Bloodhound
The Bloodhound possesses the most powerful nose in the dog world, capable of following scent trails days old over great distances, with evidence admissible in court.
Personality Traits
History and Origins
undefinedAppearance
undefinedIs a Bloodhound Right for You?
undefinedLiving with a Bloodhound
Bloodhounds are gentle, affectionate dogs who are wonderful with children and other dogs. They are not aggressive and make poor guard dogs. They drool profusely, are messy eaters and have a strong hound odour. They need patient, experienced owners with a sense of humour. They are not suited to tidy homes or flat living.
Training Tips
- Use patient, positive methods with high-value rewards
- Accept that their nose will always come first
- Start lead training early - they are powerful pullers
- Recall is unreliable once on a scent
- Tracking activities provide the best mental stimulation
Temperament
Gentle, affectionate and determined. Bloodhounds are mild-mannered dogs with a sweet, sensitive nature. However, once on a scent trail they become singularly focused and almost impossible to distract. They are patient with children and tolerant of other animals. They are stubborn but not wilfully disobedient.
Exercise Needs
At least 60 minutes of exercise daily. They enjoy long walks with plenty of sniffing opportunities. Tracking and trailing activities are ideal. They have good stamina but are not sprinters. Exercise should be moderate in hot weather as they can overheat. They must always be on lead or in a secure area.
Grooming
The short coat is easy to maintain with weekly brushing. However, their facial wrinkles need daily cleaning to prevent infection. Ears must be cleaned regularly as they are very prone to infection. Bloodhounds drool heavily and face wiping is a frequent necessity. They have a distinctive hound odour.
Health
Prone to bloat (a life-threatening emergency), hip and elbow dysplasia, ear infections, eye conditions including entropion and ectropion, and skin fold infections. Their deep chest makes them high-risk for gastric torsion. Regular veterinary care is essential. Average lifespan 10-12 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How good is a Bloodhound nose?
Bloodhounds have approximately 230 million scent receptors (humans have about 5 million). They can follow a scent trail over 300 hours old and over distances exceeding 130 miles. Their trailing evidence has been accepted in courts of law. They are considered the gold standard for scent tracking.
Do Bloodhounds drool a lot?
Yes, significantly. Their loose jowls and pendulous lips mean drool is a constant companion. It is especially pronounced when eating, drinking, exercising or in warm weather. Keeping towels handy around the house becomes second nature for Bloodhound owners.
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