Bloodhound

Bloodhounds are the detectives of the dog breeds. Their excellent sense of smell and high energy reserves have landed them jobs as trackers in police departments on both sides of the Atlantic. When Bloodhounds catch a scent, they won’t stop until they find the source. But beneath their rough and tumble exterior, Bloodhounds are secret softies who love family time. (Sort of like that stoic friend who you sometimes catch crying at a romantic comedy.) This dog breed is a great reminder to pursue your passions with dogged determination, yet carve out a little time to hang on the porch and watch the sun set with your BFF.

One look into the deep, soulful eyes set in the wrinkled, droopy face of a Bloodhound, and people fall in love. While their long and lean body screams “athlete,” it’s their face, framed by those long, floppy ears, that’s hard to forget. A Bloodhound puppy looks like a toddler who has climbed into their older sibling’s clothes—and can be just as clumsy. As they age, they grow into their skin and their faces belie the depth of wisdom and knowledge they’ve acquired.

Their feathered coats may be various shades of gold, from light to dark. As they age, some Golden Retrievers even develop a wise white-golden hue across their face.

1. Ears A Bloodhound's ears are long and set low.
2. Eyes Their eyes are deep-set, and their color varies from deep hazel to yellow.
3. Nose Their noses are rectangular in shape.
4. Coat Length The Bloodhound dog's coat is short.
5. Coat Color Standard colors for the Bloodhound dog breed include red, black and tan, and liver (brown) and tan. Some lighter-colored hair may be interspersed on the coat.
6. Tail Their tails are long and tapering.

“A nose with a dog attached” is a common way to describe a Bloodhound. Their sense of smell is extraordinary, and their nose is what they use to navigate the world around them. This trait can’t be trained out of them; your Bloodhound has access to an entire world that you can’t see (or smell), and they will go where their nose takes them.

When not in hot pursuit of a scent, the Bloodhound breed can be laid-back members of the family. But just like people, their personalities can differ: Some are so high-energy that they’re seemingly always on the move, and others are happy to spend some downtime curled up on the rug. You can help them expend their energy by letting them romp by themselves in the backyard (as long as the yard is fenced). They’re also eager to go on hikes or walks with you. Just remember, when they catch a scent, nothing stands in their way—and they are off! (They look like they’re at Mach speed when they go.) For this reason, make sure any dog walker (professional or pint size) has a firm grasp on the leash!

With their sturdy size and high energy levels, they may accidentally knock over toddlers, but their temperament is very low-key. While they get along great with other animals and people, they may sometimes be shy, so it’s a good idea to start socializing your Bloodhound puppy while they’re young.

A Bloodhound can be slower to mature than other breeds. This isn’t code for “unintelligent,” but it does mean that housebreaking and mastering commands (like sit, stay and come) may take more time for them than other pups. Be consistent and kind and make sure everyone is on the same page when it comes to rules of the house—inconsistency will confuse a Bloodhound, and they may decide to make up their own rules instead. Bloodhounds do best when they know exactly what to expect from the people in their family.

Bloodhounds require a moderate level of care from their people. While not as high maintenance as a Shih Tzu when it comes to grooming, they do require regular brushing, and you’ll need to keep their loose skin and facial wrinkles clean. Their high energy and strong-willed nature also translate to a good deal of time spent training and exercising them, but not as much as, say, a Border Collie . Of course, any time you spend with your Bloodhound is time well spent.

Grooming

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Let’s get one thing out of the way: A Bloodhound smells like a dog. That’s because their skin and coat have a greasy layer that helps repel dirt when they’re trekking through the woods on a scent trail. While this scent is healthy and normal, it can be distinctive. For that reason, you may find yourself giving your pup a bath more frequently. But really, they only need a bath whenever they’re really dirty—about once every couple of months. They may need a bath more often in the summer or if they get dirty from playing outside. Use a dog shampoo , towel them off, and let them air dry as long as they don’t seem cold. (Some Bloodhounds may have sensitive or dry skin, which may need special shampoo.) For more advice, read our guide on how to give a dog a bath . Even though they’re short-haired, Bloodhounds still shed, so it’s a good idea to use a grooming glove every day to keep their coats in tip-top shape. Use a cotton swab to get rid of the gunk that accumulates in the folds around their eyes, and do a quick, daily wrinkle check in their face and neck folds to look for any skin irritation or odor, which could be a sign of an infection and may need a vet’s attention. Check your pup’s extremely long ears every day, wiping away debris with an ear wipe, like the Pet MD Aloe Vera & Eucalyptus Dog Ear Wipes . If you notice redness, swelling or debris, speak with your vet; they may advise you to clean your dog’s ears . Brown discharge is normal, but yellow, green or a foul-smelling discharge may be a sign of an infection. It’s a good idea to have plenty of towels on hand, too. Bloodhounds drool a lot, so get in the habit of regularly wiping their noses and chins to keep them (and your couch) dry. Brush your Bloodhound’s teeth several times a week and get them professionally cleaned by your vet once a year. Start when they’re a puppy to help them get used to it faster. Your dog will need their nails clipped once a month or so, either with nail clippers or a grinder . This chore, too, should start when they’re puppies to help them get used to it. Otherwise, you’ll need to enlist the help of a “grooming buddy” (or grow a third arm—whichever’s easier). You’ll know it’s time for a trim when you hear that familiar clicking on hard surfaces.

