Bloodhound Dog Breed (Complete Guide)

Bloodhound Dog Overview

The Bloodhound is a tough trailer designed for endurance rather than speed. The skin is thin and loose, with creases around the neck and mouth.

Although neither of these claims has ever been scientifically proven, this breed’s long ears are reported to stir up scents as the ears rake along the ground, and its profuse wrinkles are said to trap the fragrances around the face.

The dense short coat protects the animal from becoming entangled in brambles. The Bloodhound’s placid demeanor renders it unthreatening to humans.

The movement is free and elastic, with the tail kept high. The phrase is lofty and dignified.

Bloodhound Highlights

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• This is an extremely active breed, not the sluggish dog depicted on The Beverly Hillbillies. Bloodhounds are working canines that require daily long walks or runs.

• Bloodhounds are not well-suited to apartment life. They thrive in homes with a large fenced-in yard.

• Bloodhounds are pack dogs who thrive in the company of other canines. In a pinch, a cat will suffice.

• Slobber and shedding are common characteristics of bloodhounds. Maintain baby wipes or hand towels on hand around the house, and clean your teeth once a week or more frequently if necessary.

• Bloodhounds adore them and are quite patient with them. Teach children how to care for a Bloodhound and manage their interaction properly. Bloodhounds may be too large for children; they can knock them down with a single swipe of the tail.

• Bloodhounds require a fenced-in yard. It is a requirement in caring for the dog. If they smell something interesting, they will follow it, head down, nose to the ground, eyes covered by their amazing ears, oblivious to traffic and other risks.

• You must walk a Bloodhound on a leash for the same reason you need a fenced yard.

• Bloodhounds, known for their tenacity, require an owner that is firm, caring, and consistent. When a Bloodhound is abused or believes he is mistreated, he may pout and hide. Positive reinforcement training works well for bloodhounds.

• Ear infections are common in bloodhounds. Examine the dog’s ears on a regular basis and clean them.

• Bloodhounds will chew and swallow anything, from pebbles and plants to batteries and TV remotes.

• Bloodhounds prefer to live indoors with their families when they are not on a trail.

Bloodhound Breed Features & Ratings:

Rated base on a 5 Star Scale
ENERGY LEVEL:                                3 Star
EXERCISE REQUIREMENTS:           3 Star
PLAYFULNESS:                                  1 Star
AFFECTION LEVEL:                           5 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO DOGS:                3 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO OTHER PETS:    5 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO STRANGERS:     3 Star
WATCHFULNESS:                               1 Star
EASE OF TRAINING:                           1 Star
GROOMING REQUIREMENTS:           1 Star
HEAT SENSITIVITY:                              4 Star
VOCALITY                                             4 Star

Bloodhound Characteristics:

• Dog Breed Group:  Hound Dogs
• Height:  At the shoulder, it should be 23 to 27 inches tall 
• Weight:  80 to 110 pounds
• Life Span: 11 to 15 years 
• Type: Purebred 
• AREA OF ORIGIN: Belgium, England 
• DATE OF ORIGIN: Middle Ages 
• OTHER NAMES:  St. Hubert Hound, Chien St. Hubert, Sleuth Hound
• Temperament: Affectionate, Even Tempered, Gentle, Stubborn, Independent
• Activities: Hunting, Tracking, Police Work, Search and Rescue, Conformation
• Color: Black and tan, liver and tan, red
• Litter Size: 8 to 10 puppies 
• Puppy Prices: $700 – $1200 USD on average

Bloodhound Health:

Bloodhounds, like other large, deep-chested canines, can suffer from bloat. Bloodhound owners should educate themselves so that they can detect the symptoms of this potentially fatal ailment and know what to do if it occurs.

Bloodhounds are infamous for consuming anything and everything, which frequently results in vet appointments. The low-hanging ears of the Bloodhound should be checked daily for signs of infection.

Additionally, examine the Bloodhound’s skin wrinkles on a regular basis for odor or discomfort, and if necessary, wipe with a warm, moist cloth and then thoroughly dry.

A Bloodhound’s teeth, like those of any other breed, should be brushed on a regular basis.

The National Breed Club recommends the following health tests:

• Hip Evaluation
• Elbow Evaluation
• Cardiac Exam

Bloodhound Grooming:

The coat of the Bloodhound is loose and thin to the touch. It hangs in thick folds about the neck and head.

The skin slips into loose, pendulous ridges and folds as the head drops down, especially over the forehead and sides of the face.

These creases, along with the loose, pendulous skin beneath the neck and throat (known as the dewlap) and the long, sweeping ears, aid in funneling scent from the ground up to the Bloodhound’s nose and keeping it there.

