Bloodhound Dog

ATTRIBUTES: Independent, Friendly, Inquisitive

GROUP: Hound Group

ACIVITY LEVEL: Regular Exercise

BARKING LEVEL: Frequent

COAT TYPE: Smooth

COAT LENGTH: Short

SHADDING: Regularly

SIZE: Large

TRAINABILITY: Independent

CHARACTERISTIC: Smartest Breeds of Dogs, Largest Dog Breeds

Breed Overview

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Ancestry

Flemish Hound, Talbot Hound

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Origin

Europe

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Registration

1885

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Size

25 - 27 Inches (Male)

23 - 25 Inches (Female)

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Weight

90 - 110 Pounds (Male)

80 - 100 Pounds (Female)

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Expected Life

10 - 12 years

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY +
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
LOVE WITH CHILDREN +
Unwise
Good With Children
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS +
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
+
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
+
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
+
COAT TYPE
+
COAT LENGTH
+
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
+
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
+
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
+
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
+
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
+
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
+
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
+
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Loaf
Needs an Activity
+
COLORS
+
PATTERNS
+
CARING WITH FAMILY
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
The affection level of a breed towards family members and other people they know well can vary. Certain breeds display an aloof nature, forming a strong bond primarily with their owners and being reserved or indifferent towards others. On the other hand, some breeds are known to be friendly and warm towards everyone they are familiar with treating them as their best friends.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN
Unwise
Good With Children
A breed's level of tolerance and patience with children's behavior and its overall family-friendly nature can greatly vary. Some breeds are known for their inherent affection and gentle disposition towards children making them excellent family pets. These breeds often demonstrate high levels of patience, tolerance and adaptability when interacting with children.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
The general friendliness of a breed towards other dogs can vary. While interactions and introductions between dogs should always be supervised, certain breeds tend to display a more amicable nature and are generally more likely to get along with other dogs, whether in a home environment or in public settings.
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
The amount of fur and hair a breed leaves behind can vary significantly. Breeds with high shedding tend to leave more fur around the house and require regular brushing to manage loose hair. This shedding can also potentially trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. In such cases, more frequent vacuuming and lint-rolling may be necessary to keep the environment clean.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
When assessing the grooming needs of a particular breed, it is important to consider the frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming, and other coat maintenance activities. It is crucial to take into account the amount of time, patience and financial resources you can dedicate to this level of care. It is worth noting that regular nail trimming is necessary for all breeds.
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
If you have a strong preference for cleanliness, you may want to consider the drooling tendencies of different dog breeds. Breeds that are prone to excessive drooling may leave ropes of slobber on your arm or create large wet spots on your clothes, which may not align with your neatness preferences.
COAT STYLES GUIDE
Smooth
COAT SPECTRUM
Short
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
It is important to consider their level of welcoming behavior. Certain breeds tend to be reserved or cautious around unfamiliar individuals, regardless of the setting. On the other hand, some breeds exhibit a friendly and enthusiastic attitude eagerly greeting new people whenever they encounter them.
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
The enthusiasm for play can vary among different breeds, even as they grow past the puppy stage. Some breeds maintain a high level of playfulness and enjoyment in activities like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years. They continue to have a strong desire for interactive play and physical engagement. Conversely, other breeds might prefer to relax and spend more leisurely time on the couch with their owners showing less interest in engaging in active play as they age.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
Some breeds have a natural inclination to alert their owners when strangers are present. These breeds are more likely to react to perceived threats, whether it's the mailman arriving or a squirrel outside the window. They are vigilant in sounding the alarm and are generally receptive to strangers who enter their territory as long as they are accepted and recognized by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
It's important to consider how adaptable a breed is to various factors in day-to-day life. This includes changes in living conditions, noise levels, weather conditions, and daily routines. Some breeds are highly adaptable and can easily adjust to new environments, noises, and changes in their daily schedule. They tend to be flexible and resilient in the face of different circumstances. However, there are also breeds that may find it more challenging to handle change and may require more time and support to adapt to new situations.
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
The ease of training and the willingness to learn can vary among different breeds. Some breeds are known for their high trainability and eagerness to please their owners. They exhibit a strong desire to learn and are motivated by making their owners proud. These breeds are generally more receptive to training and enjoy engaging in activities that stimulate their minds.
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
The exercise and mental stimulation requirements can differ significantly among dog breeds. High-energy breeds are often ready for physical activity and enthusiastically seek out new adventures. They thrive on running, jumping and playing throughout the day, requiring ample exercise to fulfill their needs. Low-energy breeds tend to be more relaxed and content with a more laid-back lifestyle. They are inclined to spend their time lounging around and enjoying snoozing sessions. While they still require exercise, their needs are generally less demanding compared to high-energy breeds.
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
Frequent
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Happy to Lounge
Needs a Job or Activity
The mental stimulation required to keep a breed happy and healthy can vary greatly especially for purpose-bred dogs. These dogs often have specific jobs that involve decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other cognitive qualities. To maintain their well-being, it's crucial to provide them with adequate mental exercise in the form of puzzles, interactive toys, training activities or tasks that engage their minds.
COLORS

Description

Registration Code

Black & Tan

018

Liver & Tan

124

Red

140

PATTERNS

.

About The Breed

The Bloodhound is renowned as the world-famous 'Sleuth Hound' for its exceptional ability to track and locate lost or hidden individuals. While off-duty, this breed is known for its docile and gentle nature. However, when it comes to tracking a scent, the Bloodhound becomes relentless and stubborn not giving up until the task is complete.

Bloodhounds are large and sturdy dogs, standing between 23 to 27 inches at the shoulder and weighing up to 110 pounds. They have distinctive features including a long wrinkled face with loose skin large drooping ears, and deep-set warm eyes that reflect a dignified expression. Their coat colors can range from black and tan, liver and tan, to red. With powerful legs Bloodhounds can cover long distances over challenging terrains while tracking scents.

As pack dogs, Bloodhounds enjoy the company of others, including other dogs and children. They have an easygoing temperament but their exceptional sense of smell can sometimes lead them into trouble. It is recommended to use a strong leash when taking them for walks in places where they can explore and enjoy sniffing around. It's important to note that Bloodhounds are known for drooling. Obedience training can pose a challenge due to their sensitive nature.

Bloodhounds are remarkable working dogs with a gentle disposition when not on the scent trail. They require proper care, socialization and understanding of their unique traits to thrive as loyal and loving companions.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A BLOODHOUND

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Bloodhound Dog: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

Health

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Bloodhounds are highly susceptible to bloat and their owners should be knowledgeable about the symptoms and what steps to take if it occurs. Their tendency to eat indiscriminately can increase the risk of ingesting harmful objects. It's important to keep a close eye on their eating habits and prevent them from consuming anything that could cause problems. Regularly checking their ears for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, discharge or odor is essential for maintaining their ear health. Their wrinkled skin also requires attention to prevent issues like irritation or unpleasant odors. Cleaning the skin folds with a warm damp cloth and ensuring they're thoroughly dried can help prevent problems. Dental care is crucial for Bloodhounds, as it is for all breeds. Regular brushing of their teeth helps promote good oral hygiene and prevents dental issues.

Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association:

  • Hip Evaluation

  • Elbow Evaluation

  • Cardiac Exam

Health

Grooming

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The Bloodhound possesses a compact fur that undergoes shedding about once or twice per annum. To prevent unwanted hair from cluttering furniture, it is recommended to brush their coat on a weekly basis using a bristle brush of medium density, a rubber grooming mitt or tool, or a hound glove. This brushing routine not only eliminates dead hair but also stimulates the growth of new hair while evenly distributing the natural oils in the coat to maintain its health. To avoid the occurrence of any unpleasant doggy smell, it is advised to give the Bloodhound regular baths. Just like any other breed, it is essential to trim the Bloodhound's nails on a regular basis.
Health

Exercise

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There is a commonly misunderstood belief that Bloodhounds spend their days lazily sitting on the porch. However, this is far from the truth. Bloodhounds, originally bred to tirelessly track scents for extended periods of time are actually energetic dogs that need regular exercise. It's essential to take them on long walks every day ensuring they are always on a leash. If they catch a scent, they may not respond to commands so it's crucial to keep them leashed. In addition to walks providing extra exercise time in a securely fenced backyard can be beneficial. Bloodhounds are known for being skilled diggers and escape artists so taking precautions with proper fencing is important.
Health

Training

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It is highly advisable to provide early socialization and enroll a Bloodhound in puppy training classes. Beginning obedience classes at a young age is especially recommended, as these dogs have a tendency to become set in their ways. It is preferable for a Bloodhound owner to shape the behaviors they wish to endure throughout the dog's lifetime. Given their inclination to assert dominance, it is essential for owners to be firm yet kind in their approach. Training methods that incorporate positive reinforcement like treats and praise typically yield favorable results. While Bloodhounds are known for their affection and loyalty, they can also display stubbornness and independence making patient, consistent and skillful training crucial.
Health

Nutrition

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Bloodhounds thrive on a top-quality dog food, whether it is commercially manufactured or prepared at home under the supervision and approval of a veterinarian. The chosen diet should align with the dog's specific life stage, whether it is a puppy, adult or senior. It is important to be mindful of calorie consumption and weight management, as some Bloodhounds have a tendency to gain excess weight. While treats can be beneficial for training purposes, it is essential to avoid overindulgence, as it can contribute to obesity. Educating oneself on which human foods are safe for dogs and which should be avoided is also recommended. If there are any concerns regarding the dog's weight or diet consulting with a vet is advised.

Historiography

The origin of Bloodhounds remains somewhat mysterious, although some experts suggest that the breed was known in ancient Mediterranean regions. Aelian a third-century scholar mentioned a hound in his work 'Historia Animalium' that possessed unparalleled scenting abilities and unwavering dedication to trailing until the quarry was found. The Bloodhound is believed to be the oldest surviving scent-hound breed and has greatly contributed to the development of subsequent hound breeds including the Black and Tan Coonhound and other coonhound varieties. The Bloodhound, as we recognize it today, was refined around a thousand years ago in Western Europe.

The credit for the careful breeding and development of the Bloodhound goes to high-ranking members of the pre-Reformation church. During medieval times, prominent church leaders maintained packs of hounds in well-established monasteries in England and France, as even bishops enjoyed hunting with hounds. The monks responsible for this breeding program were meticulous, and their hounds gained the reputation of being 'blooded hounds,' signifying their noble lineage. The term 'blooded' denoted an aristocratic bloodline.

The Bloodhound has built a remarkable reputation as an unparalleled tracker of humans. Law enforcement agencies worldwide have relied on these strong and determined hounds to follow the scent of individuals, whether it is a criminal, a lost child or a confused elderly person. These assignments can last for hours or even days taking the Bloodhounds across all types of terrain. However, they persistently pursue the trail until it is successfully resolved. Despite advancements in technology no device created thus far can match the accuracy and reliability of a Bloodhound's nose.

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