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A familiar looking wrinkly and long eared dog, the Bloodhound breed is more than one thousand years old at present. Originally bred in Belgium by the monks of St. Hubert, the monks selectively bred Bloodhounds with other hounds to perfect the scenting ability of this great breed. Bloodhounds were brought into England and eventually America. Bloodhounds have the strongest scenting ability of all hounds and are known for the ability to track scents over long distances that may be days old.

Today, Bloodhounds are bred for the specific purpose of tracking human beings and are used to track victims of disasters or used by the police to track down suspects. Part of the Bloodhound history includes being used in the United States to track down runaway slaves. However, Bloodhounds are not hunters. They do not enjoy killing the prey, just capturing it. They will surround the prey and bay to let the master know its location. Male Bloodhounds will grow to between 25 and 27 inches and weigh 90 to 110 pounds. Female Bloodhounds will average 23 to 25 inches in height and 80 to 100 in weight. This large breed of dog will live about 10 to 12 years.

Bloodhounds have shorthaired coats that are easy to care for and can be black and tan, liver and tan and red and tawny. However, even with regular cleaning, Bloodhounds are sometimes described as having a strong ‘dog’ odor that will not go away. Bloodhounds tend to drool more than most dogs, and are also prone to howl and snore more as well. Described as kind, patient and affectionate, Bloodhounds are a good family dog and do well with children. In fact, many Bloodhounds will allow children to climb all over and will not react in any way. However, exercise caution when Bloodhounds are around children. This large dog may knock over smaller children accidentally.

Bloodhounds need firm and consistent training since they can be strong-minded. This is especially true (and especially important) when out with a Bloodhound, as they will take off after a scent that has caught their attention. Bloodhounds can live in any environment, provided they are exercised at least once a day. Bloodhounds can have medical problems including bloat, stomach cramps, hip dysplasia and ear infections. A padded bed is recommended to avoid calluses on the joints. Some tend to get entropion, where the eyelids turn inward.

nice video with celt music

Kid and dog will sing

The Bloodhound or St. Hubert Hound is an ancient breed that dates back over 1500 years. The name Bloodhound refers to their pure blood and pure breeding standards. This large scent hound ways between 70-115 pounds and measures 23″ to 27″ in length. They are known for their excellent tracking ability that can be matched by no other dog.

In fact, it is due to this innate, unmatched tracking ability that they are the only dogs whose tracking testimony is permitted in the court of law. Tracking trails performed by police Bloodhounds are permissible in court. A Bloodhound by the name of Nick Carter is credited for finding over 600 criminals. He reportedly once followed a trail that was over 100 hours old to catch a fugitive. Sherlock Holmes was often referred to as the human Bloodhound because of his excellent investigative work.

Bloodhounds are recognized by the AKC. Their permissible coat colors include liver and tan, black and tan, or red and tawny. White flecks or a small amount of white on the chest and feet is allowed. Their short, smooth and hard coat is easy to groom and requires only minimal grooming with a hound glove. They only need bathed when necessary.

Although energetic and intense when working, the Bloodhound is gentle and friendly when they are home with their family. They are laid back and easy going when they are not working and are wonderful with children. They do best with other dogs and pets that they are raised with from puppyhood. This is particularly true for non-canine pets as they have an innate tracking/chasing drive. They tend to be head strong and are difficult to train.

No matter how well trained they are, if they find an interesting scent to follow, they will follow it until they are satisfied and will only stop when they are ready to stop no matter how many times you call them. For this reason they should be walked on a leash and kept in a fenced in yard. Even though they are not a high energy dog at home, they still require regular exercise and play. They love time to explore outside and are best in homes with a yard. They are not meant for apartment life.

The Bloodhounds ancestry dates back over 1500 years. They are often called St. Hubert Hounds because the St. Hubert monks in Belgium are credited with perfecting the breed to what we know it as today. They were brought to the United States from England. They were traditionally considered hunting and tracking dogs and are still used for these things today as well as police work and family companionship.

Perfect as hunting dog or companion dog for active families, the Bloodhound is an intelligent, curious breed that loves to explore the countryside with their family by day and relax inside with their family by night. Good with children, the Bloodhound works well with family life. If you are a family that enjoys outdoor activities and are looking for a dog to share in all aspects of family life, the Bloodhound might be a good choice for you.

We begin this article with the basic facts about the breed, then follow up with an in-depth look at their personality.

Breed group: Hounds

Weight: male: 90-110, female: 80-100 lbs

Height: male: 25-27, female: 23-25 inches

Overview

Bloodhounds are an ancient dog breed, and its origin is not entirely known. It is however known that they have been perfected by monks in Belgium. The Normans first brought these dogs into England and the United States. Bloodhound is hunting dogs, but they love tracking more. Seeing that these dogs are scent hounds, they will loose interest quickly and rather follow the scent. These dogs are often used as companion and tracking dogs, especially to track down game, lost children and criminals.

