Last Updated on September 20, 2023
. The Bloodhound is an distinctive-looking dog that has a split personality. He is a calm, peaceful, and narcissistic dog. Once his nose picks up a scent, however, he becomes an active, curious, and tenacious dog. He is one of those dogs who will not stop until he finds what he is looking for.
If you’re looking for a dog to help you search, the Bloodhound might be the right choice . They are great hunting companions and make wonderful family pets. They aren’t the most intelligent ., but they have their quirks.
This breed guide will cover all things Bloodhound. This guide will provide information about the personality, grooming needs, nutrition, and exercise requirements of your Bloodhound. You will also discover if he is as stubborn that everyone thinks he is. Let’s get into the world of Sherlock Holmes, the four-legged Sherlock Holmes.
History
Bloodhounds, as we know them today, are thought to have originated from Europe around 1,000 years ago. He could be even older than that. A famous scholar described a dog with unrivalled scenting skills, who was intensely interested in the scent. He was probably describing the ancestors the ultimate scenting machine ..
He was infected in Western Europe and was a product the pre-reformation church. Many of these dogs were kept in monasteries or other noble homes to hunt with their masters and monks. The Bloodhound breed was so important that the monks who developed it took it seriously they were of noble blood . They are not hunting for blood as most people think.
Despite all the technological advancements today, no machine can smell as well as his nose. The testimony of Bloodhounds rescuing victims and pursuing criminals is used in court proceedings .. The breed is believed to have been used in the development of many other scenting breeds such as the Black and Tan Coonhound.
It’s not known when the breed was introduced to America. Legend has it that Benjamin Franklin asked about a pack Bloodhounds to help him track down marauding Indians. He was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1885. Recently he has remained in the top 50 most popular dog breeds. He is a common dog breed that is used to search for missing persons ,, but he can also be found in loving homes.
Temperament
The Bloodhound is a mixed personality, as we mentioned. Let’s first take a look at his most well-known trait. His powerful, and talented nose . is what you are most familiar with, dear readers. His job has been to find criminals, missing persons, and other objects like money and narcotics. What does all this mean? This means that his nose is always getting him in trouble and he is extremely curious.
If you have the patience to listen to his curious nose, you will be in for lots of adventures .. Although he may not be interested in doing a lot of work, he is a great lover of exploring. This breed makes a great companion for anyone who loves to ramble.
What happens when his nose isn’t working? You’ll find him on the couch with four feet to the heavens. He loves to snort his long, blond face! We call him a dual personality doggo. Super lazy at home but energetic out. He is the best of both. This is why so many families love him.
His lazy disposition in the home makes him the ideal candidate for snuggles and cuddles. This boy is a pleasure to be around. He is very close to his family but doesn’t form bonds with anyone. He will give unlimited belly rubs to anyone who is willing. Although he can be a bit shy around strangers, he will quickly warm up to them if they pay attention.
He is independent and very laid-back. He will be happy in his own company as long as he gets his exercise and his evening cuddles. For those who don’t like needy dogs, his undemanding temperament is another great asset. He is a happy, go-lucky hound until he smells a squirrel.
Finally, this hound hellishly stubborn . So much that he might just be the most stubborn of them all. He doesn’t listen to anyone, even though he tracks criminals and rescues victims. He is an independent dog and doesn’t need a human owner. He thinks so anyway. Walk away if you want an independent dog.
Size & Appearance
Bloodhounds can be large dogs. One can be large or giant-sized. He measures between 23 and 27 inches tall, and he weighs an impressive 80 to 110 pounds. Males are more dominant than females. He is the largest hound group member. The Bloodhound’s breed standard describes him as having a noble and dignified expression, characterized by power and wisdom.
His skull is a dome-shaped, long and narrow head. The ears of the Bloodhound are long and reach all the way up to their necks. They feel soft in your hands, almost like velvet. His skin is very soft and thin and has very loose ,, which wraps around his neck and face in deep folds. His eyelids make his eyes look like diamonds and sink into his skull. His eyes are brownish or hazel, and often match his coat.
His thighs and paws are muscular and thick. His tail, which is long and held high , curls towards his head but does not touch his backline. His tail is lowered to the ground when he is in scent mode. His gait is strong but free and swingy. His hound appearance is both imposing and friendly.
Coat & Colors
The Bloodhound has a dense and short coat . He sheds moderately all year, and is a bit heavier during the shedding season. His fur is straight and smooth. There are only three colors available for him: black and tan; liver and tan; and red.
His muzzle and tips of his ears, backline and tail are darker than the rest. Some Bloodhounds may have small amounts of white scattered across their bodies or on their chests and feet.
