The creation of the Bloodhound’s ancestors was done in medieval France, where they were used to trail boar and deer. Their unique sense of smell reserved their spot in search and rescue and law enforcement. Their unique appearance and adorable personality have gained them a lot of fans. There’s much more coming about this breed, so keep reading.
| Breed Name | Bloodhound |
| Other Name | Chien de St. Hubert |
| Dog Breed Type | Hound dogs |
| Origin | Belgium, France, United Kingdom |
| Parent Breeds | None |
| Height | 23-27 inches |
| Weight | 80-110 pounds |
| Life Expectancy | 11-15 years |
| Coat Type | Dense coat |
| Common Colors | Liver, Black, Red, Tan |
| Grooming Needs | Moderate |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Temperament | Affectionate, Gentle, Even-tempered, Stubborn |
| Apartment Living | Not suitable for apartment living |
| Pet-Friendly | No |
| Health Concerns | Persistent pupillary membranes, elbow dysplasia, cataracts, heart problems |
| Overall Health | Healthy |
| Intelligence Level | High |
| Trainability | High |
| Energy Level | High |
| Activity | Active |
| Litter Size | 8-10 puppies |
Breed Characteristics
Adaptability 3 stars
Adaptive to apartment living 1 star
Suitable for new owners 2 stars
Sensitivity range 4 stars
Comfortable being alone 2 stars
Comfortable with cold weather 3 stars
Comfortable with hot weather 3 stars
All about friendliness 5 stars
Lovable with family 5 stars
Kid-friendly 5 stars
Dog-friendly 5 stars
Frank with strangers 5 stars
Grooming and Health Requirements 3 stars
Shedding quantity 4 stars
Drooling capacity 5 stars
Effortless to groom 1 star
Overall health 3 stars
Capable of weight gain 3 stars
Size 4 stars
Trainability 4 stars
Effortless to train 3 stars
Smartness 4 stars
Capable of biting 5 stars
Tendency to attack prey 3 stars
Wanderlust personality 5 stars
Urge to howl or bark 4 stars
Physical Requirements 4 stars
Energy range 5 stars
Intensity 4 stars
Exercise requirements 5 stars
Playful personality 3 stars
Vital Statistics
DOG BREED GROUP: HOUND DOGS
HEIGHT: 23-27 INCHES
WEIGHT: 80-110 POUNDS
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 11-15 YEARS
Highlights
The Bloodhound is quite a famous breed, and you must’ve seen them in a lot of movies. Hearing the name of this breed might create an image of the baying man trailers in your mind from famous movies such as Cool Hand Luke or a lazy hound basking in the sun on the front porch. Some say that the man trailer image best represents the breed, but it’s not entirely true. These dogs devote their minds while trailing but will never attack their quarry.
These wrinkled beauties are very affectionate and gentle and not even a little bit lazy. They will choose to chase a smell for miles over being a couch potato. If you’re planning to live with a bloodhound, then prepare yourself to take them on long walks daily.
The Bloodhound breed belongs to a group of dogs from Latin known as the Sagaces. These dogs hunt by scent, and the word Sagaces suits them well. Initially used to trail boar and deer in medieval Europe, modern-day dogs of this breed are now found working in search and rescue institutions and police departments. These dogs are so talented that their “testimony” is considered valid in a court of law.
Bloodhounds can make excellent family pets only if you give them a lot of care. It’s not everyone’s piece of cake to live with a dog that drools a lot, follows any kind of smell, and is very naughty as a puppy. These dogs are full of endless energy that can be handled by only chosen few. They are sure to bring laughter into your house once they become a part of your family.
History
Scent hunter dogs have been in existence for so long. Reports of dogs discovering the tracks of an animal just by smell can be found way back to the first century AD. The scenthound you know today was developed in medieval Europe.
The first real reference to this name was made by Sir Humphrey de Bohun, Earl of Hereford, in his poem titled William of Palerne (1350). It portrays a dog known as Bloodhound, an alert hunter who is on the trail of two lovers camouflaged as bears. From this poem, the conclusion arose that the Bloodhound name was familiar in the English language.
This breed got its name from its status as an aristocratic breed kept by abbots and noblemen. The early scenthounds were called St. Hubert hounds, bred by St. Hubert’s Abbey monks. Francois Hubert (656-727) was a dedicated hunter who made breeding dogs that can trail even a faint and old smell his life’s purpose. He even made this his occupation even after retiring. He was canonized after his demise and became a hunter’s saint. In France, bloodhounds are called St. Hubert Hounds.
After the French revolution, the population of St. Hubert Hounds decreased. The chateaus were ruined, and the aristocrats fled, so the great hunts weren’t present anymore. Fortunately, this breed was still popular in England. They were known not only for their hunting skills but also for their talent for tracking wrongdoers.
Size
The Bloodhounds are gigantic dogs that grow tall between 25-27 inches. They look huge and can even scare you at first glance. However, these dogs have adorable personalities that surpass their size.
Personality
The Bloodhound has a contradictory personality. These dogs are determined, not argumentative, dutiful yet stubborn, and lovable but shy with strangers. Training these dogs becomes kind of tricky as they don’t like to be corrected and want to do things their way.
These dogs have sensitive noses that can detect even the oldest and faintest smell by just following a hint. They love people; that’s why they don’t have the talent for being a good guard or watchdog. You will notice some Bloodhounds being loud when excited while others might be quiet and gentle.
Some people have made the image of a Bloodhound as being lazy and relaxing on the front porch, but in reality, these are active dogs. They can be great travel partners thanks to their sense of smell and wandering nature. These dogs love to sniff and chase smells. Never leave them alone, as a bored Bloodhound becomes destructive in nature. Their nose is what keeps them happy, but they can get lost following their nose. That’s why a fenced yard is necessary.
Health
Bloodhounds are considered a healthy breed, but like all breeds, there are some health issues associated with them.
- Elbow dysplasia
- Ectropion
- Epilepsy
- Hip dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Entropion
- Fold Dermatitis
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat)
Care
Movies have made a misconception in the minds of people that Bloodhounds are lazy dogs, and their appearance supports this statement. Their nose gives them a reason for living, and you should let them follow their nose at times. When walking outside, let them go wherever their nose wants to go as long as they are familiar with the surroundings. Their size and active personality demand a house with a fenced backyard to play around. Keep their eyes clean by wiping them daily using a cotton pad or tissue to avoid crusty buildup. Use liquid ear-drying solution or unscented baby wipes to clean their ears.
Feeding and Diet
The dietary requirements of a dog can’t be just told like this. Each dog has special needs, and that can only be found out by a vet. Just like all breeds, the Bloodhound has unique needs, and your vet will help to determine that to make a special diet plan for them. Depending on the age, size, health, and environment of a Bloodhound, its dietary requirements can vary.
Coat color and grooming
If you touch the coat of a Bloodhound, it will feel squishy. You will notice deep folds in the skin, too, and their skin becomes loose as they grow. These dogs have a doggy smell, and only regular bathing can help you get this smell out of your house. Weekly brush your pet’s coat to avoid any dead hair or insects crawling.
Children and other pets
Contrary to their size, Bloodhounds are really gentle with kids; actually, they are fond of them. However, you know how active these dogs are, and they get excited by new smells and can accidentally knock down kids or smaller pets. Families with older children are a good housing option for these dogs. They generally bond well with other pets, but socialization from an early age becomes mandatory. Train your dog as well as your kids on how to behave with each other.
Shedding
The Bloodhounds have a short and dense coat that is shed one or two times a year. During shedding season, you should brush them frequently.
Male vs. Female attitude
The only difference you’ll see in male and female bloodhounds is their size. The attitude of these dogs doesn’t depend on their gender, and it mainly depends on their upbringing.
Exercise
The Bloodhounds need a lot of exercises not only physically but also mentally.
Little known facts
The Bloodhounds drool a lot, and it’s a lot.
FAQ on breed
- Where do the Bloodhound dog breeds come from?
United Kingdom, Belgium, France
- What is the best diet routine for a Bloodhound?
Every breed deserves to be fed high-quality dog food.
- How much exercise is required for a Bloodhound?
Daily exercise