Jenna Kahn, MBA, VMD
Where Are Bloodhounds From?
The modern-day Bloodhound is a descendant of hound dogs bred by Saint Hubertus in 7th-century Europe. Hubertus, otherwise known as the Patron Saint of Hunters, established the dark, black & tan-colored dogs, which were known as “St. Hubert’s hounds.” The line is said to have begun at Saint-Hubert Monastery in Belgium, although the exact origin is unknown. Nonetheless, pairs of Bloodhounds were occasionally given as gifts to the King of France. The breed is still referred to as the “Chien de Saint-Hubert” in France today.
In Medieval times, these hound dogs were esteemed for their ability to track prey by scent. Breeding programs at monasteries in France and England were established by senior members of the Christian clergy. It is here that the hounds became known as “blooded,” signifying their noble association.
The exact introduction of Bloodhounds to Northern America may have occurred at The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in the late 19th century, when British breeder Edwin Brough displayed three of his hounds, which led to a rise in demand and breeding in America.
In the United States, the Bloodhound is heralded for police work, with the breed primarily being used as expert human-scent trackers.
