Common distinctive features of the blue speckled coonhound, history of origin, progenitors, entry into the international arena, mention of the breed in literature.
Common features of the blue speckled coonhound
The Blue speckled kunhaund, originally bred as a versatile hunting dog, gives the impression of being large, muscular and fast. Its rather massive head with long ears is proudly raised, and its tail rises when moving and is carried over to its back. The dog behaves without signs of fear or nervousness.
The dog's coat should be moderately rough and glossy. These dogs are loved not only because of their excellent sense of smell, but also because of the uniquely beautiful coat color. Pets get their blue tint from the black speck on a white background, which gives the impression of a deep blue color. The specks can be all over the body and are mixed with black spots of various shapes on the back, ears and sides. Black, extensive spots should predominate on the head and ears, and specks on the body. The Blue Speckled Coonhound mainly has a tan over the eyes and sides of the muzzle on the cheekbones.
Blue speckled kundhounds are athletic, hardy and need full-time employment or activities such as hunting, obedience, dexterity in order to be happy and in great shape. Dogs can be difficult to train and their behavior with cats or other small animals should be monitored. Hounds are very intelligent breeds, with an unusual ability to solve certain problems.
Under normal conditions, blue speckled kundhounds get along well with children. They are attentive and friendly dogs. However, their noses can lead to trouble, so food and debris should never be left in a mess. The breed is mistakenly considered aggressive, since the dogs greet strangers with loud barks, and will sniff them for full acquaintance. Since the breed has a strong sense of smell, this makes them excellent pets for hunting and tracking game.
History and versions of the origin of the blue speckled coonhound
The beginnings of the Blue Speckled Coonhound date back to the days when European settlers arrived in America and brought their dogs with them. For centuries, Europeans have demonstrated sophisticated canine breeding and developed many famous breeds for a variety of purposes. Much of the early breeding work of European settlers was aimed at breeding hunting dogs, especially hounds.
In the Middle Ages, hunting was one of the favorite pastimes of the nobility and was of great importance in the formation of social and political ties. Most lords kept at least one pack of hunting dogs that had excellent pedigrees. Beginning in the Renaissance, some particularly successful members of the middle class also continued to breed hounds. While hounds were bred throughout Europe, they played a particularly important role in the culture of the nobility of England and France.
Each American colony, as a rule, was a specific subset of English society. A disproportionate number of upper classes and nobility settled in the southernmost colonies of Virginia, Maryland, Georgia and Carolina. These settlers brought their favorite pets with them to continue their hunting activities in the new world. Since fox hunting was extremely fashionable in England, the British settlers brought several hound dogs with them.
The first record of four-legged fox hunters in America, the ancestors of the blue speckled coonhound, dates back to at least 1650, when Robert Brooke led a pack of hounds to the Maryland colony. Eventually, he became America's first competitor in racing. In the French colony of Louisiana, settlers brought very valuable grand blues de gascones (large blue spotted hunting dogs) used to track wolves and deer. Likewise, Scottish, Irish and German immigrants also brought their native hunting dogs with them, especially in the Pennsylvania, Carolina and Appalachian mountains where these settlers predominated.
The hunters of the time discovered that the weather and territories in the New World were significantly different from those in Western Europe. The terrain was much more difficult in most of America. It is more rocky with less developed landscape. There were also continuous tracts in areas almost unknown in Europe - from swamps and flood meadows to sparsely populated pine forests. Many European canine breeds have struggled in this harsher environment. Also, the climate in the American South is much warmer and more conducive to the development of disease than in most European countries. European dogs were probably overheated or succumbed to diseases and infestations of all kinds of parasites.
Finally, the species of animals common in America are very different from those of Europe. Raccoons and possums living in the New World are more likely to run through trees than climb into burrows, as is the case with European rabbits and foxes. In addition, many of the American fauna is much more violent than those found in Europe - these are creatures such as cougars, alligators, wild pigs, lynxes and black bears. American dogs had to catch their usual prey, as well as cope with very dangerous animals, which prompted the creation of the blue speckled Coonhound. The further the settlers settled on the coast, the more hardy their dogs became.
Breeds participating in the breeding of the Blue Speckled Coonhound
American breeders were going to develop those canines that could cope with the new, difficult conditions of existence. Their first breeding individuals were sled dogs, so valuable among the English nobility. The English Fox Hounds were the main stock from which the American Fox Hounds originated, as well as five of the six Coonhound breeds. In the American colonies, those English hounds that were brought to the new continent bred to a greater extent. In addition, other canine species were added to obtain the desired qualities, including the blue speckled kundhound.
According to reports from the University of Wilhelm and Mary, Bloodhounds began to be imported into the American colonies as early as 1607. Bloodhound blood is known to have been infused into the line of American hounds to enhance their ability to smell and track game. French canines have featured prominently in many American hound lines.
It is known that George Washington received at least five French hounds from General Lafayette, which he kept in a pack of Fox Hounds. In addition, a number of large blue spotted hunting dogs were present in French Louisiana, which was annexed by the United States in 1803. By the mid-1700s, it was clear that American hounds were different from their European ancestors, and came to be called Virginia hounds.
