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Bluetick Coonhound vs Saint Bernard

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 Saint Bernard

People compare Bluetick Coonhounds and Saint Bernards because both are big, rugged dogs with deep historical roles, but that’s where the similarity ends. One was built to bay at 3 a.m. after a raccoon in the woods, the other to haul supplies through snowdrifts and warm frostbitten travelers with its body heat. If you're picturing a family dog, you're thinking of the Saint Bernard. If you're picturing a hunting partner who might ignore you for days on a scent trail, you're thinking of the Bluetick. The Saint Bernard is a gentle giant, deeply affectionate and patient with kids. They’re calm indoors, don’t bark much, and adapt well to suburban life. just be ready for drool on your laptop and fur on everything else. They’re not as trainable as you’d hope, though, and their size means health issues like bloat and joint problems come earlier, with a shorter lifespan of 8 to 10 years. Blueticks are another beast entirely. They’re lean, loud, and driven. You can’t keep one in a backyard without a 6-foot fence and a plan for daily off-leash running. They bond tightly but won’t obey on recall if a squirrel’s in the air. Great with other dogs, not so great with small pets. They’re smart in a stubborn way. figure things out on their own timeline. Here’s the real talk: Saint Bernards look like dream family dogs, but their health costs add up fast. Blueticks seem like athlete’s companions, but their barking and independence can fracture neighborly peace. Choose the Saint Bernard if you want a calm, loving presence and can handle the mess. Pick the Bluetick only if you’re an active hunter or hiker who wants a dog with a mind of its own. and a voice to match.

Bluetick Coonhound
Saint Bernard
21–27 in
Height
26–30 in
45–80 lb
Weight
120–180 lb
11–12 yr
Lifespan
8–10 yr
$0.8–2.0k
Puppy price
$1.5–4.0k
#130
AKC popularity
#48

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 Saint Bernard
Overlay

Where they diverge

Drooling Level
Bluetick Coonhound drools less (3-point difference)
Bluetick
Watchdog / Protective
Saint Bernard is more protective (3-point difference)
Saint
Barking Level
Saint Bernard barks less (3-point difference)
Saint
Affectionate w/ Family
Saint Bernard is more affectionate (2-point difference)
Saint
Good with Young Children
Saint Bernard is better with kids (2-point difference)
Saint
The verdict

Choose the Bluetick Coonhound if…

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

Choose the Saint Bernard if…

  • Families with children
  • Those wanting a gentle giant
  • Cold climate households
  • You value drooling levelSaint Bernard 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
Saint Bernard Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Saint Bernard 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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