Bloodhound
Thank you for using our site to find Bloodhound information. Feel free to add any information about the Bloodhound breed we may have missed. If you have any specific questions about the Bloodhound, feel free to ask them below. We've found that most breeders are more than happy to reply and answer your questions. We love your photos and reviews! We appreciate all additions to the site and we know our users value them as well. If you need help training your Bloodhound check out our dog training reviews. | ![]() |
General Description
(St. Hubert Hound, Chien de Saint Hubert) The Bloodhound is a hound breed that has a powerful presence and massive build. Their jowls and hanging skin give the dog a dopey, mournful expression. The neck of this breed is very well muscled and boasts folds of loose, wrinkled skin. The back is extremely strong for the dog’s size, and the shoulders are strong and powerful. Forelegs of this breed are straight, well-muscled, and solid. The top of the Bloodhound’s skull is very high and pronounced. The eyes are dark in color and set deeply into their sockets. Their black noses sit atop their long muzzle. The breed’s elegant tail is carried above the topline of the back in a curve shape. The Bloohound has a short, comparatively hard coat that is softer around the ears and head. Existing coat colors for this breed include black & tan, liver & tan, and red & tawny.Character
The Bloodhound is kind, noble, loving, and even-tempered. They are a very mild-mannered breed that is excellent and patient with children. For this reason, the Bloodhound is a wonderful family pet. They love the affection and attention they get from children. They are highly energetic outdoors, and they are lively and determined as puppies. They are independent and require firm, gentle training. They have a propensity towards willfulness. Rather than following commands, the Bloodhound is likely to make his own decisions. They are kind and calm by nature, but they aren’t particularly receptive to orders. As puppies, this breed can be quite a handful, but they generally calm down by the age of 2 with proper training. Bloodhounds are devoted to their families, but they usually get along with other people as well. They are rarely aggressive, but they can be dominant towards other dogs of the same sex. They are likely to follow interesting scents, and they howl, snore, and drool regularly. Because of their natural sniffing abilities, this dog shouldn’t be kept in an un-fenced yard. They will flee if not on a leash.
Size
23 – 27 inches
Weight
80 – 110 pounds
General Health
The Bloodhound is susceptible to bloat. For this reason, this breed should be fed 2 to 3 small meals per day. Some lines of Bloodhounds are also prone to stomach cramps. As with other large dog breeds, hip dysplasia is a concern. Padded beds are recommended to prevent the onset of calluses on the joints. Ears should be checked regularly for infections. Some Bloodhounds have a tendency to get entropion. This breed typically lives for 10 to 12 years. They average 8 to 10 puppies per litter.
History
The Bloodhound is more than 1,000 years old. The breed was honed by the monks of St. Hubert in Belgium, and later brought to England by the Normans. The Bloodhound is also referred to as the “Flemish Hound”. Many other hound breeds like the American Coonhounds, Swiss Jura Hounds, Brazilian Fila Brasileiro, and Bavarian Mountain Hound trace their ancestory back to the Bloodhound. During the Middle Ages, the Bloodhound existed in a wide variety of colors. The white variety of Bloodhound was called the “Talbot Hound”. By the 1600’s, the Talbot Hound had died out as a breed, but its genes were passed down to many other breeds including white Boxers and tri-colored Basset Hounds. Today, however, the Bloodhound’s coat is black & tan, liver & tan, or red & tawny. Today the Bloodhound is heavily utilized as a hunting tracker and companion dog.
Maintenance
The Bloodhound has a smooth, short-haired coat that is easy to groom and maintain. Hound gloves should be used to groom this breed, and baths should be given only as necessary. Rubbing this breed’s coat with a chamois or rough towel will add sheen and polish. The long, floppy ears of this breed should be cleaned regularly. The Bloodhound has a strong dog odor that may offend some people. They are average shedders.
Ideal Environment
Bloodhounds can live happily in a small household or apartment if they are given sufficient exercise. They are relatively inactive indoors and are most content with at least and average-sized yard. They need lots of exercise and time to run around in open spaces. They like to go for hikes and walks, but owners should be aware of their tendency to follow interesting smells. This breed should be kept on a leash and in a fenced yard.
Dog Training!If you're having problems training your dog or getting control, you should read our review of DogProblems.com. Adam will do whatever it takes to help you whip your dog into shape. I've used them to help with my Great Dane as well as help friends train their dogs. It's the first place I go to help answer users Questions. Many training issues are too extensive to answer in this forum, which is why I refer a lot of the load to his site. |
Find your new Bloodhound
Puppies For Sale
Find a Breeder
Rescue a Dog
Discuss the Bloodhound breed on our Forum!
Ask a QuestionBloodhound Q&A






View more Bloodhound Questions and Answers
Upload a PhotoBloodhound Photos
View more Bloodhound Photos
Write a ReviewBloodhound Reviews
Bloodhounds
Great family dogs with or without small children. Not the lay around dogs portrayed on TV as are very active and need their exercise. Bloodhounds need be penned or on leash at all times when outside as the nose will take them anywhere and will not look for danger.Big,loveable,slobber boxes.Not for everyone,but for those who do own one will have troubles ever changing breeds. I use mine in Search and Rescue alot of work with no pay but great rewards knowing you helped someone. Crossbreeding a bloodhound is not good as lose their great temperment.If buying one make sure research,talk to breeder ask as many questions as can.Make sure breeder will let contact after sale with more questions and willing to take pup back. If get one you will not own a bloodhound but be OWNED by a bloodhound.Just remember these are not for everyone as to many think lay around dogs and when get them home see the destruction they can cause from their energy levels.
Pros: Loveable,great with kids,great for use in search and rescue.Quieter than most hounds.
Cons: Nose will make them run so need fence or leash.Drool alot,can get very hyper at times,and a tail can clean a end table with 1 swipe.