Temperament

The Bloodhound is a gentle, tolerant, dignified, easy-going and adorable dog. They love to show affection, and are very good with children. They are good natured companion dogs that will allow children to climb all over them. The Bloodhound is very fond of attention, especially from children. Children should be taught however to not hurt these dogs as these dogs will not object at all. This breed full of energy, and are very lively especially when still young. These dogs have a tendency to be disobedient, but are very gentle in general. Bloodhounds will get along with everyone, and will welcome wanted and unwanted guests without warmly. Some will however bark to let you know when strangers are in the vicinity. They will get along fairly well with other dogs and pets in the family – they do however have a tendency to drool and snore quite a bit. The Bloodhound is able to go after any scent, even a human scent. This is a very uncommon ability in any dog. It is known that these dogs can follow trails that are over 100 years old. They will also stay on a trail for over 100 miles because they are so determined. These dogs should however be fenced in, otherwise they will wander off. Most Bloodhounds can not be walked off the leash.

Care

The Bloodhound does not require a lot of maintenance, but it is important to clean under the folds of their skin to avoid dry and itchy skin. They should also be brushed often to remove any excessive and dead hair, as they can shed a lot on a seasonal basis. This breed has long and droopy ears, and it should be cleaned frequently to avoid ears that are infected and painful.

Training

The Bloodhound should be trained in a firm, but also gentle manner. They can be stubborn, but owners of these dogs should be patient.

It is very important to be consistent when training these dogs, as they will know how to get around training by their pitiable looks. Although these dogs are not very obedient, they are very calm animals. They will often make their own decision rather than following the orders of their trainers.

Health problems

Although this is a fairly tough breed, they do have a few health conditions potential owners should be aware of such as hip dysplasia, gastric torsion, and elbow dysplasia, inversion of the eyelids and also excessive skin folds and wrinkles.

Dog picture taken by SuperFantastic.

Molly trying to talk (Bark)

He has dog boots on and this is how he walks.

Bloodhound

Although the bloodhound is one of those dogs that has a lazy facial expression and is often found lying around the house, do not let these characteristics fool you. This dog can be an extremely focused and energetic tracker once he catches a trail scent. And the bloodhound is known to be very independent, tough, and often times a bit stubborn.  However, he is also one of the most gentle dog breeds a family can have under their roof.

Bloodhounds are not considered to be the most easiest of training dogs, however, if you want to teach your dog about trailing tasks, the bloodhound is the number one choice.  When it comes to being a family pet, this dog can be a friendly companion to have around the house.  whom fair well with children.

Upkeep And Maintenance

Due to its programed genetics for hunting, the bloodhound does need an average amount of daily exercise.  And although it spends most of its time being lazy and sleeping in the yard, its energy reserves can get put in full motion when on the trail. And be sure that when you are training the bloodhound he is in a safe area and cannot wander off as they some times do when their attention is focused on something.

Because of its large facial features and heavy wrinkles, the bloodhound needs to be groomed on daily basis.  You must give extra cleaning care to the ears and the flaps around the eyes and gums.  When it comes to its short-haired coat, upkeep is typically minimal, with just the occasional brushing now and again.

The bloodhound can be the ideal indoor or outdoor pet. And although it prefers mild temperatures, it can withstand hotter climates so long as there is plenty of shade and soft bedding to rest in. For those of you who are obsessed with a clean house, make note that the bloodhound can be a bit on the messy side.

Health Information

Since the bloodhound is a larger breed than most other dogs, its lifespan only lasts between seven and ten years. The major health concerns that are typical in this breed are CHD, gastric torsion, ectropion, otitis externa, elbow dysplasia, and skin-fold dermatitis. Minor issues in which you should ask your veterinarian to look out for is hypothyroidism.

History

Bloodhounds were called Sleuth-hounds in stories from the Medieval era. Some think that bloodhounds came with William the Conqueror of Normandy to England. When the Romans came to the Britain in 55 B.C.,  they reported that they saw huge scent-hounds.

In the 8th century St Hubert mated hounds that many think of as the start of the real bloodhound. These were black canines with fawn and red marks. Hubert’s brand of hound made it to England in 1066 A.D. and were given to royalty. Talbot hounds (white)  were already there and were mated with the newcomers. The Bloodhound has been in the U.S. for over a century.

General Appearance

 Bloodhound’s bones are unusually thick compared to their length. Their skin is loose. Their ears are droopy and the muzzle is lengthy. Their facial expression is sad. Bloodhounds are big and strong.

Is This Your Breed?

These are affectionate dogs. Still, they like to be in charge. The owner has to be gentle, but firm. These dogs need weekly grooming to remove dead fur. A frequent bath helps to stop doggy odor. Clean the ears routinely. They need robust exercise often. They need 2-3 small meals each day.

Coat

The coat is short and smooth.

Color

 Bloodhounds colors are liver and tan, red, and black and tan.

Locomotion

This dog’s walk swings freely. It is elastic in appearance. The rear goes up, but not too far up.

Personality

Bloodhounds are gentle and faithful. They socialize well with people and other dogs. They are good with children. They aren’t good watch or guard dogs because of they are reserved.

Bloodhound video:

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