Bloodhound Dog: Characteristic, Health & Fun Facts!

The creation of the Bloodhound’s ancestors was done in medieval France, where they were used to trail boar and deer.

Their unique sense of smell reserved their spot in search and rescue and law enforcement.

Their unique appearance and adorable personality have gained them a lot of fans. There’s much more coming about this breed, so keep reading. 

About The Breed

The Bloodhound is quite a famous breed, and you must’ve seen them in a lot of movies.

Hearing the name of this breed might create an image of the baying man trailers in your mind from famous movies such as Cool Hand Luke or a lazy hound basking in the sun on the front porch.

Some say that the man trailer image best represents the breed, but it’s not entirely true. These dogs devote their minds while trailing but will never attack their quarry. 

These wrinkled beauties are very affectionate and gentle and not even a little bit lazy. They will choose to chase a smell for miles over being a couch potato.

If you’re planning to live with a bloodhound, then prepare yourself to take them on long walks daily. 

The Bloodhound breed belongs to a group of dogs from Latin known as the Sagaces. These dogs hunt by scent, and the word Sagaces suits them well.

Initially used to trail boar and deer in medieval Europe, modern-day dogs of this breed are now found working in search and rescue institutions and police departments.

These dogs are so talented that their “testimony” is considered valid in a court of law. 

Bloodhounds can make excellent family pets only if you give them a lot of care. It’s not everyone’s piece of cake to live with a dog that drools a lot, follows any kind of smell, and is as naughty as a puppy.

These dogs are full of endless energy that can be handled by only a chosen few. They are sure to bring laughter into your house once they become a part of your family.

Bloodhound Dog Breed History

Scent hunter dogs have been in existence for so long. Reports of dogs discovering the tracks of an animal just by smell can be found way back to the first century AD.

The scenthound you know today was developed in medieval Europe. 

The first real reference to this name was made by Sir Humphrey de Bohun, Earl of Hereford, in his poem titled William of Palerne (1350).

It portrays a dog known as Bloodhound, an alert hunter who is on the trail of two lovers camouflaged as bears.

From this poem, the conclusion arose that the Bloodhound name was familiar in the English language. 

This breed got its name from its status as an aristocratic breed kept by abbots and noblemen. The early scenthounds were called St. Hubert hounds, bred by St. Hubert’s Abbey monks.

Francois Hubert (656-727) was a dedicated hunter who made breeding dogs that can trail even a faint and old smell his life’s purpose.

He even made this his occupation even after retiring. He was canonized after his demise and became a hunter’s saint. In France, bloodhounds are called St. Hubert Hounds. 

After the French Revolution, the population of St. Hubert Hounds decreased. The chateaus were ruined, and the aristocrats fled, so the great hunts weren’t present anymore.

Fortunately, this breed was still popular in England. They were known not only for their hunting skills but also for their talent for tracking wrongdoers. 

Bloodhound Dog Breed Job Card/Overview

Breed Name	Bloodhound
Other Name	Chien de St. Hubert
Dog Breed Type	Hound dogs
Origin	Belgium, France, United Kingdom
Parent Breeds	None
Height	23-27 inches
Weight	80-110 pounds
Life Expectancy	11-15 years
Coat Type	Dense coat
Common Colors	Liver, Black, Red, Tan
Grooming Needs	Moderate
Hypoallergenic	No
Temperament	Affectionate, Gentle, Even-tempered, Stubborn
Apartment Living	Not suitable for apartment living
Pet-Friendly	No
Health Concerns	Persistent pupillary membranes, elbow dysplasia, cataracts, heart problems
Overall Health	Healthy
Intelligence Level	High
Trainability	High
Energy Level	High
Activity	Active
Litter Size	8-10 puppies

Characteristics 

Adaptability

The ability to adapt in Bloodhound breeds means they can adapt to different situations. They are like detectives since they have a phenomenal sense of smell. 

They are friendly with family members however, they can be stubborn. Bloodhounds require a lot of exercise, and it’s a good idea to play outdoors. 

Their coat is short, and simple to clean however their long ears require cleaning. Sometimes, they may be suffering from health issues, which is why regular visits to the vet are necessary to ensure they are healthy and happy!

Friendliness

Bloodhound dogs are renowned for their sociability. They are incredibly affectionate with all kinds of people, even children, and are usually gentle and compassionate. 

They make excellent companions and are eager to play with their human counterparts. 

These furry friends are similar to big and slobbery teddy bears and show their love with cuddles and wagging tails. 

Remember to be gentle with your Bloodhound pet and they’ll reciprocate the love with their gentle and warm temperament, which makes them the perfect pets for children.

Personality 

The Bloodhound has a contradictory personality. These dogs are determined, not argumentative, dutiful yet stubborn, and lovable but shy with strangers.

Training these dogs becomes kind of tricky as they don’t like to be corrected and want to do things their way. 

These dogs have sensitive noses that can detect even the oldest and faintest smell by just following a hint.

They love people; that’s why they don’t have the talent for being a good guard or watchdog. You will notice some Bloodhounds being loud when excited while others might be quiet and gentle. 

Some people have made the image of a Bloodhound as being lazy and relaxing on the front porch, but in reality, these are active dogs.

They can be great travel partners thanks to their sense of smell and wandering nature. These dogs love to sniff and chase smells.

Never leave them alone, as a bored Bloodhound becomes destructive. Their nose is what keeps them happy, but they can get lost following their nose. That’s why a fenced yard is necessary. 

