Bloodhound

80-100 lbs
23-25"
Europe
St. Hubert Hound, Chien St. Hubert, Flemish Hound

The Bloodhound is a very kind, patient and loveable dog. He is great with children and will put up with pretty much anything they do, from climbing all over him to pulling his ears! They love attention and are devoted to their owners, but they do need a firm hand as they are quite strong willed. They are not very obedient, and are easily side-tracked by interesting scent trails! They need to know at an early age that you are the leader of the pack; weak owners orders will be ignored. They socialise well with people and other dogs. They belong to a group of dogs who hunt together by scent, known as Sagaces. Although a hunting dog, they are not killers, they are content to find the prey but will not attack. They enjoy the company of other dogs and are tolerant of cats. They are a big strong dog, so need exercising daily, and are known for their incredible stamina to walk for hours at a time. They do require a fenced yard as they stray often. Apartment living is possible with a Bloodhound but they will need daily walks to compensate for no yard and if they howl it could test your neighbor’s patience. Bloodhounds are easy to groom, with a smooth shorthaired coat, and with a rub dry with a rough towel after bathing, their coat will gleam. They are droolers though, and tend to snore and howl. More amazing is the fact that testimony of a Bloodhound’s man trailing results is acceptable in almost any court.

purpose Purpose
tracking game
history Date of Origin
middle ages
ancestry Ancestry
flemish hound, talbot hound

Bloodhound Health

Sketch of Bloodhound
Average Size
Male Bloodhound size stats
Height: 25-27 inches Weight: 90-110 lbs
Female Bloodhound size stats
Height: 23-25 inches Weight: 80-100 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Otitis Externa
  • Entropion
  • Gastric Torsion
  • Cherry Eye
  • Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Minor Concerns
  • Bone And Joint Problems
  • Hypothyroidism
Occasional Tests
  • Eye
  • Hip
  • Elbow
  • Thyroid Tests
  • X-Rays

Bloodhound Breed History

Reports of dogs that discover and track another animal date back as far as the first century AD, but it was in medieval Europe that the Bloodhound seemed to originate. It is thought that in 1066 William the Conqueror brought hounds, known as the St. Hubert Hounds, with him when he conquered England. The hound evolved into the Bloodhound and it is said that Queen Victoria was influential in keeping the breed from extinction as she was a dog lover and had an interest in this exceptional tracker, entering one of her canines in a dog show in 1869. Notes on the Bloodhound also document this breed in Scotland where it was called the sleuth hound and used for tracking raiders of property and thieves of livestock. The name comes from the dog’s status as an aristocratic breed kept by noblemen and abbots as well as referring to the dog being a hound of pure blood, (pure in breeding) - an aristocrat of dog breeds you might say.  Their popularity rose and fell throughout various eras and although they are recognised by the American Kennel Club they are not a common household pet. However, they are well purposed as law enforcement trackers and search and rescue workers.

Bloodhound Breed Appearance

The Bloodhound is a solid, powerful dog, and has a strong back for the height of the animal. With a head that is long and narrow in proportion to its length and height, it has an amazingly sensitive black nose. The breed has deeply sunken golden or hazel eyes giving it quite a mournful appearance. This sad look is because the lower eyelids are dragged down by the heavy upper lids. Children love playing with their long drooping ears, and deeply wrinkled skin or folds around the head and neck area. These folds serve a purpose which is to hold the scent particles while tracking. With a very pronounced dewlap, strong muscular legs and a tail that is carried high, the Bloodhound has a distinctive look. They have  short, dense, firm hair on the body with softer hair on the ears and skull, concluding with the occasional splash of white on the chest, feet and tip of the stern.

Appearance of Bloodhound
Eye Color Possibilities
hazel Bloodhound eyes
Hazel
amber Bloodhound eyes
Amber
Nose Color Possibilities
black Bloodhound nose
Black
brown Bloodhound nose
Brown
Coat Color Possibilities
black Bloodhound coat
Black
brown Bloodhound coat
Brown
red Bloodhound coat
Red
fawn Bloodhound coat
Fawn
sable Bloodhound coat
Sable
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Bloodhound straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Bloodhound Breed Maintenance

While Bloodhounds make admirable pets, they do take a bit of maintenance and upkeep as they are solid dogs. Some people have a vision of Bloodhounds as those pooches that laze on the front porch in the sun, but nothing could be further from the truth. These dogs love activity and can walk for miles upon miles without a break! As a puppy, they are energetic, and you will need eyes in the back of your head to keep up with them. They do mellow as they age and become less active and more controllable. These dogs can be indoor  pets but keep in mind that they are droolers, and with one shake of their heads, the house will need recleaning. As a dog breed, they are easy to keep clean; a regular bath is all that is needed as well as a good towel down afterwards. Brushing during the hotter months will take care of the shedding, but their main upkeep is their eyes, ears and the folds in their skin. These sensitive areas need constant maintenance to keep free from debris and parasites. Call your veterinarian if there is any discharge coming from the eyes, or if a smell is emanating from within your dog’s ears (often caused by infection).  Because Bloodhounds are a big dog and can be very energetic, they get hungry quickly. Rather than feeding one big meal a day, consider spreading the mealtime over three separate events which will keep your pet full and avoid the breed’s susceptibility to bloat. This condition can quickly become serious if your dog’s stomach twists on itself cutting off the blood flow. This condition is known as gastric torsion and needs immediate veterinary assistance.

