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Bluetick Coonhound vs Portuguese Podengo

Side-by-side comparison across all 14 AKC trait ratings, with a clear verdict on which breed fits which kind of household.

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The bottom line

Bluetick Coonhound vs Portuguese Podengo

People compare Bluetick Coonhounds and Portuguese Podengos because they’re both lean, athletic hunting dogs with big ears and boundless energy. At first glance, they look like distant cousins. both bark, both chase, both thrive outdoors. But if you’re choosing between them, you’re really choosing between two kinds of chaos. The Bluetick is a full-throated, all-in scent hound. If your idea of fun is weekend hunts in the woods or having a dog that lives for a trail, this one’s your partner. They’re devoted, yes, but they’re also loud. baying through brush like a siren. and stubborn when a raccoon’s in the air. You need space, time, and tolerance for slobbery jowls and midnight howls. Kids? Fine, but they’re not babysitters. Apartments? Forget it. The Podengo, especially the medium and large varieties, is a different kind of hunter. lighter on its feet, sharper in the mind. They use eyes and nose, which makes them quicker to respond and more adaptable. They bond deeply, love families, and can live in a suburban yard. just don’t leave them alone all day. They need puzzles, games, real work. And while they’re not silent, they won’t wake the neighborhood at 3 a.m. over a squirrel’s shadow. Here’s the real difference: Blueticks live to follow a trail no matter the cost. Podengos want to hunt too, but they’ll glance back at you, waiting for the cue. That makes the Podengo surprisingly easier for an engaged owner who isn’t a full-time hunter. If you’re active but want a dog that still checks in, go Podengo. If you want a relentless, loyal hound for rugged outdoor life, the Bluetick’s your dog. Just know. neither will ever ignore a scent on the wind.

Bluetick Coonhound
Portuguese Podengo
21–27 in
Height
16–28 in
45–80 lb
Weight
35–66 lb
11–12 yr
Lifespan
10–12 yr
$0.8–2.0k
Puppy price
$1.2–3.0k
#130
AKC popularity
#155

Trait-by-trait

Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.
Affectionate w/ Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Shedding Level
Coat Grooming
Drooling Level
Good with Strangers
Playfulness
Watchdog / Protective
Adaptability
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Mental Stimulation Needs
AffectionGood w/ KidsGood w/ DogsShedding LevelGroomingDrooling LevelGood w/ StrangersPlayfulnessProtectiveAdaptabilityTrainabilityEnergy LevelBarking LevelMental Stim.
Bluetick Coonhound Portuguese Podengo
Overlay

Where they diverge

Good with Young Children
Portuguese Podengo is better with kids (2-point difference)
Portuguese
Affectionate w/ Family
Portuguese Podengo is more affectionate (1-point difference)
Portuguese
Drooling Level
Portuguese Podengo drools less (1-point difference)
Portuguese
Playfulness
Portuguese Podengo is more playful (1-point difference)
Portuguese
Watchdog / Protective
Portuguese Podengo is more protective (1-point difference)
Portuguese
The verdict

Choose the Bluetick Coonhound if…

  • Active people
  • Hunters
  • Rural homes
  • You value drooling levelBluetick Coonhound scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Portuguese Podengo if…

  • active families
  • hunters
  • warm climate owners
  • You value good with young childrenPortuguese Podengo scores higher here.
Bluetick Coonhound Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Bluetick Coonhound home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide
Portuguese Podengo Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Portuguese Podengo home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide

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