Temperament

Friendly with Children

The Bloodhound is similar to a huge, affectionate Teddy bear. They love children and are extremely patient, making them wonderful pets for families. 

Their gentle nature means that they can be a good companion for children however because of their size supervision is required to prevent bumps from happening in play. 

It is essential to teach children to safely interact with dogs of any breed.

Amicable to Other Pets

Bloodhounds tend to be friendly with all pets such as cats and dogs. Their sociable disposition extends to animals however, it’s important to introduce them to pets slowly for a smooth bond. 

Early socialization and positive experiences could enable them to live happily with their furry companions.

Barking Tendencies

Bloodhounds are known for their loud, mellow baying, particularly when they detect an intriguing scent. 

Although this makes them great tracking dogs, they can be quite loud. Be ready for some barking and you may want to train them to manage their vocal inclinations through positive reinforcement and constant commands.

Possibilities of Staying Alone

 Bloodhounds thrive on human companionship and can be anxious if being left alone for long periods. 

If you work for long days, this breed might not be the best option since they can be bored and destructive. 

Consider a doggy daycare, pet caregiver, or even a pet animal to keep them occupied while you’re away. They want love and attention and will appreciate the same even if you’re not there.

Pros And Cons Of The Bloodhound Dog Breed 

Male Vs. Female Attitude

The only difference you’ll see in male and female bloodhounds is their size. The attitude of these dogs doesn’t depend on their gender, it mainly depends on their upbringing. 

Appearance

General Appearance

The Bloodhound is an interesting dog, renowned for its distinctive look. The large breed has large ears and droopy skin which help to trap scents when they’re trying to locate the source of something or someone. 

Their eyes are soulful and deep and they sport wrinkled faces that make them look serious and charming. 

Bloodhounds have a sturdy and sturdy body, with short coats that can be of a variety of shades. The appearance of their breed makes them identifiable and attractive to many.

Coat Color

If you touch the coat of a Bloodhound, it will feel squishy. You will notice deep folds in the skin, too, and their skin becomes loose as they grow.

These dogs have a doggy smell, and only regular bathing can help you get this smell out of your house. Weekly brush your pet’s coat to avoid any dead hair or insects crawling. 

Shedding

The Bloodhounds have a short and dense coat that is shed one or two times a year. During shedding season, you should brush them frequently.

Size

The Bloodhounds are gigantic dogs that grow tall between 25-27 inches. They look huge and can even scare you at first glance. However, these dogs have adorable personalities that surpass their size.

Health 

Bloodhounds are considered a healthy breed, but like all breeds, there are some health issues associated with them. 

• Elbow dysplasia
• Ectropion
• Epilepsy
• Hip dysplasia
• Hypothyroidism
• Entropion
• Fold Dermatitis
• Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat)

Maintenance And Care

Movies have made a misconception in the minds of people that Bloodhounds are lazy dogs, and their appearance supports this statement.

Their nose gives them a reason for living, and you should let them follow their nose at times.

When walking outside, let them go wherever their nose wants to go as long as they are familiar with the surroundings.

Their size and active personality demand a house with a fenced backyard to play around.

Keep their eyes clean by wiping them daily using a cotton pad or tissue to avoid crusty buildup. Use liquid ear-drying solution or unscented baby wipes to clean their ears.

Grooming

Their short coat needs a gentle brushing to keep it clean and shiny. Don’t forget to clean their floppy ears regularly to avoid infections.

Your dog will love getting their nails trimmed, just like a fancy manicure. Bath time can be fun, but make sure to use dog-friendly shampoo.

And remember, lots of hugs and treats make grooming time a special bonding experience for you and your furry friend!

Food And Nutrition

The dietary requirements of a dog can’t be just told like this. Each dog has special needs, and that can only be found out by a vet.

Just like all breeds, the Bloodhound has unique needs, and your vet will help to determine that to make a special diet plan for them.

Depending on the age, size, health, and environment of a Bloodhound, its dietary requirements can vary. 

Exercise And Activity Level 

The bloodhounds are like detectives due to their stunning noses, however, they also require some exercise to stay healthy and healthy. 

They have a moderate level of activity. This means they don’t require extreme workouts and they are happy to take an everyday walk or a game in a safe area. 

Remember that their noses are constantly on the move and they’re likely to follow intriguing scents. It’s recommended to keep your dog on a leash or in a secure yard to ensure their safety when they go out!

Trainability

Training for Bloodhound dogs is based on how quickly they learn and follow instructions. 

Bloodhounds are smart, however they can be stubborn and may take a bit longer to master tricks. 

The patience and consistency of training are the key to success. Rewards with treats can encourage them. 

Remember that they have an amazing sense of smell and sometimes their noses may be a hindrance during training.

Children and other pets

Contrary to their size, Bloodhounds are really gentle with kids; actually, they are fond of them.

However, you know how active these dogs are, and they get excited by new smells and can accidentally knock down kids or smaller pets.

Families with older children are a good housing option for these dogs. They generally bond well with other pets, but socialization from an early age becomes mandatory.

Train your dog as well as your kids on how to behave with each other. 

Conclusion 

Bloodhounds are special because they have super sniffing powers. They make great friends but need lots of play and love.

Remember to take good care of them, like checking their health. So, our “conclusion” is that Bloodhounds are awesome pets if you give them love and attention.

Explore More Dog Breeds…

FAQs On Bloodhound Dog Breed…