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 12 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 5/5
Height 23 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 1/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 1/5
Weight 45 to 100 pounds 55 to 80 pounds
Easygoing 1/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $830 $1290
Price Range $465 – $1200 $850 – $1500
Temperament Score 100.0 percent 92.2 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Centronuclear Myopathy
  • D Locus (Dilute) DNA Test
  • EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • prcd-PRA DNA Test
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Bluetick Coonhound in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Labrador Retriever. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Bluetick Coonhound is 72 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Labrador Retriever is 74 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Labrador Retriever is a better pet than the Bluetick Coonhound. So, you should get the Labrador Retriever!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Bluetick Coonhound and the Labrador Retriever so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Bluetick Coonhound and the Labrador Retriever

    Below is a list of where the Bluetick Coonhound and the Labrador Retriever are most different:

    • Bluetick Coonhounds do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Labrador Retrievers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Bluetick Coonhounds are not easy to train. However, Labrador Retrievers are very easy to train.

    The Similarities Between the Bluetick Coonhound and the Labrador Retriever

    The Bluetick Coonhound and the Labrador Retriever are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Bluetick Coonhound and the Labrador Retriever are most similar:

    • Both the Bluetick Coonhound and the Labrador Retriever do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Bluetick Coonhound and the Labrador Retriever are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Bluetick Coonhound and the Labrador Retriever do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Bluetick Coonhound and the Labrador Retriever do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Bluetick Coonhound and the Labrador Retriever are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Bluetick Coonhound and the Labrador Retriever are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Bluetick Coonhound and the Labrador Retriever are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Bluetick Coonhound and the Labrador Retriever do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Bluetick Coonhound and the Labrador Retriever are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the Bluetick Coonhound and the Labrador Retriever are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Bluetick Coonhound and the Labrador Retriever get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Bluetick Coonhound and the Labrador Retriever are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Bluetick Coonhound and the Labrador Retriever have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Bluetick Coonhound and the Labrador Retriever require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Bluetick Coonhound and the Labrador Retriever are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Bluetick Coonhound versus Labrador Retriever

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Bluetick Coonhound and the Labrador Retriever.

    Bluetick Coonhounds weigh 45 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Bluetick Coonhounds are 23 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Labrador Retrievers weigh 55 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Labrador Retrievers are 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Bluetick Coonhound versus Labrador Retriever

    The lifespan of Bluetick Coonhounds is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Bluetick Coonhounds is 11.0 years.

    The lifespan of Labrador Retrievers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Labrador Retrievers is 11.0 years.

    Temperament of the Labrador Retriever Versus the Bluetick Coonhound

    The Bluetick Coonhound has a better temperament than the Labrador Retriever.

    This is because the temperament score for the Bluetick Coonhound is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Labrador Retriever is 92.2 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 100.0 percent, the Bluetick Coonhound has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 92.2 percent, the Labrador Retriever has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Bluetick Coonhound and the Labrador Retriever by measuring the temperaments of 2 Bluetick Coonhounds and 842 Labrador Retrievers.

    Price of Bluetick Coonhound versus Price of Labrador Retriever

    The average price of the Bluetick Coonhound puppy is $830. The price of the Bluetick Coonhound typically ranges from $465 – $1200. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 55 Bluetick Coonhound puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Labrador Retriever puppy is $1290. The price of the Labrador Retriever typically ranges from $850 – $1500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1413 Labrador Retriever puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Labrador Retriever is more expensive than the Bluetick Coonhound.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Bluetick Coonhound and Labrador Retriever. For different price points, the charts show how many Bluetick Coonhound puppies or how many Labrador Retriever puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Bluetick Coonhounds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Bluetick Coonhounds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Labrador Retrievers

    A breakdown of the prices of Labrador Retrievers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Bluetick Coonhound puppy or the Labrador Retriever puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Health Problems of Bluetick Coonhound versus Health Problems of Labrador Retriever

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Bluetick Coonhound and the Labrador Retriever are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Labrador Retriever is prone to more genetic health problems than the Bluetick Coonhound.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Labrador Retriever than for the Bluetick Coonhound.

    1 health tests are recommended for Bluetick Coonhound while 8 tests are recommended for the Labrador Retriever.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Bluetick Coonhounds and in Labrador Retrievers.

    Bluetick Coonhound Health Problems

    Bluetick Coonhounds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Bluetick Coonhound puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Bluetick Coonhound puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Bluetick Coonhound breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Bluetick Coonhounds for:

  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Bluetick Coonhounds here.

    Labrador Retriever Health Problems

    Labrador Retrievers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Labrador Retriever puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Labrador Retriever puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Labrador Retriever breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Labrador Retrievers for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Centronuclear Myopathy
  • D Locus (Dilute) DNA Test
  • EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • prcd-PRA DNA Test

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Labrador Retrievers here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Bluetick Coonhound versus Labrador Retriever

    Bluetick Coonhounds do not like to be left alone.

    Labrador Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Bluetick Coonhounds shed more than Labrador Retrievers?

    Bluetick Coonhounds do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Labrador Retrievers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Bluetick Coonhound or the Labrador Retriever

    Bluetick Coonhounds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Labrador Retrievers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Bluetick Coonhound or the Labrador Retriever?

    Bluetick Coonhounds are very easy to groom.

    Labrador Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Bluetick Coonhound Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Labrador Retriever?

    Bluetick Coonhounds have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Labrador Retrievers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Bluetick Coonhounds Bark and Howl? What about Labrador Retrievers?

    Bluetick Coonhounds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Labrador Retrievers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Bluetick Coonhounds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Bluetick Coonhounds can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Labrador Retrievers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Bluetick Coonhound vs. Labrador Retriever

    Bluetick Coonhounds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Labrador Retrievers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Bluetick Coonhounds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Bluetick Coonhounds can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Labrador Retrievers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Bluetick Coonhound or the Labrador Retriever?

    Bluetick Coonhounds get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Labrador Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Bluetick Coonhounds good family dogs? What about Labrador Retrievers?

    Bluetick Coonhounds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Labrador Retrievers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Bluetick Coonhounds and Labrador Retrievers?

    Bluetick Coonhounds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Labrador Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Bluetick Coonhound Easier to Train than the Labrador Retriever?

    Bluetick Coonhounds are not easy to train.

    Labrador Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Is the Bluetick Coonhound Better for Apartment Owners than the Labrador Retriever?

    Bluetick Coonhounds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Labrador Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Bluetick Coonhound or the Labrador Retriever?

    Bluetick Coonhounds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Labrador Retrievers are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Bluetick Coonhound versus Labrador Retriever. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Bluetick Coonhound and the Labrador Retriever better suits you and your family.