Brushes for Bloodhound
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Bloodhound requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Bloodhound Temperament

The Bloodhound has a very kind nature and is mild mannered. They are gentle and affectionate with children and will tolerate all your children’s antics meekly. Sometimes because they are so tolerant, they need rescuing from the children who may inadvertently hurt them as they will accept it without flinching. Young Bloodhounds are full of energy and excitement, but they do mellow as they age. Never a breed that accepts rules and obedience easily, they are led by their noses and can wander off following an interesting trail. By nature, they will follow a trail to a conclusion which is why they are masters in tracking for search and rescue, and in law enforcement where they are used to track escaped criminals. A leash is needed to keep them focused when out for a walk. They do have a strong nature and will respect and need a strong leader but don’t expect total obedience – it won’t happen. They respond best to a naturally calm but strong owner, but loud, demanding owners will only bring out their streak of willfulness. They can be protective of their domain if no one is home, and will bark to let you know someone is around.
Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
8 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

Bloodhound Popularity

Popularity ranking
#52
Popular Hybrids
Bloodahouli 
Bloodhound
Catahoula mix
Bloodahouli 
Labloodhound
Bloodhound
Labrador Retriever
Labloodhound

Bloodhound Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$2.00 - $2.25
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$60.00 - $67.50
food bag monthly cost

Bloodhound Height & Weight

6 Months
Sketch of Bloodhound at six months
Male Bloodhound size stats at six months
Height: 24.0 inches Weight: 67.5 lbs
Female Bloodhound size stats at six months
Height: 22.0 inches Weight: 57.5 lbs
12 Months
Sketch of Bloodhound at 12 months
Male Bloodhound size stats at 12 months
Height: 25.0 inches Weight: 80.0 lbs
Female Bloodhound size stats at 12 months
Height: 23.0 inches Weight: 72.5 lbs
18 Months
Sketch of Bloodhound at 18 months
Male Bloodhound size stats at 18 months
Height: 26.0 inches Weight: 97.5 lbs
Female Bloodhound size stats at 18 months
Height: 24.0 inches Weight: 90.0 lbs

Top Bloodhound Breeders

Check out who made our list for the most reputable Bloodhound breeders of 2024.
Top Bloodhound breeder Cyclone Ridge Kennels
Cyclone Ridge Kennels
Sullivan, Missouri
Top Bloodhound breeder Hyden's Hounds
Hyden's Hounds
Macy, Indiana
Top Bloodhound breeder Thomas's Bloodhounds
Thomas's Bloodhounds
Harrison, Arkansas
Top Bloodhound breeder Borrner's Bloodhounds
Borrner's Bloodhounds
Austin, Texas
Top Bloodhound breeder Wychway Bloodhounds
Wychway Bloodhounds
Niagara Falls, New York
Top Bloodhound breeder Mountain Crest Bloodhounds
Mountain Crest Bloodhounds
Detroit, Michigan
Top Bloodhound breeder Flessner Kennels
Flessner Kennels
Saint Joseph, Illinois
Top Bloodhound breeder Hansen Hounds
Hansen Hounds
Blockton, Iowa
Top Bloodhound breeder Boerner's Bloodhounds
Boerner's Bloodhounds
Sisterdale, Texas
Top Bloodhound breeder Bloodhound Ranch
Bloodhound Ranch
Kiowa, Colorado

Bloodhound Owner Experiences

Tikka
3 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing fetch
my bloodhound is a great loving pet
11 months, 1 week ago
10 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
snack time
Walk
petting
Sniffing
Bloodhounds in my experience are friendly, approachable dogs. They are quite capable of maturing into very large, very powerful dogs as adults. Due to this fact, caution should be exercised when walking them, as they tend to be excitable and can unexpectedly exhibit tremendous strength and speed. Be certain their leash and harness is extra secure, and that you maintain an alert state when walking them. While they are very friendly, they may show aggression to other dogs.
6 years, 9 months ago
7 Months
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Not walking
Eating treats
Bloodhounds tend to be pretty good in my experience, but the one I walk regularly is a puppy who's still learning how to walk on the leash and so on. In her case, she often spends a lot of time on walks sitting still and taking in her environment. It helps to offer her treats and call her along, but due to her living situation she doesn't get much of a chance to figure out she likes being outside. Like all hounds she has a lazy streak a mile wide, but also like all hounds it's not too hard to get her up and engaged with something, usually food or anything their breeding tells them they simply must bark at.
6 years, 9 months ago
Duke
5 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Bloodhounds are beautiful, smart, majestic, and stubborn dogs. It takes tons of patience but so very much worth it
5 years, 5 months ago
Ruby
4 Months
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
cuddle
Hide & Seek
She has been quite a handful but has changed my family’s life for the better, it gives my parents something to do, you know, because these dogs require a lot of walks and she right now is very energetic, but she is so cute with her long ears and droopy eyes, she really is worth it.
4 years, 8 months ago
Lizzy
8 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I just got my bloodhounds 9 days ago today. I have spent the past 9 days getting her used to a collar and human touch
4 years, 1 month ago
Sugar
4 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We got Sug because we rescued a shepherd/b-hound mix years ago and we love her so much. Couldn’t find the mix but found the pure breed. She is SO expressive and such a love! We’ll never own another breed!
3 years, 10 months ago
Hillbilly
5 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
For the most part he is a very good dog, aside from the three surgeries he has undergone for eating rocks and corn cobs (and he still tries to eat rocks 🤷🏼‍♀️). He loves hunting for the imaginary rat around the old tree stump in the backyard and chasing bird and dragonfly shadows. He is a sweetheart.
3 years, 9 months ago
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - New pet
Question

I work about 10 hrs a day. Will my 7 wk old bloodhound puppy be okay while I’m away?

Answer
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - New pet
Question

Hi there, I’m looking into getting a bloodhound puppy 4 months old golden color. I just want to make sure I’m not paying too much for her or what is the average amount for her? They also don’t know if she is full bloodhound.

Answer
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd