Bloodhound
Description
The Bloodhound is a large scent hound renowned for its incredible tracking abilities. Originally bred for hunting deer and wild boar, this breed is perhaps best known for its role in tracking down criminals and missing persons due to its exceptional sense of smell. They have a distinctive appearance, characterized by loose, wrinkled skin and long, drooping ears that enhance their olfactory capabilities. Bloodhounds are gentle and affectionate dogs, making them excellent family pets as well as skilled working dogs.
Personality
Bloodhounds are known for their friendly and gentle nature. They are typically good-natured, patient, and loving, making them great companions for families, including those with children. However, they can also exhibit a stubborn streak and a strong independent spirit, which can make training a challenge. Bloodhounds are generally social dogs that enjoy being around people and other animals. They tend to be calm and laid-back but require mental stimulation and exercise to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Care Requirements
Bloodhounds require regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and prevent behavioral issues. Daily walks and playtime are essential, along with opportunities for mental stimulation through scent games or training sessions. Their loose skin and ears require regular cleaning to prevent infections, and they should be bathed as needed to keep their coat healthy. Bloodhounds can be prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and bloat, so regular veterinary check-ups are important. Additionally, early socialization and consistent training are crucial to help manage their independent nature and ensure they grow into well-mannered adults.
Suitable For:
- Owners who can provide regular, moderate exercise.
- Households looking for a friendly, sociable pet.
- People who can tolerate frequent barking and howling.
- Owners willing to take the time for consistent training.
- Those who appreciate a dog with a good sense of smell and tracking abilities.
- NOT
Not Suitable For:
- Households seeking a highly playful, energetic dog.
- Families with very young children who need a dog with very high tolerance.
- Those looking for a dog with high protective instincts to guard their property.
- People who prefer a quiet, less vocal pet.
- Owners who are unable to provide regular mental and physical stimulation.
Physical Characteristics
Bloodhounds are large dogs, typically weighing between 80 to 110 pounds and standing about 23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a distinctive look featuring a long, droopy face, large, floppy ears, and deeply set, soulful eyes. Their coat is short and weather-resistant, usually found in colors such as black and tan, liver and tan, or red. Their skin is loose and wrinkled, which helps to trap scent particles, enhancing their tracking prowess.
Height
Male: 25" - 27"
Female: 25" - 27"
Weight
Male: 90 - 110 lbs
Female: 80 - 100 lbs
Life Expectancy
10 - 12 years
Breed Characteristics
Maintenance Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Fun Facts
Bloodhounds are one of the oldest breeds that hunt by scent. They have been traced back over 1,000 years to monks at the Saint-Hubert Monastery in Belgium, who are believed to have bred the first of these dogs. This is why they are also known as "St. Hubert Hounds" in Belgium.
Known for their distinctive droopy ears and wrinkles, these physical characteristics actually serve a purpose in their scent work. The long ears and wrinkles trap scent particles from the ground, helping the Bloodhound to keep its nose to the trail.
Bloodhounds have an incredibly keen sense of smell. It's said to be 1,000 times more sensitive than a human's. They can follow a scent trail that's over 300 hours old and can stay on a trail for over 130 miles. This makes them excellent tracking dogs.
Their exceptional tracking ability has earned them a place in history. In the United States, evidence found by Bloodhounds has been accepted in court. Perhaps the most famous Bloodhound was Nick Carter, who reportedly tracked down over 600 criminals during the late 19th and early 20th century.
Bloodhounds have a significant cultural presence. They've been featured in many books, movies, and TV shows, often as detective dogs due to their tracking abilities. Notably, a Bloodhound named Trusty was a character in Disney's "Lady and the Tramp," where he was depicted, true to the breed, as having an exceptional sense of smell.