Bloodhound
AKC & CKC Hound Group
Origin & History
The Bloodhound's origins trace back to medieval Europe, developed by monks in Belgium at the Abbey of Saint-Hubert. These dogs were prized for their unmatched scenting ability and were originally called St. Hubert Hounds. Their English name "Bloodhound" refers to their pure bloodlines and noble breeding, not to any bloodthirsty nature.
Bloodhounds were brought to England by William the Conqueror in 1066 and later to America where they became essential for tracking runaway slaves and criminals. Today, their extraordinary olfactory abilities make them invaluable for search and rescue operations and police work. The AKC recognized the breed in 1885.
With their distinctive wrinkled face and solemn expression, Bloodhounds remain one of the most recognizable and capable scent hounds in the world.
Stats:
- Height: 23-27 inches
- Weight: 80-110 pounds
- Coat: Short, dense, and weather-resistant
- Colors: Black & tan, liver & tan, or red
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
These guys are 5/5 droolers!
| Traits: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy: Moderate; needs regular exercise but tires after tracking work | ✓ | ||||
| Easy To Train: Intelligent but single-minded when on a scent; requires patience | ✓ | ||||
| Grooming: Moderate; weekly brushing and regular wrinkle cleaning needed | ✓ | ||||
| Family Dog: Gentle and affectionate with family; good with children | ✓ | ||||
| Watchdog: Will alert bark but generally too friendly to be protective | ✓ | ||||
| Beginner Friendly: Challenging for first-time owners due to size and stubbornness | ✓ | ||||
| Prey Drive: Extremely high; will follow scents relentlessly | ✓ | ||||
| Barking: Loud, deep bay when tracking; otherwise fairly quiet | ✓ | ||||
| Good with other dogs: Early socialization important; generally easy-going & friendly | ✓ |
Health Concerns:
- Hip Dysplasia: Malformation of the hip joint
- Elbow Dysplasia: Abnormal development of elbow joints
- Bloat (Gastric Torsion): Life-threatening stomach condition
- Ear Infections: Due to long, pendulous ears
- Patellar Luxation: Slipping kneecaps
- Degnerative Myelopathy (DM): Spinal cord disease
- Eye Problems: Including ectropion and entropion
Please check the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) and parent breed clubs for health information.
Glossary of general canine health conditions.