Bloodhound

Hound Group

Also known as: Blooded Hound

Size Category:Giant
Height:♂ 25-27 inches♀ 23-25 inches
Weight:♂ 90-110 pounds♀ 80-100 pounds
Life Span:10-12 years
Compare Bloodhound

Affectionate With Family

How affectionate a breed is likely to be with family members, or other people he knows well. Some breeds can be aloof with everyone but their owner, while other breeds treat everyone they know like their best friend.

Good With Young Children

A breed's level of tolerance and patience with childrens' behavior, and overall family-friendly nature. Dogs should always be supervised around young children, or children of any age who have little exposure to dogs.

Good With Other Dogs

How generally friendly a breed is towards other dogs. Dogs should always be supervised for interactions and introductions with other dogs, but some breeds are innately more likely to get along with other dogs, both at home and in public.

Openness To Strangers

How welcoming a breed is likely to be towards strangers. Some breeds will be reserved or cautious around all strangers, regardless of the location, while other breeds will be happy to meet a new human whenever one is around!

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Note: Scores reflect typical breed tendencies. Individual dogs may vary based on training, environment, and genetics.

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Note: Some traits may be unavailable for certain breeds due to limited or inconsistent data from recognized sources.

Care Guide

  • ●Bloodhound grooming: maintain short, dense coat with minimal shedding
  • ●weekly brushing (medium-bristle brush, rubber mitt, or hound glove) removes dead hair and boosts coat health
  • ●regular bathing prevents doggy odor buildup
  • ●trim nails consistently to avoid overgrowth

Colors & Markings

Colors

Black & TanLiver & TanRed

Health Information

Bloodhounds, like other large, deep-chested breeds, are prone to bloat, a serious and potentially fatal condition. Owners must learn to recognize symptoms and act quickly if it occurs. Known for their voracious appetites, these dogs often ingest non-food items, leading to frequent veterinary visits. Daily ear checks are essential due to their low-hanging ears, which are susceptible to infection. Additionally, their facial wrinkles should be cleaned regularly to prevent irritation or odor buildup. Routine teeth brushing is also necessary to maintain their overall health.

Recommended Health Tests

Hip EvaluationElbow EvaluationCardiac Exam

📜 History

The Bloodhound’s exact origins remain unclear, but historical accounts suggest the breed existed around the ancient Mediterranean. Ancient texts, including the third-century scholar Aelian’s Historia Animalium, describe a scent-tracking hound so relentless it refused to abandon a trail until the target was found. As one of the oldest scent-hunting hounds still in existence, the Bloodhound played a key role in shaping later breeds like the Black and Tan Coonhound. By the Middle Ages, the breed was refined in Western Europe, with monastic communities—particularly in England and France—playing a crucial role in its development. Monks bred these hounds under strict programs, earning them the name 'blooded hounds,' a term referencing their aristocratic lineage. Renowned for their unmatched ability to track humans, Bloodhounds have long been trusted by law enforcement worldwide to locate missing persons, criminals, or disoriented individuals. Even with modern technology, their unparalleled scenting ability remains unmatched, ensuring they never abandon a trail until it ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bloodhound can be good with children if properly socialized. They are generally friendly but may have their limits when it comes to rough handling.
The Bloodhound sheds a moderate amount. Regular brushing can help keep loose hair under control.
Yes, the Bloodhound is generally intelligent and eager to please, which makes them easier to train than many other breeds. Positive reinforcement works best.
The Bloodhound is relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Occasional brushing and baths are usually sufficient.
The Bloodhound can be a suitable choice for a first-time owner who is willing to do their research and dedicate time to training and care.

🔗Related Breeds

Breeds similar to Bloodhound

Beagle

Beagle

6/10
60% Compatibility
Basset Hound

Basset Hound

6/10
60% Compatibility
Basenji

Basenji

6/10
60% Compatibility
Azawakh

Azawakh

6/10
60% Compatibility
Compare Bloodhound with Beagle

Overview

About This Breed

The Bloodhound is an independent yet affectionate breed, known for its friendly and inquisitive nature. Highly devoted to its work, it is single-minded when following a scent but can be stubborn and requires patient, consistent training. Despite its calm demeanor, it has a strong protective streak and is vocal when alerting its owner to new scents or intruders.

🎭Temperament

StubbornAffectionateGentleEven Tempered

Purpose

Scent tracking and trailing (e.g., man-trailing, search and rescue)

Breed for

Trailing

Best Suited For

Active owners or families with secure outdoor space, experienced in handling strong-willed breeds

Ideal Owner Profile

This breed is best suited for a patient, confident owner or family who can provide firm but kind leadership, enjoys outdoor activities, and has experience managing a strong-willed, scent-driven dog.

Training Difficulty

Moderate

Care Difficulty

Moderate

Common Challenges

Owners may face challenges with stubbornness during training and the breed's tendency to follow scents off-leash, requiring secure fencing and vigilance.

Trust & Transparency

About Our Data

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Accuracy Assured

Our breed data is standardized using a consistent scoring system across temperament, trainability, and care needs to ensure fair comparisons based on the same criteria.

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We regularly update information as new data becomes available. Our goal is to provide an honest, helpful resource for researching dog breeds and adoption decisions.