Bloodhounds come in three colors: black and tan, liver and tan, and red. The darker colors are sometimes flecked with white or interspersed with lighter or badger-colored hair (a mixture of white, gray, brown, and black).

A small portion of white on the breast, feet, and tail tip, known as the stern, may be visible.

Brush your Bloodhound once a week, or more frequently if necessary, with a rubber hound mitt. He sheds seasonally, and you may wish to use a shedding blade to remove surplus hair during that time. Keep in mind that his skin is delicate, so be gentle.

To avoid bacterial infections, he should clean his wrinkles on a daily basis. Wipe them down with a moist washcloth and then thoroughly dry them.

After each meal, do the same for the flews (the upper lip’s dangling section).

The ears of a Bloodhound appear to be uniquely adapted for catching dirt and developing yeast and germs, rendering them susceptible to infection. Clean them once a week using a veterinarian-recommended solution.

Raise the ear to reveal the ear canal. Squeeze enough amount of ear cleaner into the ear of the dog, then drop the ear flap and gently and carefully massage the liquid into the ear.

You will hear immediately a swooshing sound, and your dog will most likely moan with delight.

Wipe the dirt outward from the outer ear canal using a cotton ball. (Do not insert it any further than your first knuckle.) Allow the dog to shake his head and then wipe him down with a clean cotton ball.

Every time your Bloodhound shakes his head, he extracts additional debris from the ear canal. Wipe the cotton ball again and again until it is clean.

Never use a cotton swab to clean their ears; you might easily injure them.

If, despite your best efforts, your Bloodhound’s ears get infected, have your veterinarian examine the dog to establish the source of the illness. Then they will be able to prescribe the most efficient antibiotic to get rid of it.

Some prospective owners may be put off by the Bloodhound’s requirement for ear care, which is something you should consider.

If you don’t have the time to properly care for a Bloodhound, especially the time it needs to keep its ears clean, this breed may not be for you.

The only additional grooming requirements for a Bloodhound are dental hygiene and nail maintenance. Brush your Bloodhound’s teeth at least twice a week to eliminate tartar and the bacteria that live within it.

Brushing twice a day is even preferable if you want to prevent them acquiring gum disease and foul breath.

If your pet’s nails don’t wear down naturally, cut them once or twice a month to prevent unpleasant tears and other issues. Nails are long if you can hear them clicking on the floor.

Dog toenails include blood veins, and if you cut too deeply, you may cause bleeding – and your pet may refuse to comply the other time the nail clippers come out. So, if you’re not used to clipping dog nails, get advice from a vet or groomer.

When your Bloodhound is a puppy, start accustoming him to being brushed and examined. Handle his paws frequently – dogs’ feet are sensitive — and inspect his lips and ears.

Make grooming a pleasurable process full of praise and prizes, and you’ll build the framework for smooth veterinarian tests and other handling when he’s an adult.

Bloodhound Exercise:

It is a common myth that Bloodhounds spend their days lounging on the front porch. The Bloodhound, which was designed to track a scent for hours on end, is an active dog that requires daily exercise.

Long daily walks, always on a leash, as he may not respond to commands if he has found a scent to follow will help him.

Additional exercise can be had in the backyard, which must be properly fenced due to Bloodhounds’ proclivity as diggers and escape artists. Keep up to date on dog exercise and activities.

Bloodhound Training:

Early socialization and puppy training sessions are advised for all breeds.

It’s ideal to start obedience courses early with a Bloodhound; they have a tendency to set in their ways, and it is good if the behaviors they cling onto for a lifetime are the behaviors the owner wants.

Bloodhounds prefer to be in command, therefore an owner must be firm but gentle. Positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, is frequently beneficial in training.

Because the Bloodhound is both affectionate and dedicated, as well as stubborn and independent, training him demands patience, consistency, and competence.

Bloodhound Food and Nutrition:

You may anticipate feeding your Bloodhound between 4- and 8-cups of excellent quality dog food divided into two meals per usual day, depending on his or her age, size, and activity levels.

If you are unsure how much to give your dog, visit your veterinarian or the feeding chart from your favorite dog food brand.

Obesity in dogs affects all breeds and can lead to major health problems such as diabetes and heart disease.

If you believe your Bloodhound is overweight, your veterinarian might recommend a nutrition plan to help him, or she lose weight.

Bloodhound Temperament and Personality:

The stately Bloodhound is a study in inconsistency. He’s docile yet stubborn, determined but not obstinate, affectionate but reserved around strangers.

