Side-by-side IQ profile
The Cosmic Pet Pet IQ Lab assesses five crucial dimensions of canine intelligence, and both the Bluetick Coonhound and the Chow Chow score a consistent 3 out of 5 in each category: problem-solving, training speed, social intelligence, instinctive drive, and memory. For the Bluetick Coonhound, a 3/5 in problem-solving often manifests as adeptness in navigating complex outdoor environments to follow a scent trail, requiring strategic thinking to overcome obstacles or decipher faint odors. Their training speed at 3/5 indicates they learn commands at a moderate pace, particularly when those commands are linked to their natural hunting instincts, making them receptive to guidance in field work. Social intelligence at 3/5 for a Bluetick suggests they are capable of forming strong bonds and understanding pack dynamics, essential for cooperative hunting, while their instinctive drive at 3/5 is overwhelmingly focused on scent work, propelling them to track with unwavering determination. Finally, their 3/5 memory is crucial for recalling specific trails, past successful hunts, and the routines associated with their working life.
In contrast, the Chow Chow's identical 3/5 scores are expressed through a vastly different lens, reflecting their ancient role as guardians and companions rather than active hunters. Their problem-solving at 3/5 often involves independent assessment of new situations or perceived threats, making discerning judgments about who belongs and who doesn't within their territory. A 3/5 in training speed means they are capable of learning, but their independent nature often dictates the willingness to perform, requiring clear motivation and consistent reinforcement. Social intelligence at 3/5 for a Chow Chow points to their capacity for deep, though selective, bonding with their immediate family, often appearing aloof to strangers but deeply loyal to their chosen few. Their instinctive drive, also at 3/5, is channeled into guarding, territoriality, and a strong sense of self-preservation, rather than active pursuit. Lastly, their 3/5 memory is particularly strong for routines, established boundaries, and the individuals they consider part of their inner circle, contributing to their steadfast nature.
Where Bluetick Coonhound wins cognitively
The Bluetick Coonhound truly shines in cognitive tasks that leverage their extraordinary sense of smell and endurance. Their problem-solving skills, while rated 3/5, are finely tuned for sustained scent discrimination, allowing them to follow intricate, often faint, trails over varied terrain for extended periods. This requires not just sensory input but also active mental processing to filter out irrelevant odors and commit to a specific scent, a cognitive feat distinct from many other breeds. Furthermore, their 3/5 instinctive drive, being so strongly tied to their olfactory capabilities, gives them a mental stamina for focused, repetitive tasks related to tracking that few other breeds can match, turning what might seem like simple persistence into a complex cognitive advantage in their domain.
Their social intelligence (3/5) also provides a cognitive edge in collaborative tasks; Blueticks are adept at working in concert with a handler, understanding cues and responding to directives within a hunting context. This isn't about blind obedience but a cooperative problem-solving effort where the dog and human combine their respective strengths. Their memory (3/5) is particularly strong for spatial recall of routes and the specific nuances of scent profiles, enabling them to learn and apply complex environmental information over time, which is paramount for their specific working role.
Where Chow Chow wins cognitively
The Chow Chow's cognitive strengths, though also rated 3/5 across the board, are rooted in their independent judgment and discerning nature, making them exceptional in roles requiring self-reliance. Their problem-solving at 3/5 often manifests as a keen ability to assess novel situations and determine appropriate responses without constant human direction, especially concerning territorial security. This independent thought process allows them to make quick, decisive judgments about unfamiliar individuals or changes in their environment, a valuable trait for a guardian. Their social intelligence (3/5) allows for a deep, albeit exclusive, understanding of their immediate family's dynamics and expectations, enabling them to offer quiet, protective companionship without needing constant interaction or validation.
Furthermore, the Chow Chow's 3/5 instinctive drive, centered on guarding and territoriality, provides a cognitive framework for consistent vigilance and a strong sense of boundaries, both physical and social. This drive fuels their capacity to remember and enforce established household rules and routines with remarkable consistency. Their memory (3/5) is particularly effective for recalling faces, voices, and established patterns within their home, contributing to their steadfast loyalty and making them reliable observers of their surroundings. This robust memory for their inner circle and territory underpins their discerning and protective temperament.
