A Bloodhound soaks up the summer sun.

Bloodhound

Height
23 - 27"
Weight
80 - 110 lbs
Type
Hound
Life Expectancy
9 - 11 years
Area of Origin
Belgium
The Bloodhound is a dignified, powerful, and incredibly talented breed of dog that is well known worldwide for their scent-tracking abilities. Used in the Middle Ages to assist in hunting, the Bloodhound is primarily known for police work in modern times, where their exquisite sense of smell is harnessed to find missing persons and escaped criminals. Although typified as trackers, their gentle and shy nature does not lend itself to apprehending targets; they simply search and find. This tender temperament makes them almost as valuable as pets, not to mention their long, droopy ears and expressive, wrinkled faces.
Energy Level
2
Playfulness
3
Friendliness to dogs
3
Friendliness to strangers
3
exercise requirements
3
affection level
4
friendliness to other pets
3
watchfulness
2
Grooming Requirements
4
Vocality
5

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.

Caring for a Bloodhound

What Kind of Diet Does a Bloodhound Need?

What Kind of Diet Does a Bloodhound Need?

Bloodhounds need a food specifically formulated for large breeds, but don’t let their size be a license for overeating.

How Much Grooming Does a Bloodhound Need?

How Much Grooming Does a Bloodhound Need?

The Bloodhound’s short coat doesn’t require much grooming, and bathing once a month is more than sufficient. However, their pendulous ears often require weekly cleaning.

Are Bloodhounds Healthy Dogs?

Are Bloodhounds Healthy Dogs?

The Bloodhound is a relatively healthy dog breed with an average life expectancy of 9 – 11 years.

Possible medical issues include gastric dilatation volvulus (the stomach twists on itself and prevents blood from flowing properly throughout the body) and various ocular conditions.

Bloodhounds are predisposed to: gastric dilatation volvulus, hip dysplasia, entropion, ectropion, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, cherry eye, and ear infections.

How Much Training Does a Bloodhound Need?

How Much Training Does a Bloodhound Need?

Bloodhounds, by nature, tend to be determined and strong-willed. This can make training more challenging.

Early obedience lessons, a high-level of patience, and consistent positive rewards are all recommended to ensure a well-behaved Bloodhound from puppyhood.

How Much Exercise Does a Bloodhound Need?

How Much Exercise Does a Bloodhound Need?

Bloodhounds are active dogs that require daily exercise and enrichment. They must always be on a leash or within a well-secured yard, as they will follow their nose without concern for their surroundings when on the trail of a scent.

What Are the Physical Characteristics of a Bloodhound?

How Big Are Bloodhounds?
The Bloodhound is a large and powerful dog with thin, loose skin and a short, taut haircoat. Wrinkled skin covers the head and neck, hanging down in distinctive folds. Bloodhounds average 23 – 27 inches in height and weigh between 80 and 110 pounds.
The Bloodhound Look
The Bloodhound has a narrow, long head that boasts deep-set, diamond-shaped eyes. The ears are long and dangle downward, parallel to the head.
The Bloodhound Body
The Bloodhound is an active dog that was bred to follow the trail of a scent tirelessly. This is reflected in their long neck and muscular shoulders, which both aid in tracking smells along the ground. The body is rectangular in shape, well-boned and powerful, with a deep chest and strong back.
Do Bloodhounds Have Long Tails?
The Bloodhound tail is quite long, thickly covered with fur, and carried high, forming the shape of a half-moon.
Bloodhound Front Legs
The forelimbs are straight, well-boned, and long. The shoulders are sloped and muscular. The feet are well-knuckled.
What Color Coat Does a Bloodhound Have?
The coat of the Bloodhound is short and course. It can be black and tan, liver and tan, or red.
Bloodhound Back Legs
The hindlimbs are well-muscled and boned. The buttocks are rounded.

Bloodhound Facts

The National Police Bloodhound Association was established in the United States in 1962 and is still active today.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s murderer was successfully tracked down by a pack of Bloodhounds after escaping prison in 1977.
The Bloodhound is oldest and most recognizable of the scent hounds.

Other Breeds to Explore

References