About Bloodhound Dogs

Bloodhounds, also known as St. Hubert's Hounds, comprise the largest breed of scent hound that most likely originated in Belgium around the 9th century. They have been used since the Middle Ages to hunt deer and boar by tracking their scents. They are currently popular as family pets and among law enforcement officials as working dogs.

On average, Bloodhounds weigh 80-110 pounds and measure 23 to 27 inches in height. They have large, dense builds and are visibly big-boned. Bloodhounds have powerful, muscular bodies; straight legs; long, soft, pendant ears; and loosely-fitting, wrinkled, waterproof skin.

Bloodhounds' excessive, wrinkly skin is covered by a dense, short coat. Their fur tends to be a solid color excepting either a saddle or "blanket" marking of a darker accent color. The ears and face may also display this accent color. In color, their fur can be tan with black markings, tan with liver markings, tawny with red markings, or red in color. Some Bloodhounds may also have small white markings on their chests and feet.

Having even tempers and a pleasant disposition, Bloodhounds make excellent pets. They can be energetic, and even boisterous when young, but they are incredible gentle. Bloodhounds affectionate, stoic, and reliable, and love receiving attention and love from their humans. They are also tough, independent, and noble. Their tracking instinct often makes them stubborn.

Since they are not very active indoors, Bloodhounds may live in apartments if they are sufficiently exercised. However, they do best with a yard of at least a moderate size. Their gentleness makes them an excellent choice of family dog. However, families with small children should be sure that their children can be supervised while at play with the Bloodhound, mostly to ensure that the children do not accidentally injure the stoic, accepting dog.

Bloodhounds must be socialized by a calm but firm leader. They also need a large amount of exercise. They should be taken on a long walk each day, and given opportunities to run. Bloodhound owners, however, must take care not to over-exercise young Bloodhounds, who, despite their great stamina, need a great deal of energy to promote healthy growth. Bloodhounds' ears require regular cleaning, but they do not need to be brushed often. Bloodhounds are known to drool.

The remarkable tracking ability of Bloodhounds is famous; Bloodhounds can even follow a scent trail that is 14 days old. Their excellent sense of smell followed by their independence, endurance, and determination makes them superb working dogs for law enforcement officers who need to track missing people, missing pets, and escaped prisoners.

Bloodhounds are prone to bloat; hip dysplasia; ear infections; entropion, an eyelid affliction; and cherry eye, an eyelid affliction. On average, Bloodhounds live for 10 to 12 years.