Bloodhound

The origins of the Bloodhound are somewhat mysterious, but some experts believe the breed was known around the ancient Mediterranean. In the third century, the scholar Aelian referenced a hound in his 'Historia Animalium' with unmatched scenting abilities, so dedicated to tracking that it wouldn't stop until the prey was found. Bloodhounds are thought to be the oldest scent-hunting hound and played a key role in the development of other hound breeds, like the Black and Tan Coonhound.

The breed as we know it today was refined in Western Europe about a thousand years ago, thanks to the efforts of high-ranking members of the pre-Reformation church. During medieval times, bishops and church leaders maintained packs of hounds, carefully bred by monks in well-funded monasteries in England and France. These carefully bred dogs became known as "blooded hounds," meaning they were of aristocratic blood.

1. Bloodhound History- Source: Wikipedia

Over the centuries, Bloodhounds earned a reputation as unmatched trackers. Law enforcement agencies worldwide have relied on these strong, determined dogs to follow human scents, whether tracking a criminal, a lost child, or a missing senior.

A Bloodhound’s dedication to its work is extraordinary, often pursuing a trail over long distances and challenging terrains for hours or even days. Despite advances in technology, no man-made scenting device can rival the accuracy of the Bloodhound's nose.

Bloodhounds are gentle and affectionate, making them excellent family companions. Known for their calm and patient demeanor, they show remarkable loyalty and devotion to their owners. Their exceptional sense of smell makes them outstanding trackers, often used in search and rescue. Their amiable disposition and laid-back nature make them a great addition to any household or working environment.

• Potential Challenge

One challenge with Bloodhounds is their strong tracking instinct. They can easily get distracted by scents during walks or outdoor activities. This makes leash training a must. Their independent nature can also be tough for new owners. Bloodhounds need consistent and patient training to manage their stubbornness. Early socialization is important to help them become confident, well-adjusted dogs.

The Bloodhound is a large, sturdy dog with a solid back for its size. Its head is long and narrow compared to its height, and it has an incredibly sensitive black nose. The breed has deep-set golden or hazel eyes, giving it a sad expression. This is because the heavy upper eyelids pull down the lower lids, creating a droopy look.

• Size

Male Bloodhounds usually stand 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 90 and 110 pounds. Females are slightly smaller, with a height of 23 to 25 inches and a weight range of 80 to 100 pounds.

• Coat color

The Bloodhound’s coat is loose and feels thin to the touch. It has deep folds around the neck and head, especially when the head is lowered. Bloodhounds can be black and tan, liver and tan, or red. Their coats may also have darker colors mixed with lighter or badger-colored hairs, or be flecked with white.

1. Black and Tan Bloodhound- Source: AKC
2. Brown Bloodhound- Source: bloodhound_dog_page
3. Liver Bloodhound- Source: chakoandchloe

The primary difference between male and female Bloodhounds is their size. Males are generally larger than females, but there are no other significant differences between the genders.

For a Bloodhound, the recommended daily amount of high-quality dry food is 4 to 8 cups, split into two meals. The actual amount needed can vary based on factors like size, age, metabolism, and activity level. More active Bloodhounds will require more food than those who are less active.

Choosing high-quality dog food is important as it provides better nutrition, allowing you to feed less while still meeting your dog’s needs. To keep your Bloodhound healthy and maintain their weight, measure their food and feed them twice daily instead of leaving food out constantly.

Bloodhounds, like all breeds, can be prone to certain health issues, though not every dog will experience these conditions. If you're considering this breed, it's important to be aware of these potential health concerns and to choose a responsible breeder who provides health clearances for both of the puppy’s parents.