He is responsive to kindness or reprimand when it comes to training, yet he still prefers to do things on his own.

He can detect the tiniest trace of a trail, yet given his fondness for people, he is ineffective as a watchdog or security dog. When they’re enthusiastic, certain Bloodhounds may be rather noisy. Others are pleasant and quiet.

Several factors impacted temperament, including heredity, training, and socialization. Puppies with good temperaments are interested and playful, eager to approach and be held by people.

Select the puppy in the middle of the pack, not the one who is tearing up his littermates or hiding in the corner.

Make sure to meet at least one of the parents — generally the mother is present — to confirm that they indeed have pleasant personalities with whom you are comfortable.

Meeting the parents’ siblings or other relatives is also beneficial in determining or considering what a puppy will be like when he turns adult. 

Bloodhounds, like all dogs, require early socialization — being exposed to a variety of people, sights, noises, and experiences — when they are young.

Socialization ensures that your Bloodhound puppy develops into a well-rounded dog.

Enrolling him in puppy kindergarten is a terrific place to start. Inviting guests over on a daily, as well as taking him to busy parks, stores that permit pets, alongside on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors, will help him improve his social abilities.

Bloodhound Care/Upkeep:

Bloodhounds are tough working dogs, but they do require some grooming and cleaning on a daily basis.

Owners should expect to clean out wrinkles on their Bloodhounds’ faces, necks, and ears on a daily basis because they have long, deep creases around their faces, necks, and ears.

Wiping them with a moist washcloth and carefully drying them can help prevent bacterial infections from forming in the folds. After every meal, make sure to wipe the wrinkles around the lips.

Bloodhounds have short, thick coats that should be groomed with a rubber mitt or brush at least once a week. Bloodhounds shed seasonally, which may necessitate more brushing.

Remember that Bloodhounds have very thin, loose skin; therefore, brushing and grooming must be done with extreme caution.

Because bloodhounds’ droopy ears collect dirt, debris, and bacteria, weekly ear cleaning is required. Consult your veterinarian about a particular cleaning ear solution, which should be applied to the ear canal once a week.

After that, gently massage the solution into your Bloodhound’s ear. Using a clean cotton pad or cloth, thoroughly remove any dirt, debris, or wax.

Cotton swabs should be avoided since they can harm the sensitive inner-ear components.

Brush your Bloodhound’s teeth several times per week and trim their nails as needed, like with all breeds.

It’s worth noting that grooming and ear cleaning are critical components of Bloodhound maintenance.

If your family is unable to devote the time required to care for a Bloodhound’s skin folds and ears, you should explore another breed.

Because Bloodhounds are very active working dogs with high energy levels and exercise requirements, you can plan to exercise your dog multiple times per day.

Bloodhounds can walk or jog for miles if you want a new exercise friend, but they are also content to play in the backyard.

Bloodhounds can be tough to teach since they are stubborn. Beginning with puppyhood, obedience classes are advised.

Consistency and patience are essential while training a Bloodhound; use positive reinforcement with specific toys or goodies.

Prospective owners should be aware that Bloodhounds of all ages are chewers; therefore, it is critical to determine what is and is not preferable to chew on early in puppyhood.

Bloodhound Relationship with Children and Other Pets

Children are adored by bloodhounds. Having said that, they are enormous, active dogs who can knock a youngster over with a swipe of the tail.

Constantly teach youngsters how to greet and handle dogs, and always monitor any encounters between pets and small kids to avoid biting or ear or tail pulling on either party’s side.

Educate your child never to approach a sleeping or eating dog or to try to grab the dog’s food. No canine should ever be left alone with a youngster.

Bloodhounds are generally amicable with other dogs, though a few have difficulty with tiny dogs. They normally get along well with cats, though your cat may object to being slobbered on.

Bloodhound Names 

All About Bloodhound

The Bloodhound is a tough trailer designed for endurance rather than speed. It has thin, loose skin that falls in wrinkles around its head and throat.

Its long ears are claimed to stir up fragrances as they rake along the ground, and its numerous wrinkles are said to trap odors around the face, though neither claim has ever been scientifically proven.

Its dense short coat keeps it from getting tangled in brambles. Its placid demeanor renders it unthreatening to the humans it is now occasionally called upon to trail.

It moves with a fluid, and free gait, with its tail, raised high. Its tone is majestic and stately. Despite its peaceful demeanor at home, the Bloodhound is a relentless trailer on the track.

It is tough, tenacious, and independent, but it is so calm and peaceful among children that it is incredibly trustworthy – however, it may not be lively enough for some children’s needs.

