Bloodhound The Bloodhound is also known as: Chien St. Hubert, St. Hubert's Hound
Fast Facts
Group classification: Hound Country of origin: Belgium, England, France
Fast Facts
Group classification: Hound Country of origin: Belgium, England, France
Date of origin: Middle Ages
Weight (M): 90 - 110 lb Height (M): 25 - 27"
Weight (M): 90 - 110 lb Height (M): 25 - 27"
Life expectancy: 8 - 10 years
Weight (F): 80 - 100 lb
Weight (F): 80 - 100 lb
Height (F): 23 - 25"
General Description of the Bloodhound
The Bloodhound is a member of the Sagaces canine group, which means it hunts via scent in groups. The narrow yet long head tapers gently from the temples to the end of the muzzle. The diamond shaped eyes are very deep set, with the bottoms sunk down by heavy flews; color can be anywhere from yellow to deep brown and often depends on the coat color of the dog. Ears are very long and low-set, soft and thin. Because the skin is so loose, the head can take on a wrinkled appearance. Around the muzzle the dewlap is strong and pronounced. The dog's long, muscular neck slopes back to a strong, well-muscled body. The tail is long, slightly curved and high-set. The coat is short and can be red, black and tan, or liver and tan. The Bloodhound possesses the most acute sense of smell of any canine.
Bloodhound Temperament
The Bloodhound is gentle, affectionate and dignified. The breed is ideal for families with children, though it is important that young children are not too rough in their play, as in all likelihood the Bloodhound will placidly allow children to climb and pull it. These dogs are more energetic in their younger years and require lots of activity when puppies. They can exhibit stubborn tendencies, and need an owner who can administer firm training with a gentle touch. Always keep your Bloodhound on a leash when walking, as an interesting scent can cause the dog to run off at any time. Though hardly the most playful of breeds, the Bloodhound will enthusiastically devour any task that involves tracking or scenting, and is easy to train in these areas.
Caring for a Bloodhound
The Bloodhound is a moderately active breed and should be given the opportunity to exercise in a safe area every day. Be careful, though, as the dog may bound off unexpectedly on a new scent. Bloodhounds are simple to groom and require only periodic brushing, more so during the heavier shedding season. To keep your Bloodhound's coat shiny, simply rub over it with a rubber glove. You can also use a soft chamois cloth. The ears will need regular attention because they are so large. Make sure they are kept clean and free from mites and dirt. You might find that your Bloodhound has a distinct odor. This may be remedied with a regular bathing with a gentle, moisturizing shampoo. Also, there are new products on the market that serve as "doggie colognes" and can mask some of the smell. Health concerns for this breed include hip and elbow dysplasia, skin-fold dermatitis, ectropion, entropion and gastric torsion. Hypothyroidism is also occasionally seen.
General Description of the Bloodhound
The Bloodhound is a member of the Sagaces canine group, which means it hunts via scent in groups. The narrow yet long head tapers gently from the temples to the end of the muzzle. The diamond shaped eyes are very deep set, with the bottoms sunk down by heavy flews; color can be anywhere from yellow to deep brown and often depends on the coat color of the dog. Ears are very long and low-set, soft and thin. Because the skin is so loose, the head can take on a wrinkled appearance. Around the muzzle the dewlap is strong and pronounced. The dog's long, muscular neck slopes back to a strong, well-muscled body. The tail is long, slightly curved and high-set. The coat is short and can be red, black and tan, or liver and tan. The Bloodhound possesses the most acute sense of smell of any canine.
Bloodhound Temperament
The Bloodhound is gentle, affectionate and dignified. The breed is ideal for families with children, though it is important that young children are not too rough in their play, as in all likelihood the Bloodhound will placidly allow children to climb and pull it. These dogs are more energetic in their younger years and require lots of activity when puppies. They can exhibit stubborn tendencies, and need an owner who can administer firm training with a gentle touch. Always keep your Bloodhound on a leash when walking, as an interesting scent can cause the dog to run off at any time. Though hardly the most playful of breeds, the Bloodhound will enthusiastically devour any task that involves tracking or scenting, and is easy to train in these areas.
Caring for a Bloodhound
The Bloodhound is a moderately active breed and should be given the opportunity to exercise in a safe area every day. Be careful, though, as the dog may bound off unexpectedly on a new scent. Bloodhounds are simple to groom and require only periodic brushing, more so during the heavier shedding season. To keep your Bloodhound's coat shiny, simply rub over it with a rubber glove. You can also use a soft chamois cloth. The ears will need regular attention because they are so large. Make sure they are kept clean and free from mites and dirt. You might find that your Bloodhound has a distinct odor. This may be remedied with a regular bathing with a gentle, moisturizing shampoo. Also, there are new products on the market that serve as "doggie colognes" and can mask some of the smell. Health concerns for this breed include hip and elbow dysplasia, skin-fold dermatitis, ectropion, entropion and gastric torsion. Hypothyroidism is also occasionally seen.
More Infor
Bloodhounds are large powerful dogs that appear much tougher than they actually are. Their loose skin looks like it is oversized for their bodies. They have long muzzles and drooping ears and rather sorrowful looking expressions. For their size, Bloodhounds have very powerful shoulders and backs and make good work dogs. Their coats are dense and short and vary in color. Some of the colors that can be found include solid red, tawny, tan with black, and tan with liver. Sometimes, Male dogs are generally 25-27 inches (63-69 cm) tall and weigh 90-110 pounds (41-50 kg). Female dogs are generally 23-25 inches (58-63 cm) tall and weigh 80-100 pounds (36-45 kg). The life expectancy of these dogs is about 10-12 years.
Shy, gentle, loyal, affectionate, and sensitive are all terms that can be used to describe the temperament of Bloodhounds. They are very devoted and loving toward their owners and get along well with other people and dogs as well. Bloodhounds are particularly gentle and lovable around children and make great family pets and companions. Their good nature will allow them to be patient with children and they rarely show any vicious tendencies. These dogs love attention but care should be taken that children do not injure these dogs or agitate them by playing too rough or for too long of a time period. Because Bloodhounds tend to be timid and reserved they do not make good watchdogs and at times their mournful howls may irritate the neighbors.