Here are some common health concerns in Bloodhounds:

• Hip Dysplasia: This hereditary condition occurs when the thighbone doesn't fit properly into the hip joint, leading to pain and lameness. To prevent this, X-ray screening should be used to detect the condition early, and affected dogs should not be used for breeding.
• Elbow Dysplasia: This condition results from irregular growth rates of the bones in the elbow joint, causing painful lameness. Prevention includes choosing a breeder who screens for this condition and may involve treatment options such as surgery or pain management.
• Hypothyroidism: This is caused by a deficiency of thyroid hormone, leading to signs like infertility, obesity, mental dullness, and changes in skin and coat. It can be managed with thyroid replacement medication. Ensuring the puppy's parents are tested for thyroid issues can help prevent the condition.
• Ectropion: This condition involves the outward rolling or sagging of the eyelid, which can lead to irritation and infections. Severe cases may require surgical correction. Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify and address this issue early.
• Epilepsy: This seizure disorder can be hereditary or of unknown origin. It can be managed with medication. Select a breeder who screens for epilepsy to reduce the risk of this condition.
• Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus: This life-threatening condition affects large, deep-chested dogs, especially those with certain eating habits. Immediate veterinary attention is crucial if bloat is suspected. Preventive measures include feeding smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding vigorous exercise right after eating.
• Fold Dermatitis: This skin infection is caused by friction or trapped moisture in skin folds. Proper maintenance and care, including regular cleaning of the skin folds, can help prevent this condition.

When acquiring a Bloodhound puppy, ensure that the parents have been tested and cleared of these conditions. Early socialization, proper healthcare, and regular veterinary check-ups are key to maintaining a healthy and happy Bloodhound.

Bloodhounds thrive in homes with plenty of interaction and a large fenced yard. Known escape artists, need fences at least six feet high, as underground electronic fences won’t contain their strong tracking drive. Leash training is essential since they pull hard while walking, and they require long daily walks. 

Crate training helps with housetraining and preventing mischief. Due to their height, counter-surfing is common, so keep food and valuables out of reach. Providing chew toys and regular exercise helps prevent destructive behavior. Bloodhounds are independent, so training can be challenging, but positive reinforcement works best in short, fun sessions.

Weekly brushing with a rubber hound mitt maintains their coat, and more frequent grooming is needed during shedding. Their wrinkles should be cleaned regularly to prevent infections, and after meals, the hanging lip needs cleaning. Their ears trap dirt, making weekly cleaning essential to prevent infections. Also, brush their teeth two to three times a week and trim their nails monthly. Start grooming early to ease vet visits.

Bloodhound rescue groups specialize in finding homes for Bloodhounds in need, often due to abandonment or owners unable to care for them. These organizations work to rehabilitate and rehome Bloodhounds, ensuring they are matched with loving families who understand the breed's unique needs. If you're considering adopting, contacting a Bloodhound rescue is a great way to give one of these gentle dogs a second chance.

Southeast Bloodhound Rescue

americanbloodhoundclub.org

When looking to buy a Bloodhound, it's important to choose a reputable breeder who follows ethical breeding practices. Responsible breeders prioritize the health and temperament of their dogs, performing necessary health screenings to prevent hereditary conditions. Avoid puppy mills or unreliable sellers, and instead, seek breeders who provide health clearances and allow you to meet the puppy's parents to ensure a healthy and well-adjusted Bloodhound.

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• Bloodhounds are renowned for their exceptional sense of smell, able to track scents over long distances. With around 230 million olfactory cells, compared to a human's 5 million, their sniffing ability is unmatched.
• They have appeared in a movie called “The Beverly Hillbillies”.

1. Duke in The Beverly Hillbillies- Source: IMDb

• Singer Elvis Presley a Bloodhound named Sherlock, highlights his love for dogs.

1. Elvis Presley with his Bloodhound- Source: Holden Luntz Gallery

• Bloodhound has appeared in the Breed Judging Show 2024.

Bloodhounds are best suited for active individuals or families with large, secure yards who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or long walks. They thrive with experienced dog owners who can provide consistent training and manage their strong scent-tracking instincts. Their gentle, loyal nature also makes them great companions for those seeking a devoted, affectionate pet.