Bloodhound
Quick Summary
Exceptional tracking abilities paired with gentle temperament make Bloodhounds unique. Ideal for patient owners who can manage drooling and provide consistent training. Best suited for spacious homes.
Contents
Weight Range
80-110 lbs
♂ Male: 90-110 lbs
♀ Female: 80-100 lbs
Height Range
58-69 inches
♂ Male: 25-27"
♀ Female: 25-27"
Life Expectancy
10-12 years
Average lifespan with proper care and nutrition
Intelligence
Rank #74
Average Intelligence
Breed Group
Hound Group
Originally bred for Medieval European monasteries developed these dogs for tracking game and people, with their exceptional scenting abilities making them invaluable for manhunts and rescue operations
Popularity
#49
Very popular breed choice
Compatibility Ratings
Behavior & Training
Physical Characteristics
| Male Height | 25"-27" |
| Female Height | 25"-27" |
| Male Weight | 90-110 lbs |
| Female Weight | 80-100 lbs |
| Coat Length | 1/5 |
| Drooling Level | 5/5 |
Cost & Ownership
Cost Category
Initial costs include $1500-3000 for purchase, plus setup expenses. Monthly costs average $150-200 for food, grooming supplies, and preventative care. Regular veterinary care and potential health issues can add significant expenses.
Training & Socialization
Training Difficulty
Known for their determined, independent nature when tracking scents. Generally gentle and patient with family but can be stubborn during training. Moderate energy levels require regular exercise, while their social nature makes them excellent family companions.
Social Needs
Bloodhounds thrive on family interaction and generally get along well with other dogs. Can tolerate moderate alone time if properly trained, but prefer company. Need early socialization to manage their friendly but sometimes overwhelming nature.
Breed Overview
Majestic and powerful, Bloodhounds possess an unparalleled sense of smell with over 300 million scent receptors. Their distinctive features include long, pendulous ears, loose skin folds, and deep-set eyes that contribute to their noble yet gentle expression. Standing tall with a muscular build, they showcase a short, dense coat in colors ranging from black and tan to liver and red.
Key Highlights
Pros
- ✓ Exceptional tracking abilities
- ✓ Gentle and patient with family
- ✓ Good with children
- ✓ Loyal and affectionate
Cons
- ✗ Heavy drooling
- ✗ Strong tracking instincts can lead to wandering
- ✗ Stubborn during training
- ✗ High maintenance grooming needs
Breed Characteristics
| Temperament | Friendly, Independent, Inquisitive |
| Energy Level | Regular Exercise |
| Trainability | Independent |
| Grooming Needs | Weekly Brushing |
| Shedding | Seasonal |
Exercise & Nutrition
Exercise Requirements
Requires 60-90 minutes of daily exercise, including scent work activities and moderate-intensity walks. Their tracking instincts need regular outlets through nose work games or tracking exercises. Not suited for intense running or agility work.
Diet & Nutrition
Adult Bloodhounds require 4-8 cups of high-quality dry food daily, divided into two meals. Special attention needed for portion control to prevent bloat. Prone to weight gain, so careful monitoring of food intake is essential.
Adult Bloodhounds need 4-8 cups of high-quality dry food daily, split into two meals. Protein-rich diet essential for maintaining muscle mass. Feed from elevated bowls to reduce bloat risk. Monitor weight closely due to potential obesity.
Environment & Living Space
Living Requirements
Best suited for homes with secure, fenced yards. Needs space to accommodate their large size and drooling tendencies. Moderate climate preferred, with indoor access during temperature extremes.
Requires substantial indoor space and a securely fenced yard of at least 1/2 acre. Adaptable to suburban homes but not suited for apartment living. Needs room to move freely and accommodate their large size.
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
History & Origin
Developed in medieval European monasteries, Bloodhounds descended from ancient tracking hounds. Saint Hubert monks refined the breed for hunting and tracking abilities, creating what became known as the 'Saint Hubert Hound' before evolving into today's Bloodhound.
Historical Purpose
Medieval European monasteries developed these dogs for tracking game and people, with their exceptional scenting abilities making them invaluable for manhunts and rescue operations.
Fun Fact
Bloodhound tracking evidence is legally admissible in most United States courts of law.
Grooming & Maintenance
Special Considerations
Regular cleaning of facial folds and ears required. Drooling management needed throughout home. Secure fencing essential due to strong tracking instincts and wandering tendencies.