Bloodhound - Bloodhound

Bloodhound Temperament

The Bloodhound is a gentle giant of a dog, with a determined nature, powerful stature, and plenty of affection to give out. These are sensitive dogs and are very responsive. They are also sociable creatures, and tend to get on well with children, particularly when raised with them. However, they are large dogs and this should be considered by those that have smaller children that could easily get knocked down and hurt albeit inadvertently. The Bloodhound does have a curious nature and once he gets hold of a scent he will want to follow it, which can sometimes result in landing him in trouble or even danger.

These dogs get on well with other pets, although they can sometimes be dog aggressive around same sex dogs. Some can also have a stubborn streak about them, and because of this the breed is best suited to those with some experience of dog ownership. The Bloodhound can be noisy when very bored, and can also be possessive when it comes to his belongings, such as toys and food. This can be a protective breed, which means that the Bloodhound can make an effective watchdog. The superior scent and tracking skills of these dogs have made them popular in police investigations. These dogs will need plenty of room to move around and exercise.
Bloodhound Appearance

The height of the Bloodhound is around 24-28 inches, and these large dogs weigh in at around 80-120 pounds. The Bloodhound has a sturdy body, and is powerful in stature. The Bloodhound also manages to carry himself with grace and dignity, and is a very clean creature. His coat is smooth and short, and his ears hang down framing the side of his face. The coloring of the coat is solid red, red and tan, or black and tan. The Bloodhound has something of a doleful expression, but is a far more energetic and fun-loving dog than his expression may suggest.
Bloodhound Grooming

The Bloodhound is a medium shedder, and sheds more heavily on a seasonal basis. However, the grooming requirements for the Bloodhound are not demanding, and occasional brushing of the coat will remove the dead hair and keep it looking in good condition. You should also check and clean the ears on a regular basis to reduce the risk of ear infections and to keep them clean.
Bloodhound Health Problems and Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of the Bloodhound is relatively short compared to many other breeds, and is around 7-9 years. A number of health problems and issues are linked to this breed, and this includes ectropion, entropion, bloat and torsion, HD and elbow dysplasia, and thyroid issues. The parents of the Bloodhound puppy should have OFA and CERF certificates.
Bloodhound History

One of the oldest hounds, with ancestry that dates back to the eighth century, the Bloodhound originates from Belgium and was nurtured by blueblood aristocrats, hence its name. The Bloodhound was registered with the AKC in 1885.

# AKASt. Hubert's Hound, Chien St. Hubert
# SizeLarge/Giant
# Ease of trainingLow
# GroomingLow
# SheddingMedium
# Exercise neededLong walk and lots of running daily
# Energy levelLow
# ProtectionLow
# Good with childrenYes, when raised with them
# Health clearancesOFA, CERF
# Popularity45/155