Exercise Requirements
Despite cartoon depictions, they are energetic dogs that need at least 60 minutes of exercise every day. He will be a bit more restful if he doesn’t get enough exercise. He’s not the most agile dog and would not make a good jogging buddy. He would prefer long, adventurous walks that allow him to smell many different smells. Woodland walks are a great option.
He is averagely intelligent, so don’t expect him to do too many tricks or take part in dog assault courses. He is content and enjoys long walks every day. Because he is large, it’s best to avoid high impact exercise. Especially during the first 18 months of his life.
A great place for him to have a good time is at the doggy park. You’ll be able to improve your socialization skills and mix it up. He’ll also make new friends. He’ll enjoy the company and interaction of his pack dog friends. Multi-pet households are possible. If he is well socialized, he would love to live with at least two other dogs (or more if you have the space). Although he is open to other animals, he won’t be interested in them.
Bloodhounds are very fond of children and humans. Large dogs would be better suited for families with older children. Because he is so relaxed in his home, it shouldn’t be a problem living with younger children. You should supervise your children and be aware of his thick, long, swooping tail. He is a great family pet and loves people of all sizes.
Living Conditions
The Bloodhound requires a bigger home that allows him to move around freely. To keep his sniffing needs satisfied, he needs to have access to a yard . Apartment living is an offence. He is a country man who enjoys the outdoors but prefers peace and quiet indoors.
The yard must be secure and Bloodhound-proof. He will follow his nose to places he shouldn’t be. And he will wander across 10 lanes of traffic if it means finding that scent. You must keep him safe and secure. This tenacious dog will not be able to find his way out.
Training
The Bloodhound is a stubborn dog , that you will have little success in training to make him obedient. However, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t teach basic commands to your Bloodhound. We do not recommend this breed to first-time owners. All things are done in Bloodhound time and not on anyone else’s. Sometimes he can be frustrating, but that is part of their charm. It is important to have patience, perseverance, and skill.
To increase his chances of him learning , or to find out who the boss is, enroll him in a dog obedience class. This should be done as soon as you bring him home. This will make you both laugh and teach him a few things. Positive reinforcement is the best training method. You can use food to motivate him.
*Yes, the Bloodhound is a pack-dog at heart. However, he still needs socialization just like any other dog. He will be socialized by reputable breeders as soon as he’s born. It’ll then be your responsibility to continue the process when he comes home. Introduce him to as many dogs , as possible and allow him to experience new sights, sounds, and environments.
leash Training . is another training option. We wouldn’t recommend letting the boy walk off the leash because of his scenting abilities. And with 110 pounds at the end of a line, you need to teach him how to be a polite on the leash. It will be difficult for you to walk together if he is searching for scents. If he tries to follow his nose to places he doesn’t want, his walker must be strong and able to take control.
Health
The Bloodhound is a relatively healthy dog breed, and he enjoys an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. It is important to find a reliable breeder that will produce healthy puppies to maximize your chances of your pup staying healthy. It is important to exercise your pup regularly, feed him high-quality food, and visit the vet frequently.
The Bloodhound is susceptible to certain health issues more so than other breeds. These are the most common health problems in the Bloodhound breed. Always seek out a breeder that can provide health certificates for the following issues:
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Large dog breeds are more likely to have dysplasia at the elbow and hip joints. Small dogs’ bones tend to grow faster than large dogs. As such, they can develop unevenly. The combination of uneven growth and heavy weight means that there is more joint grinding. These concerns can lead to mobility issues, pain, and eventually arthritis later in life. You should be aware of symptoms such as limb stiffness, lameness and difficulty standing or climbing stairs.
Eye Conditions
The breed is susceptible to a variety of eye problems, with ectropion or entropion the most common. This refers to the inward or outward rolling of the eyelids. It can lead to eye infections and soreness, as well as increased inflammation. If you notice redness, dry eyes, excessive drainage, redness or other symptoms, consult your veterinarian immediately.
Cardiac Concerns
This breed is facing an increase in heart disease. Cardiomyopathy, a heart disease that makes it more difficult for the dog to pump blood around its body, is called cardiomyopathy. If left untreated, it can lead to heart failure.
Skinfold Dermatitis
The Bloodhound’s loose skin, folds and folds make it a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Because of the warmth and trapped moisture. This can be prevented by a good grooming regimen and regular cleaning of the skin. However, if the infection persists, surgery may be necessary to remove the folds.
Nutrition
The Bloodhound is a large-to-giant-sized dog that eats lots of food. He will consume four to eight cup of food each day depending on his size and energy level. Bloat is a risk for this breed. Bloat is a life-threatening condition that usually occurs during mealtime. It’s especially important to notice it immediately after or before exercise. It is important to investigate it thoroughly and find out about the symptoms as well as what to do in case of an emergency.
