Hound group
Bloodhound
The ultimate nose — gentle, patient and famously drooly.
Bloodhounds are large, wrinkled scent hounds with the most powerful sense of smell of any dog. They are gentle and affectionate but stubborn, strong and prone to drool, and they need patient owners with space.
- Height
- 23–27 in58–69 cm
- Weight
- 80–110 lb36–50 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10–12 years
- Size
- Large
- Group
- Hound
- Origin
- Belgium and England
Coat: Short, thin coat on loose, wrinkled skin. Colours: Black and tan, Liver and tan, Red.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
Bloodhounds are kind, patient and friendly with people, children and other dogs. They are rarely aggressive and usually make poor guard dogs.
Once on a scent, they are single-minded and nearly impossible to call back. They are strong pullers and slow to mature, and their stubbornness makes training a long project.
Living with a Bloodhound
Exercise
Needs an hour or more of daily walking, ideally with tracking or scent games on a long line.
Grooming
Weekly brushing, daily wiping of wrinkles and jowls, and weekly ear cleaning. Expect lots of drool.
Training
Stubborn and scent-driven; patience and food rewards help. Start loose-lead walking early — adults are powerful.
Kids & other pets
Gentle and patient with children, though their size can knock toddlers over. Good with other dogs.
Time alone
Tolerates moderate alone time but may howl or chew. Secure fencing is essential.
Home fit
Best suited to a house with secure outdoor space; apartment living is hard on this breed and its neighbours.
Is a Bloodhound right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Bloodhound matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a Bloodhound typically lives 10–12 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)
Bloodhounds are one of the breeds at highest risk; feed smaller meals and know the warning signs.
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Screened parents reduce the risk of joint disease.
Eyelid problems
Entropion and ectropion are common and may need surgery.
Ear infections
Long, heavy ears trap moisture and debris; clean weekly.
Skin fold dermatitis
Deep wrinkles need regular cleaning to prevent infection.
Ask a breeder for
- Hip and elbow evaluation
- Eye examination
- Cardiac examination
Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Bloodhound; American Bloodhound Club. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.
Cost to own
After the first year, expect roughly $1,500–$3,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).
- Food, medication and anaesthesia are dosed by weight, so every vet visit costs more for a big dog.
- Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
History
Bloodhounds descend from the St. Hubert hounds bred by monks at the Abbey of Saint-Hubert in Belgium around 1000 AD. Normans brought them to England, where they were used to track deer and, later, people.
Their trailing ability is so reliable that Bloodhound evidence has been accepted in American courts. The AKC recognised the breed in 1885.
Did you know?
- A Bloodhound named Tigger held the Guinness record for the longest ears on a dog, each over 13 in long.
- Bloodhounds can follow trails more than a week old.
- Their name refers to “blooded” (purebred) hounds, not to blood.
Library guides for Bloodhound owners
Training
Heel and Loose-Leash Walking
A strong Bloodhound needs loose-lead manners early.
Exercise & Play
Fetch
A fast way to meet a high exercise need.
Exercise & Play
Tug of War
An energy outlet that also builds impulse control.
Grooming
Ear Cleaning
Ear care matters for this coat and ear type.
Exercise & Play
Dog Walking
Getting daily walks right for a Bloodhound.
Grooming
Nail Clipping
Every dog needs regular nail care.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Are Bloodhounds good family dogs?
- Yes — they are gentle and patient, but large, drooly and stubborn.
- Do Bloodhounds drool a lot?
- Yes, a great deal. Keep towels handy.
- Are Bloodhounds easy to train?
- No. They are intelligent but stubborn and scent-driven.