Bloodhound
Also known as St. Hubert Hound, Bloodhound
- Height at the withers
- 58 to 72 cm
- Weight
- 40 to 54 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 12 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- Belgium
- FCI group
- 6 · Scent hounds
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- noise-sensitive neighbors: it likes to bark
Overview
A large, imposing scent hound with a noble, dignified expression, recognizable by its wrinkled head, long drooping ears, loose skin and hanging jowls. Its extraordinary sense of smell makes it the most famous tracker of all dogs.
History and origins
An ancient breed developed in the Middle Ages by the monks of the Abbey of Saint-Hubert, in the Belgian Ardennes. Brought to England, where it took the name Bloodhound, it was valued for centuries for tracking game, then people, to the point of becoming indispensable to law enforcement.
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and the breed is rather fragile. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Entropion and ectropion
- Ear infections
- Skin fold dermatitis
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short, smooth coat. Moderate shedding, low coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Impossible, 1 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Hard, 2 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Poor fit, 2 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Very high, 5 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- A lot, 5 out of 5
- Barking
- Frequent, 4 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Rather fragile, 2 out of 5
In our lists
Bloodhound FAQ
How big does the Bloodhound get?
The Bloodhound stands 58 to 72 cm at the withers and weighs 40 to 54 kg. It is a large dog.
Does the Bloodhound shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs little care.
Can the Bloodhound live in an apartment?
It is not recommended: it needs space, ideally a house with a yard. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Bloodhound need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the Bloodhound good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Bloodhound live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and the breed is rather fragile. The main health problems to watch for are gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat), as well as hip and elbow dysplasia.