Nonetheless, it is not the sluggish hound dog of folklore but rather an active, lively friend.

Although it is one of the most difficult breeds to train for traditional obedience, it is extremely easy to train for trail activities. The Bloodhound is wary of strangers.

Bloodhound History:

Scent-hunting dogs have been known for millennia. Dogs that “find and trace out the tracks of the animal” have been reported as long back as the first century AD.

However, in medieval Europe, the dogs began to evolve into the scenthound known today as the Bloodhound.

The breed was originally mentioned in a poem titled William of Palerne by Sir Humphrey de Bohun, Earl of Hereford (1350).

It depicts a Bloodhound dog as a diligent hunter on the trail of two lovers disguised as bears.

We can assume from that poetry that the moniker Bloodhound was well-known in the English language.

The term is derived from the canines’ status as an aristocratic breed owned by noblemen and abbots, hence, in other words, it was a “blooded” hound.

These early scenthounds were known as St. Hubert hounds, and they were bred by the monks of St. Hubert’s Abbey. They were the forefathers of today’s Bloodhounds.

Francois Hubert (656-727) was a dedicated hunter who made it his life’s business to breed hounds capable of following ancient, or cold, trails, an occupation he continued even after his wife died and he retired to a monastery.

Francois was canonized after his death and became the patron saint of hunters. Bloodhounds are still referred to as St. Hubert hounds in France.

Hubert’s hounds thrived for generations after his death. When William the Conqueror entered England in 1066, he took them with him.

Monarchs and nobles highly valued them as presents. Elizabeth I, a famed huntress, kept packs of St. Hubert hounds, and Shakespeare depicted a dog in his play “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” that could only have been one.

But, a thousand years later, the French Revolution brought the St. Hubert hounds to their knees. The great hunts had ended with the aristocracy fleeing and the chateaus in ruins.

Fortunately for the breed, they were still highly valued in England, not just for their hunting abilities but also for their ability to track down wrongdoers.

Although stories of Bloodhounds being used to track criminals and poachers date back to the 16th century, their first mention was in 1805.

They also profited from three Victorian-era trends:

• The rise of dogs shows.
• The increased position of dogs as companions.
• A culture that was fascinated by everything foreign or odd.

They also had the support of Queen Victoria, who entered one of her Bloodhounds in a dog show in 1869.

The contemporary Bloodhound was developed in England, but the breed had already found its way to America during colonial times.

Benjamin Franklin showed an interest in acquiring Bloodhounds to track down raiding Indians in a letter.

The Bloodhound’s reputation suffered during the Civil War due to the breed’s portrayal as terrible animals in Harriet Beecher Stowe’s antislavery novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin, through no fault of his own.

Their popularity peaked in 1888 when three English Bloodhounds competed in the Westminster Kennel Club show. Wealthy Americans rediscovered them and began breeding them again, resulting in some very nice dogs.

Today, the Bloodhound is mostly used by law enforcement agencies as a man trailer or in search and rescue operations.

They are a rare breed that ranks 45th out of the 155 breeds and varieties certified with the American Kennel Club.

Where to Adopt Bloodhound:

Unfortunately, many Bloodhounds are bought from breeders without a clear understanding of the care and time commitment required to create a happy, healthy dog.

As a result, many Bloodhounds are surrendered to shelters or rescue organizations. Check with your local animal shelter or a Bloodhound rescue organization to see if any canines are available.

If you decide to buy a Bloodhound from a breeder, do your homework and make sure you’re dealing with a reputable breeder.

Give attention to common symptoms of backyard breeding, such as filthy breeding circumstances, many litters available at the same time, or ill dogs. If at all feasible, request to see your puppy’s parents to ensure their health as well.

More Dog Breeds and Further Research:

Bloodhounds are not suitable for every family. If you are constantly away from home or live in a limited place, a Bloodhound may not be the best choice for you.

A Bloodhound, on the other hand, may be a terrific family pet if you’re prepared to devote the time and energy to adequate care. They’re loyal, affectionate, and kind to children and other animals.

If you’re looking for breeds similar to the Bloodhound, take a look at:

• Black Russian Terrier
• Bernese Mountain Dog
• Bichon Frise

 Bloodhound Fun Facts:

1. Their distinctive wrinkles and long, floppy ears serve a crucial function.
2. The moniker “Bloodhound” does not allude to their capacity to trace.
3. A 300-hour-old scent trail may be followed by a Bloodhound.
4. They are extremely tough to train, despite their unrivaled tracking talents.
5. Their “testimony” is admissible in a court of law.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

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