Bloodhound

Breed Type: Hound
Common nicknames: St. Hubert Hound, Sleuth Hound
Coat: Smooth
Hypoallergenic: No, they will likely trigger allergies.
Temperament: Affectionate, loyal, gentle, stubborn
Life expectancy: 10-12 years
Color & patterns: Liver and tan
Hero image
Bloodhound - Liver and tan
Bloodhound - Liver and tan
Bloodhounds are sights to behold, with droopy ears and wrinkled faces that exude an air of kindness and compassion. These large dogs can be imposing in size, but are big softies at heart. These pups are famous for their incredible sense of smell and love nothing more than following their noses to the ends of the earth (or at least to the nearest squirrel). Their large, soulful eyes may make them look a bit sad, but they’re actually incredibly friendly and love to play. Bloodhounds are loyal and gentle dogs who are great companions for families with children or other pets. They are intelligent and easy to train, making them popular choices for search and rescue operations. And while they may be known for their tracking abilities, Bloodhounds are also very affectionate and love nothing more than snuggling up with their owners for a good snooze. They’re big, but they’ll always have an even bigger place in your heart.

Bloodhound characteristics

Learn about about Bloodhound basics like their fur colors, shedding levels, how much grooming they need, and other Bloodhound facts.

Average height

23-27 inches (58.4-68.6cm)

Average weight

75-121 pounds (34.0-54.9 kg)

Average lifespan

10-12 years

Grooming needs
OccasionallyFrequently
Full-grown size
Teeny tinySuper size
Good with cats
Likely to chaseHey, new pal!
Good with kids
Needs lots of supervisionReady to play
Training Aptitude
HeadstrongEager to please
Do Bloodhounds drool?

Yes, Bloodhounds drool. Due to their loose jowls and big, floppy lips, they can produce quite a bit of drool, especially after eating or drinking.

Do Bloodhounds shed?

Yes, Bloodhounds shed. Their short, dense coats shed year-round, but it’s usually manageable with regular brushing to remove loose fur and minimize shedding.

How big do Bloodhounds get?

Bloodhounds are a big breed. On average, they stand around 23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 80 to 110 pounds. However, some Bloodhounds can be larger, depending on genetics and overall health.

What does a Bloodhound look like?

A Bloodhound has a distinctive appearance with a large head, long, hanging ears, and loose, wrinkled skin, especially around the face and neck. They have deep-set eyes and a pronounced muzzle. Their short and dense coats typically come in shades of black and tan, liver and tan, or red.

What is a Bloodhound?

A Bloodhound is a large breed of dog known for their incredible sense of smell and tracking abilities. They have a distinctive appearance with long, droopy ears and loose, wrinkled skin.

What are Bloodhounds used for?

Bloodhounds are primarily used for tracking and trailing scents. They’re often employed by law enforcement agencies to locate missing persons, fugitives, and even lost pets. Their keen sense of smell allows them to follow a trail that might be days old, making them invaluable in search and rescue operations.

How long do Bloodhounds live?

Bloodhounds generally live between 10 to 12 years. Of course, this can vary based on factors such as genetics, diet, and overall health care.

When is a Bloodhound fully grown?

A Bloodhound is usually considered fully grown at around 18 to 24 months old. This is when they reach their full size and physical maturity. However, they may continue to mature mentally and develop their tracking skills with proper training and experience.

Bloodhound history

Learn about where this Bloodhound came from!

Where are Bloodhounds from?

The modern Bloodhound comes from Belgium. They can be traced back to the Middle Ages when their ancestors, the St. Hubert Hounds, were bred at the St. Hubert Monastery and brought to Britain by Normans in the 1000s.

Bloodhound temperament

Learn about about the Bloodhound temperament and how well they fit into your lifestyle, home environment, and family.

Are Bloodhounds good with kids?

Yes, Bloodhounds can be good with kids. They’re typically patient and tolerant, but due to their large size and sometimes enthusiastic nature, it’s important to supervise interactions between Bloodhounds and young children to ensure everyone stays safe. Teaching children how to properly approach and handle dogs is also crucial to ensure positive experiences for both the dog and the child, as is teaching dogs how to interact gently with children.

Are Bloodhounds aggressive?

No, Bloodhounds are not typically aggressive dogs. They’re generally gentle and friendly, both with people and other animals. However, like any breed, individual Bloodhounds can exhibit aggressive behavior if they’re not properly socialized or trained or if they feel threatened. Early socialization and training are crucial to ensuring a well-behaved and balanced Bloodhound.

If you are concerned by any signs of aggression or reactivity in your dog, be sure to address it promptly with the help of a professional trainer or behaviorist. Pain, discomfort, or underlying medical conditions can sometimes contribute to changes in a dog’s behavior, so it may also be worth visiting a vet to rule out their health as a cause for signs of aggressive behavior.

Are Bloodhounds easy to train?

Bloodhounds can be challenging to train. They’re independent thinkers and can be stubborn at times.

However, training any dog takes substantial time and effort, regardless of breed. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewards and praise, they can learn and excel in various training activities. While they may not be the easiest breed to train, they are certainly capable with the right approach.

Do Bloodhounds bark a lot?

No, Bloodhounds are not known for barking a lot. They’re generally a more laid-back and calm breed. However, they may bark to alert their family to something unusual or if they’re excited.

Are Bloodhounds good pets?

Yes, Bloodhounds are good pets for the right person or family. They’re affectionate, loyal, and have a gentle nature. However, they require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. Their strong tracking instincts mean they enjoy activities that engage their sense of smell, such as tracking games or scent work.

