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Bluetick Coonhound vs Whippet

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 Whippet

You’re probably comparing a Bluetick Coonhound and a Whippet because they’re both sleek, short-haired hounds with that classic “dog next door” look. until they open their mouths. That’s where the illusion shatters. The Bluetick is a full-throated, all-in bark and howl machine built for tracking raccoons through backwoods at 2 a.m. The Whippet? It’ll nudge your hand for pets after a 30-second sprint around the yard and then nap in a sunbeam for three hours. They’re both hounds, yes, but one’s a backcountry musician, the other a quiet poet with speed. If you live in an apartment or value peace, the Whippet wins hands down. They bark hardly at all and thrive in smaller spaces as long as you commit to daily runs. But don’t be fooled by their calm demeanor. this dog is a greyhound in miniature and needs real exercise, not just walks. The Bluetick, on the other hand, needs space, a job, and a tolerance for noise. They’re smart and loyal, but that tenacity means they’ll follow a squirrel scent straight out of an unfenced yard. and keep going for miles. Families with young kids might lean toward the Whippet. They’re gentle, affectionate, and patient. Blueticks aren’t bad with kids, but they’re less consistently sweet and far more intense. And while both breeds need mental stimulation, the Bluetick’s drive comes with high barking and stubborn streaks that can frustrate first-time owners. Here’s the real talk: Whippets form velcro bonds and hate being alone. Blueticks are devoted but more independent. Pick the Whippet if you want a silent, cuddly shadow. Pick the Bluetick if you want a rugged partner who’ll work all night and still greet you like a hero in the morning. just don’t expect quiet.

Bluetick Coonhound
Whippet
21–27 in
Height
18–22 in
45–80 lb
Weight
25–40 lb
11–12 yr
Lifespan
12–15 yr
$0.8–2.0k
Puppy price
$1.5–3.5k
#130
AKC popularity
#61

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 Whippet
Overlay

Where they diverge

Barking Level
Whippet barks less (3-point difference)
Whippet
Affectionate w/ Family
Whippet is more affectionate (2-point difference)
Whippet
Good with Young Children
Whippet is better with kids (2-point difference)
Whippet
Shedding Level
Whippet sheds less (1-point difference)
Whippet
Coat Grooming
Whippet needs less grooming (1-point difference)
Whippet
The verdict

Choose the Bluetick Coonhound if…

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

Choose the Whippet if…

  • Apartment living (if exercised)
  • Families with older children
  • Runners and joggers
  • You value affectionate w/ familyWhippet 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
Whippet Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Whippet 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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