Bloodhound
FriendlyIndependentInquisitive
Belgium · 10–12 years
About the Bloodhound
The Bloodhound is the supreme scent tracker of the dog world, with a sense of smell so powerful that their trailing results are admissible as evidence in court. Developed in medieval Belgium by monks at the Abbey of Saint-Hubert, Bloodhounds are large, powerful dogs with loose, wrinkled skin and extraordinarily long ears that help funnel scent toward their nose. Despite their intimidating size and serious expression, Bloodhounds are gentle, affectionate, and famously patient with children. They are tireless on the trail but relaxed at home.
Breed stats
- Height
- 23–27 in
- Weight
- 80–110 lbs
- Lifespan
- 10–12 years
- Group
- Hound
- Coat
- Short, dense, loose
- Origin
- Belgium
Coat colors
- Black and tan
- Liver and tan
- Red
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
60–90 min
per day recommended
Daily food
4–8 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Bloat
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Ear infections
- Entropion
- Skin fold dermatitis
Not every Bloodhound will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Bloodhounds eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- The Bloodhound's sense of smell is the most powerful of any domestic animal. They have approximately 300 million scent receptors compared to about 5 million in humans. Their long, droopy ears sweep scent from the ground upward toward their nose, while the wrinkled skin around their face traps scent particles. Bloodhounds can follow a scent trail that is over 300 hours old and have tracked trails over 130 miles long. Their trailing results are so reliable that they are the only animal whose evidence is admissible in U.S. courts.
- Bloodhounds are notoriously independent and can be challenging to train using conventional methods. They were bred to make their own decisions while tracking, and this independence carries over to everyday life. Once a Bloodhound catches an interesting scent, they may completely ignore commands. Patience, consistency, and food rewards are essential. Short training sessions work better than long ones, and owners should never use harsh methods, which will cause a Bloodhound to shut down. Early socialization and puppy classes are highly recommended to establish good habits before their stubbornness fully develops.
- Yes, Bloodhounds are among the heaviest drooling breeds. Their loose, pendulous lips and wrinkled facial skin make drooling constant, not just occasional. It increases significantly after eating, drinking, or when they smell food. Many Bloodhound owners keep towels in every room and learn to wipe their dog's face regularly. Drool can end up on walls, furniture, and clothing. If drool is a deal-breaker for you, a Bloodhound is probably not the right breed. For those who can tolerate it, the Bloodhound's gentle, affectionate personality more than compensates.
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