It is important to feed him a large breed puppy kibble during puppyhood. These kibbles contain the best ratios of calcium and phosphorus, fats and vitamin D to help stabilize his rapid bone development. This will decrease the chances of him developing bone and other skeletal diseases such as joint dysplasia. Switch him from a small breed adult kibble when he is old enough.
Always feed your Bloodhound the best quality food that you can afford. High-quality kibble from a reputable brand will provide your Bloodhound a balanced diet . A balanced diet will include meat proteins, healthy carbs, fiber, omega fat acids, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. For his skin, heart health, and joints, omega fatty acids are vital.
Grooming
*The Bloodhound’s dense, shiny coat is glossy and sleek. It is straight and easy-care. You should brush him once per week in order to control his shedding. You might consider increasing his brushing to twice per week during shedding seasons. He may shed a bit more. A rubber hound mitt brush is the best for grooming. Be careful when using pin brushes on his skin.
The Bloodhound requires bathing every eight weeks . He is an extremely clean dog. He can have a strong doggy smell. To freshen their dogs between baths, owners use doggy wipes or dry shampoo to deodorize them. Use a soothing and natural shampoo that will be gentle on his skin, such as oatmeal doggy shampoos.
Because the breed is well known for loose rolls of skin, he is prone to skinfold dermatitis and other skin infections. Wipe each fold with a damp cloth or specialized doggy skinfold products to remove sweat, dirt and bacteria. This is an important part of your dog’s grooming. It can lead to infections, sore spots, and bad odor.
Clean his long ears every week with doggy ear cleaners or a damp cloth. It’s vital to clean his long ears regularly. To prevent plaque buildup and periodontal disease, brush his teeth at least once a week. If his nails are not worn down from long walks, they will need to be trimmed monthly.
Additional to the strong dog odor, there’s another thing to mention. It is a problem for many dog owners (literally!). The bloodhound is a dribbly doggo that has always had drool hanging off his chops. You might consider another breed if you don’t like drooling dogs. If you don’t mind it, make sure to have wet wipes on hand.
Breeders & Puppy Costs
Bloodhounds don’t make up the most popular breed of dog, so you will need to travel to find a reliable breeder. Expect a waiting list for puppies. This is an indication that the breeder is reliable. The average price of a puppy from a good-quality breeder is around $1,200. A puppy from an award-winning breeder can cost more.
Reputable breeders will breed healthy dogs, and screen for potential health issues. You will be more likely to adopt a loving and socialized pup from reputable breeders. Meet the mother ,, and ask lots of questions to make sure you’re ready for life with a stubborn Bloodhound.
Avoid puppy mills or bad breeders. You should be aware of signs such as sick puppies or dirty conditions that could indicate bad breeding. Do not allow them to pressure you into selling or asking for a meeting at a parking garage or similar. A great place to start your search for reputable breeders is with the AKC’s list of Bloodhound breeders and their available puppies.
A Bloodhound puppy isn’t just for Christmas; he is for an average of 10 to 12 Christmases. The ongoing costs associated with caring for a large dog are important to consider because they can be expensive. Doggy insurance is expensive as well as the cost of large crates, large coats, large crates, and other indestructible toys.
Rescues & Shelters
Buying a puppy from a breeder isn’t the only option. There are many dogs in America looking for forever homes. Why not adopt from a shelter or rescue? Talk to staff at your local rescue shelters about current Bloodhound residents. Although they might not have one at the moment, they may be able to find one at another shelter.
You can also find breed-specific shelters that rehome Bloodhounds. A great place to start is with the American Bloodhound Club who lists several Bloodhound rescues, along with contact details and other useful information.
As Family Pets
- The Bloodhound is a very stubborn dog.
- He should only live with an experienced family.
- He loves his family and is very affectionate.
- Bloodhounds need about 60 minutes of daily exercise.
- They can also be lazy after exercise, preferring late afternoon naps.
- He is quick to warm up to guests.
- Because of his independence, he doesn’t typically suffer from separation anxiety.
- Bloodhounds are an independent dog that have a strong sense of smell.
- He will tend to follow that more than your command.
- He needs a large family home and access to a secured yard.
- The Bloodhound can live with children and other dogs.
- He is very laid back and makes a great family pet.
Final Thoughts
The Bloodhound is a super stubborn dog that would frustrate many people. He is a wonderful companion for anyone with patience, experience, and knowledge. He’s energetic, playful and a joy to be around. But he also enjoys being at home. He is a balanced dog who doesn’t need to be dependent on his owners.
As long you and your Bloodhound have patience , a large home, lots of long-distance walks, and a lot of time to get along, the two of you will be fine. If you are constantly losing your keys or your phone you can train the Bloodhound to locate them for you. Although he might not be right for every family or for every dog, he is a popular choice for many dog lovers.