Bloodhound Dog Breed Information

Group

Hounds

Weight

41-49 kg

Height

63-68 cm

Lifespan

7-10 years

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About the Bloodhound

Reviewed by:

Dr. Shamsul Alam Roky

Veterinarian

The Bloodhound breed is one that has a long history spanning back to the medieval ages. Nowadays, you’ll find this loveable dog breed in many homes, including that of law enforcement, as well as search and rescue.

They really are jack-of-all-trades dogs, highly active and intelligent. They put many of us humans to shame! With that said, Bloodhound owners will rave about this breed being a great one for any looking to adopt or buy this type of dog.

What is the history & origin of the Bloodhound?

The Bloodhound has a keen sense of smell, and it’s what makes them one of the best for sniffing out pretty much anything that needs finding. Dogs that hunt by scent date back as far as the first century AD.

During medieval Europe, dogs began developing into the scenthounds that we now know today as the Bloodhound.

The first reference to this hound was back in 1350 by the poet Sir Humphrey de Bohun, Earl of Hereford. The name of the Bloundhound comes from the dogs’ status and how it was kept mostly by noblemen and abbots. It was known as a ‘blooded’ hound, which is the reason for its name.

Used in hunting, the breed was a prized possession in England, helping to hunt prey but also that of thieves and poachers. They’ve made their way through the Victorian era as show dogs and companions to the royals – like Queen Victoria, who entered her own pooch into a dog show in 1869. They’re ranked 45th amongst 155 breeds and varieties registered by the American Kennel Club in 2022.

What is a Bloodhound Breed?

The Bloodhound is a large breed known as a scent hound. Originally used for hunting boar and deer, they are also valuable for rescuing and tracking down people. They make loving and active companions at home.

Who is a Bloodhound Best For?

We’d recommend that Bloodhounds are the best for those who have a lot of space, especially as they’re a bigger dog. Any experienced dog owners will appreciate their affectionate and loving personality, but if you’re someone who likes a clean home, it’s worth knowing they do slobber!

They’re known for being stubborn and sensitive, so care must be taken in their obedience training. Plenty of exercise is required, so those with an active lifestyle will suit this breed. As pack hounds, they’ll be happy around other dogs, and they love children. They’re best suited for households with older children though.

Bloodhound Grooming & Shedding

When it comes to grooming, it’s important to brush this dog breed weekly or daily if you have the time. Unlike some other dogs, they benefit from a rubber hound mitt, which is beneficial due to their loose skin and is less abrasive than a brush.

They shed seasonally, so you may want to get them professionally groomed or use a shedding blade yourself. Bloodhound grooming requires regular bathing to control their odor, as they are prone to skin infections because of their wrinkles. The skin is wrinkled, especially around the face, so it’s important to check their skin folds often to catch any infections early. Pay special attention to the mouth area after meals to avoid harmful bacterial buildup. Daily cleaning of all wrinkles is not practical, as there are many folds to manage.

Keep their ears clean and dry, as they are prone to ear infections due to their floppy ears creating a moist environment. It’s also important to maintain regular dental hygiene and nail care. Clean their teeth twice a week and trim their nails once or twice a month.

Do Bloodhounds bark a lot?

Many dog owners or those wishing to become dog owners for the first time might be apprehensive about levels of barking. Some may live in flats, so a noisy dog could become a nuisance, while others may simply want a quiet life.

Bloodhounds are sleuth hounds, and while they don’t typically bark, they are very vocal and prone to howling. This howling is a form of communication, indicating that they likely need something from you when they make this noise.

What is the average weight & height of a Bloodhound dog?

There are some slight differences between male and female Bloodhounds. A male bloodhound will stand around 63 to 68 cm tall, and females will be around 58 to 63cm tall.

Weight-wise, the males are around 41 to 49 kg, and females are 36 to 45 kg. They’re placed in the category of large dogs. They’re fairly big as puppies, and once they’re an adult dog, they’ll have reached their peak size.

Are Bloodhounds easy to train?

With any dog, training is important to help them define right and wrong. As with any breed, training your bloodhound is important. That means early socialisation is key to helping them be sociable with other dogs, and puppy training classes are a must!

It’s always good to start that training early so that they keep their good behaviour for a lifetime. Use positive reinforcement by giving treats and plenty of praise when they do something right. Patience and consistency are key with this breed due to their stubbornness.

How do Bloodhounds behave? A look at their temperament and personality

The Bloodhound is a stubborn yet affectionate breed that certainly contradicts itself in a number of ways. Modern Bloodhounds tend to be a bit reserved; despite their lovingness towards others, they can be stubborn.

You’ll often find that your Bloodhound dog will be great at sniffing out some finds when out walking, and their temperament often varies depending on the level of socialisation they have, their training and heredity.

As long as they have early socialisation, you should have no problems with them being around other breeds of dogs.

Does the Bloodhound have any common health issues?

There are a few important health issues that could crop up with this breed, despite being fairly healthy overall. Here are a few health problems that can occur when it comes to this breed in particular.

Hip Dysplasia – Common for dogs where the thighbone doesn’t fit snugly into the hip joint. Regular screenings are useful to help in combating this issue from forming into some serious.
Elbow Dysplasia – Common for larger breeds and caused by problems with the way the bones grow at different rates.
Hypothyroidism – Another issue with many breeds is a deficiency in the thyroid hormone. As a result, fur can become coarse and brittle. In some cases, it can fall out, so medication is required.
Ectropion – Due to their loose skin, this also means they can have issues around their eyelids where their eyes are more exposed and prone to infection.
Skin-Fold Dermatitis – Cleaning the folds of the skin is important; otherwise, it can lead to skin infections like this one.
Cardiomyopathy: This heart condition can affect Bloodhounds, emphasizing the importance of regular veterinary check-ups.
Ear Infections: Their floppy ears can create a moist environment, making them prone to ear infections, so keeping their ears clean and dry is essential.

It’s good to get them involved in dog sports, but make sure to avoid exercise right after feeding

What is the lifespan of a Bloodhound?

The lifespan of a bloodhound is typically around seven to ten years. Sadly, that’s not a lot of time, especially in comparison to other breeds. The major health problems that this breed can encounter are what can often be the cause of a shorter lifespan, especially with purebred dogs.

How much does a Bloodhound need to be fed?

Whilst they’re great at finding a scent trail, that also makes them good at snooping out food. Care and attention should be given when feeding. They should be fed a high-quality commercially available food, not random people food or raw food diets. Since Bloodhounds are prone to obesity, it’s important to ensure their diet is balanced and includes healthy fats and vegetables packed with all the nutrients they need.

How much can you expect to pay for a Bloodhound in Australia?

Bloodhounds will normally cost between $600 and $800, depending on where you get them from.

Bloodhound FAQs

How cold is too cold for a Bloodhound?

These dogs, in particular, have fairly thin coats, meaning they can develop hypothermia and frostbite more easily if you’re not being attentive when outdoors in the cold.

Do Bloodhounds like to swim?

Bloodhounds love to burn off their energy supplies and this dog will certainly love to splash in the water. They love a lot of activities that will keep them engaged, like agility courses, hiking and other physical opportunities. That’s why they’re great for those who live an active lifestyle!

Do Bloodhounds suffer from separation anxiety?

No dog breed is exempt from experiencing separation anxiety. With that being said, though, Bloodhounds have low levels of separation anxiety, so if and when you need to leave the home, they’re not going to be feeling too distressed if you don’t come back for a while.

Are Bloodhounds hypoallergenic dogs?

Bloodhounds are not hypoallergenic, so it might be worthwhile looking elsewhere when it comes to finding a dog that fits you and your household’s allergies!