Which is easier to train and why
When considering ease of training, the Bluetick Coonhound generally presents as more amenable, largely due to their inherent motivation and social structure. Their 3/5 training speed, combined with a strong desire to engage in scent work and please their handler in that context, means they are often eager participants in learning. While their powerful scent drive can be a distraction, it also serves as a potent training tool; lessons that incorporate tracking or problem-solving related to scent are typically absorbed with enthusiasm. Their social intelligence (3/5) makes them responsive to human interaction and guidance, viewing training as a cooperative activity.
The Chow Chow, despite also having a 3/5 training speed, can be perceived as more challenging due to their independent and discerning temperament. They are not inherently driven by a desire to please and often require convincing that a command is worthwhile or beneficial to them. Their social intelligence (3/5) is expressed through selective bonding, meaning they might only respond consistently to family members they deeply respect and trust, and might ignore others. Training a Chow Chow demands immense patience, consistent positive reinforcement, and a deep understanding of their unique personality, focusing on mutual respect rather than absolute dominance. They learn effectively when the purpose of the command is clear and aligns with their own perceived needs, but will often resist arbitrary or repetitive drills.
Which suits active owners vs relaxed owners
The Bluetick Coonhound is undeniably suited for active owners who can provide ample opportunities for physical and mental engagement, particularly involving their powerful nose. Their 3/5 instinctive drive for scent work translates into a need for long, purposeful walks, tracking games, or even participation in dog sports like scent work or agility. An owner who enjoys hiking, exploring, or engaging in outdoor activities will find a highly compatible companion in the Bluetick, as their problem-solving and memory skills are best honed through consistent application in dynamic environments. They thrive when given a "job" that allows them to utilize their natural abilities.
Conversely, the Chow Chow is a better fit for more relaxed owners who appreciate a dignified, independent companion and are content with moderate, routine exercise. While they still require daily walks for physical health, their mental stimulation often comes from observing their environment, maintaining their territory, and engaging in quiet companionship. Their 3/5 instinctive drive is satisfied more by guarding and being a steadfast presence than by constant physical exertion or complex tasks. Owners who prefer a less overtly demanding dog, value quiet loyalty, and are comfortable with a dog that doesn't constantly seek validation will find the Chow Chow's calm demeanor and discerning nature a perfect match.
The Verdict
If you are an active, outdoors-oriented individual seeking a cooperative partner for scent work, hiking, or field activities, and you appreciate a dog that thrives on engagement and a "job," the Bluetick Coonhound is an excellent choice. Their enthusiasm for cooperative problem-solving and their robust instinctive drive for tracking will align perfectly with an owner who can provide consistent mental and physical outlets tailored to their unique breed characteristics.
However, if you are a more relaxed owner who values quiet companionship, independent thought, and a discerning guardian, the Chow Chow will be a rewarding companion. They are ideal for individuals who appreciate a dog with a strong sense of self, who will offer steadfast loyalty to their chosen family, and who are content with a more predictable routine and moderate activity, finding mental stimulation in observation and territorial oversight rather than constant physical exertion.
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Are Bluetick Coonhounds good family dogs?
Yes, Bluetick Coonhounds can make wonderful family dogs, especially if their exercise and mental stimulation needs are met. Their social intelligence at 3/5 means they bond well with their human "pack" and are generally affectionate and tolerant with children, though supervision is always advised.
Do Chow Chows get along with other pets?
Chow Chows can coexist with other pets, particularly if raised with them from a young age, but their independent nature and strong prey drive with smaller animals require careful introduction and supervision. Their selective social intelligence (3/5) means they might tolerate other household pets but may not actively engage with them.
What kind of mental exercise do Chow Chows need?
Chow Chows benefit from mental exercises that engage their independent problem-solving and discerning nature, such as consistent training sessions focusing on boundaries and basic obedience, puzzle toys that don't require high energy, and opportunities to observe their surroundings from a secure vantage point. Their 3/5 memory thrives on routine and clear expectations.