Are Bloodhounds good with other dogs?

Yes, Bloodhounds can get along well with other dogs, especially if they’re socialized from a young age. They have a friendly and sociable nature, but as with any breed, individual personalities can vary. Proper introductions and socialization can help ensure harmonious interactions between Bloodhounds and other dogs.

Are Bloodhounds smart?

Yes, Bloodhounds are smart dogs. They have an excellent sense of smell and are known for their tracking abilities. However, their intelligence can sometimes be overshadowed by their strong instincts and independent nature. They may not always follow commands blindly but prefer to think things through on their own terms.

Are Bloodhounds good guard dogs?

No, Bloodhounds are not typically considered good guard dogs. They’re more likely to greet strangers with enthusiasm rather than suspicion. However, their size and bark might deter potential intruders simply due to their presence.

Are Bloodhounds good apartment dogs?

Bloodhounds can adapt to apartments, but they’re not ideal for them as large dogs who require a fair amount of space to move around and exercise. Plus, their deep bark can be quite loud in close quarters, which might not be appreciated by neighbors. If you live in an apartment, you’ll need to ensure your Bloodhound gets plenty of outdoor exercise to keep them happy and healthy.

Are Bloodhounds loyal?

Yes, Bloodhounds are loyal. They are known for forming strong bonds with their family members and are devoted companions. Their affectionate nature and desire to be close to their people make them great family pets.

Are Bloodhounds good for first-time pet parents?

Bloodhounds can be challenging for first-time pet parents due to their independent nature and stubborn streak. While they’re loving and loyal, they require consistent training, socialization, and a firm yet gentle approach. If you’re committed to providing them with the time and effort they need, a Bloodhound can be a rewarding companion, but they might not be the best choice for someone completely new to dog parenting.

Do Bloodhounds like to cuddle?

Yes, many Bloodhounds like to cuddle. Their affectionate nature means they often seek out physical closeness and enjoy spending quality time with their family members.

Are Bloodhounds good with cats?

Yes, Bloodhounds can be good with cats, though depending on the dog you might find one that enjoys giving chase to the cat. Some Bloodhounds can coexist peacefully with cats, especially if they’re introduced to them at a young age and trained to respect their feline family members. Careful supervision and proper introductions are essential when introducing a Bloodhound to a household with cats.

Are Bloodhounds lazy?

Yes, Bloodhounds have a reputation for being a bit lazy. They can be quite content lounging around the house, especially after a good exercise session. But these dogs still require regular physical activity to maintain their health and prevent weight gain. So, while they may enjoy a lazy day here and there, they still need their daily dose of activity to thrive.

Bloodhound health

Learn about about the Bloodhound health outlook and what diseases they may be prone to at various stages of their life.

Do Bloodhounds have health issues?

Like many purebred dogs, Bloodhounds can be prone to certain health issues. Some of the common health concerns associated with Bloodhounds include: 

  • Hip and/or elbow dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from adequately meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Though the main complication with hip dysplasia is joint instability, the abnormalities present in elbow dysplasia often result in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause a variety of issues, such as pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can be done to fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis. If you are rescuing a Bloodhound, have them checked out by a vet to see if they have or are prone to getting dysplasia, so you know what they will be able to handle regarding activities and exercise.

  • Patellar luxation: Also known as slipped kneecaps, patellar luxation is a common problem in many dog breeds. It occurs when slight abnormalities cause the knee joint to slide in and out of place. This can cause pain and occasional lameness. Surgical treatment is available for severe cases although many dogs lead normal lives without treatment.

  • Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a thyroid malfunction that results in low hormone production and could cause obesity, low energy, and a brittle coat.

  • Eye problems: Eye issues that could affect Bloodhounds include entropion, a genetic defect where one or both eyelids are inverted or roll inward and rub on the surface of the eye; ectropion, a condition where the eyelid rolls outward; dry eye; and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a progressive degenerative disease affecting the retina that eventually leads to blindness.

  • Others: ear infections due to their floppy ears and skin problems. 

Regular veterinary check-ups, proper diet, and exercise can help mitigate some of these health risks.

Are Bloodhounds hypoallergenic?

No, Bloodhounds are not hypoallergenic. They shed and produce dander, which can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. If you or someone in your household has allergies, a Bloodhound might not be the best choice unless proper measures are taken to manage allergens.

Do Bloodhounds stink?

Bloodhounds’ skin folds and ears can sometimes trap dirt and moisture, which can contribute to an odor. Regular grooming, including cleaning their ears and skin folds, can help keep them smelling fresh. Proper hygiene and care are essential in managing any potential odor issues with Bloodhounds.

Can Bloodhounds see?

Yes, Bloodhounds can see. Their deep-set eyes and droopy eyelids can give them a somewhat sleepy or hazy appearance, but they can see well enough to navigate their surroundings. Their primary strength lies in their sense of smell rather than their eyesight.

Popular Bloodhound mixes

A few common Bloodhound mixes include:

  • Labloodhound (Bloodhound + Labrador Retriever)

  • Bloodahouli (Bloodhound + Catahoula)

  • Bloodhound Beagle (Bloodhound + Beagle)

  • Doberman Bloodhound (Bloodhound + Doberman)

Bloodhound Mixes picture

Find Bloodhound puppies near you

Adopting a Bloodhound

Learn about acquiring a Bloodhound - the pros and cons of adopting versus going through a breeder, and associated costs.