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Bloodhound History

The Bloodhound ( also known as the St. Hubert Hound) was, according to legend, first bred ca. 1000 AD by monks at the St. Hubert Monastery in Belgium. The name Bloodhound was derived from the expression "blooded hound", meaning a hound of pure breeding. This breed was only bred to be a scent hound and is used exentsively by law enforcement to track human beings. The Bloodhound was officially recognized as a breed by the AKC in 1885.

Bloodhound Tepmerament

This breed is a gentle, sociable dog, who is nonetheless tireless in following a scent. Because of its strong tracking instinct, it can be willful and somewhat difficult to obedience train. However, with patience and time, the desired results can be achieved. They are a good breed with children, but should be surpervised with smaller kids, since this is a large dog that came easily knock down a small child. They make good watchdogs and will bark when a stranger comes near the house. Because they are bred to travel over long distances to trail a scent, they are a dog that needs plenty of exercise. They also have the tendancy to bark and howl a lot.

Bloodhound Appearance

Bloodhounds are very large, sturdy dogs that usually weigh between 80 to 110 pounds and stand 23 to 27 inches at the withers. The most distinguishing feature of the Bloodhound is the loose skin folds around it's neck and face. Acceptable colours of a Bloodhound are are black and tan, liver and tan, or red and they have short coats.

Bloodhound Grooming

Bloodhounds have a very easy care coat and need a quick brushing once a week. Since they have many loose skin folds and very long, pendulous ears, they must be cleaned and checked weekly to avoid serious infections. Bloodhounds drool a lot and it is not uncommon in the house of a Bloodhound owner to find slobber on the ceiling from when the dog shakes its head. They are also prone to having the typical "hound dog" smell.

Bloodhound Life Expectancy and Health Problems

Bloodhounds have an unusually high incidence of Bloat, this is when the stomach twists over on itself and the intestinal gasses get trapped inside. This is a fatal condition if not treated quickly. Bloodhounds are also prone to ear, eye and skin infections due to all the loose skin they have.

The average lifespan of this breed is 7 to 8 years, which is relatively shortfor a breed of this size.

Famous Bloodhounds

There are numerous famous bloodhounds in popular culture. McGruff the crime dog and Ladybird from the TV show King of the Hill. Other famous Bloodhounds are;

Duke from the TV show The Beverly Hill Billies

Hubert from the movie Best In Show

Bloodhound Pros and Cons

This simplified list may help you decide if a Bloodhound may be a good fit for your lifestyle.

Do You Want

• a big, powerful dog?
• a friendly, good natured dog?
• a dog that needs a lot of exercise?

Do You NOT Want

• a dog that has a stubborn streak and can be difficult to obedience train?
• a dog that drools and slobbers alot?
• a dog that barks and howls?
• a dog that will follow his nose when he finds a scent that is interesting?
• a dog that has a typically short lifespan?

Useful Bloodhound Links

The American Bloodhound Club

The Canadian Bloodhound Club

The Bloodhound Club UK