Unlike Europe, where the nobility was primarily responsible for keeping and breeding dogs, in America hunting was more common and practiced among people of all classes. Especially in mountainous and swampy areas. Hunting with dogs has become one of the most popular forms of recreation in the American South. In particular, raccoon hunting was preferred. As a result, many breeders have worked to promote their own dog lines. Since most of these breeders worked in relative obscurity and did not keep any written records, it is impossible to know exactly which dogs entered the breeding of the Coonhound and Blue Speckled.
In addition, many hunters have poured dogs with completely untracked pedigrees, skills, abilities, or traits into new lines. However, it is generally believed that American hounds and most coonhounds are primarily descended from English hounds, with some additions to the blood of other breeds, notably the Bloodhound.
There is relatively little discussion regarding the origin of the blue speckled coonhound. It is almost universally believed to be the result of mixing American Hounds with the French Grand Blue de Gascony. There is some controversy, based on which, some breeders and experts believe that the basis for this dog is a Foxhound with the addition of Grand Blue de Gascony blood. Others say that on the contrary, the blue speckled coonhound is descended from the grand blue de gascon with the congealing of the Foxhound.
While this will probably never be known for sure, it is very difficult not to see the similarities between the breeds that started a new variety, as they are closely related. In many ways, the blue speckled coonhound is a more handsome and gifted four-legged hunter.
Competitions in which the blue speckled coonhound took part
These dogs were originally bred primarily for their working qualities with sufficient mixing between different breeds. Early breeders practically did not carry out written selection control, including about blue speckled kundhounds. However, breeders became more careful and kept the best specimens of these canines.
The popularity of organized raccoon hunting grew and evolved into competition. Their main focus was the condition that provided for the winner - the hunter who, with his dogs, can catch the largest number of raccoons in a certain period of time. These hunts inspired great excitement among its participants. Great personal prestige and fame must be achieved. The winning dogs were highly rated.
Unlike many dog breeds, which are rarely used for their original purpose, most speckled blue kundhounds are still hunted. Thousands of kennels of this breed can be found throughout America, especially in the Southern States. Kundhound trials are still quite popular, although now some hunts and competitions are not so frustrating for the raccoon. The dog only needs to find, not kill the animal.
However, the beautiful appearance of the speckled blue kundhounds, as well as the loving and cuddly nature of the breed, makes it a companion dog. As such, she is gaining great popularity among many breed lovers.
Recognition and entry of the blue speckled kundhound on the international stage
Eventually, coonhound breeding became more standardized. However, many breeders have refused to join the main club kennels due to fears that their dogs will no longer be bred primarily as workers and their hunting ability will diminish as a result. Eventually some of these unrest subsided, and the English Conhound, including the Blue Speckled Coonhound, which was originally considered a variety of species, was registered with the English Kenel Club (UKC) in 1905.
Since they were mainly bred as hunting dogs, at first most of the breed specimens were considered the same breed with different color variations. For example, tricolors were known as tree hounds, blue-spotted dogs were known as speckled blue kundhounds, and red-haired dogs became known as red dogs. Eventually, amateurs of different types began to go their own way.
Walker's woody coonhounds were first recognized by the UKC in 1945, and speckled blue coonhounds were recognized the following year. Also in 1946, the Bluetick Nursery Association (BBOA) was founded in Illinois. There are still some English Coonhounds with blue spots and some tricolors, but most of them are now red-spotted.
The main controversy between the English breeders concerned the instinct of these dogs. Breeders of the speckled blue kundhound appreciate the cold-nosed dog. This means that it will follow the scent for a very long time, no matter how old it is. British breeders favored a dog with a "hot nose", that is, a dog that first of all follows new smells, which are more likely to lead to a quick detection of the beast. Typically, "cold noses" follow the trails more slowly, while "hot noses" will move faster.
There is still a huge amount of debate and discussion among hunters as to which type of canine is recommended under any conditions. Most kundhound breeders have long preferred the UKC due to their focus on breeding working dogs. The American Kennel Club (AKC) was viewed with suspicion by many. As a result, breeders of Blue Speckled Coonhounds have long resisted registering their dogs with the AKC. However, these concerns are slowly fading away and the breed was finally recognized in 2009.
Mention of blue speckled kundhounds in literature and participation in cultural events
The unique appearance of the speckled blue coonhounds, as well as the popularity of the breed in the countryside, has resulted in it attracting a lot of cultural attention. The speckled blue coonhounds have appeared many times in American literature, for example, in the book of the American writer Wilson Rawls, Red Fern Flower.
Blue speckled kundhounds have been seen on numerous occasions in film and television, including the movie Overboard, starring Hollywood actress Goldie Hawn, and the series Air Wolf. These dogs are featured in a number of popular songs written by Neil Yan, Blake Shelton, Emmy Lou Harris, Charlie Daniels, David Allen Coe and Justin Moore.
Perhaps the most famous blue speckled kundhound is Smokey. It is recognized as the Official Mascot of the University of Tennessee Athletic Programs. This breed was selected in 1953 based on a student survey. There is both a costume character from the Smokey mascot and a live pet that appears when the competition opens.
More about the origin and development of the breed in the following video:
