Dog breed profile
Bloodhound
A detailed profile covering characteristics, everyday care and linked health conditions.
Quick facts
Typical guide only; individual needs vary.
Profile description
The Bloodhound is a large and powerful scent hound developed in medieval Europe and refined in Britain for tracking people and game over long distances. Most adults stand around 58 to 69 centimetres tall and weigh approximately 36 to 50 kilograms, with males commonly larger than females. The breed has a substantial body, long hanging ears, loose facial skin, deep-set eyes and a short coat that is usually black and tan, liver and tan, or red.
Bloodhounds possess one of the most highly developed senses of smell among domestic dogs and are widely used in search, rescue and law-enforcement tracking work. They can follow very old scent trails and may remain focused on a track for long periods. At home, Bloodhounds are usually affectionate, gentle and sociable. They often enjoy children and other dogs, although their size, strength and enthusiastic movement can overwhelm small children. The breed is intelligent but independent, having been developed to work at a distance from its handler.
Once interested in a scent, a Bloodhound may ignore recall, traffic and other hazards. It has a deep, carrying voice and may bay or howl when tracking, excited or lonely. Bloodhounds mature slowly and can remain clumsy and energetic during adolescence. They generally suit owners who understand scent-hound behaviour and can provide secure fencing, patient training, regular exercise and careful management of their ears, skin folds and body weight. Individual Bloodhounds still vary with breeding, early experience, health and training, so these breed tendencies should guide preparation rather than predetermine the personality of every dog.
A successful match with a Bloodhound depends on realistic expectations of the adult dog's behaviour and daily needs.
First-time dog owner tips
Practical preparation for welcoming this breed into your home.
Care requirements
The Bloodhound benefits from regular exercise, secure containment and detailed care of its ears, skin, joints and weight. Healthy adults generally benefit from at least one to two hours of daily activity, including long lead walks, tracking games and supervised exploration. Exercise should be steady rather than excessively strenuous, particularly while puppies are developing. Increase duration and impact gradually in a young or previously unfit Bloodhound; fatigue, altered gait or reluctance should prompt rest and assessment instead of forced completion. For the Bloodhound, fencing and lead equipment are part of welfare: gates should close reliably, boundary gaps should be checked and identification details kept current.
Repetitive jumping, forced running and heavy stair use should be limited to protect the hips, elbows and growing joints. Bloodhounds should normally remain on lead outside securely fenced areas because a strong scent can override recall. Fencing must be high, strong and checked for gaps. Training should begin early and use food rewards, praise and short, varied sessions. Lead manners are particularly important because an adult Bloodhound is extremely strong.
The long ears should be inspected frequently for moisture, odour, redness, wax or infection. Facial and neck folds should be kept clean and dry.
The eyes should be monitored for redness, irritation or changes in the eyelids. Weekly brushing is generally sufficient for the short coat, although the breed may shed more heavily at certain times. Teeth should be brushed regularly and nails trimmed before they become long. Food portions must be measured to maintain a lean body condition. Meals should be divided into two or more servings, and strenuous activity avoided immediately before and after eating because the deep chest increases the risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus. Regular veterinary checks should monitor joints, heart health, eyes, ears, skin and thyroid function.
Conditions linked to this breed
Cherry Eye [Prolapsed Gland of the Nictitans]
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Ectropion and Entropion
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Elbow Dysplasia
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Exposure Keratopathy (Corneal Ulcers)
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Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV, or “Bloat”)
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Hip Dysplasia
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Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca KCS, Dry Eye
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Osteochondrosis
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Otitis Externa (Ear Infections)
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General dog health conditions
These conditions can affect dogs generally and are not presented as conditions specifically associated with this breed.
Cataract [Cloudiness of the Lens of the Eye]
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Diabetes Mellitus
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Hypothyroidism
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Pancreatitis
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