Training

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Bloodhounds can be very strong-willed; training these pups isn’t for the faint of heart! When you start training your dog, get a good, sturdy harness since they’re likely to pull during training. A harness is more secure, and there’s less of a risk for injury than just attaching the leash to a collar. (The collar can pull against the neck, causing injury to the trachea.) Bloodhound puppies (under six months or so) can learn the “rules of school” in puppy kindergarten, which can teach them socialization as well as learning basic commands, or you can put your 6-month-and-up pup straight into basic obedience training . Your mantra: Slow and steady wins the race. Your Bloodhound wants to please you, but how can they pay attention when there’s so many interesting smells in the air? Your secret weapon: short training sessions (about 10 to 15 minutes). And make sure everyone in your family is on board with the rules and agrees on the cue you’ll use for different commands. (For example, “come,” not “here” and “sit,” not “place,” etc.). Start introducing these commands one at a time and in order of importance. Save more fun commands like shake and play dead when your dog has mastered the basics like come, sit, stay and heel . Training may be slow-going (after all, these are independent and free-thinking pups!), but stick with it. Training is essential to having a well-behaved furry family member and can divert potentially destructive urges into something constructive. Keep them learning throughout their life with the Canine Good Citizen program , competition courses (like agility) and rally training . These are fun for both you and your dog.

Diet

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Bloodhounds really love food, but because they are prone to tummy issues, it’s important you pay attention to what your pup eats. Bloodhounds do best on a quality and well-balanced diet, including high-quality commercial dog food that follows the standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Choose a formula that fits their stage in life (puppy, adult, senior) and activity level. It’s also important to remember that a Bloodhound can easily find food in your house (hello, super nose!), so make sure all of your food is stored safely out of their reach. Bloodhounds can figure out how to open cabinets and even fridges, so keep an eye on your pup. You need to find a way to secure delicious food before they help themselves to those steaks you were saving in the deep freeze. Obesity can be a problem for Bloodhounds, so take any weight gain seriously and talk with your vet even if your pup is only a pound or two overweight. They can help you put together a diet and exercise plan to help your pup shed the excess pounds and still maintain their nutritional needs. Some Bloodhounds have food allergies that manifest as itchy or dry skin, so again, talk with your vet about your dog’s diet; they are in the best position to help you pick the right food for your Bloodhound based on their individual needs. Now, let’s talk about treats. (Those calories count!) Your dog’s soulful eyes can be hard to resist, and consistent training means plenty of treats. Bloodhounds are very food motivated, so consider switching up your treats and include lower-calorie options that still excite your pup. Some human food—pieces of apple, celery, frozen blueberries or pieces of cooked egg—are all ways to say “good dog” while keeping your Bloodhound in hunting shape. (Even if the only “hunt” they’ve been on recently was finding a stinky shoe.)

Exercise

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While a Bloodhound’s energy level is high, it’s not always high—it ebbs and flows. When they’re on a scent trail, nothing can stop them, and they can run for miles. But Bloodhounds also enjoy their downtime. Their daily exercise needs depend on their personality: Some dogs are always on the go and need to be taught to take a break; others take their cue from you and may relax more. In general, you need at least an hour of solid outdoor time every day (yup, even rainy ones) with your Bloodhound. Are you a jogger? Active Bloodhounds can keep up with you (and you may actually tire them out), but make sure your leash control is solid. (They will catch a scent!) Bloodhounds also love playing fetch and other outdoor games and make great dog park companions. A tired Bloodhound is a happy Bloodhound, so make sure your pup has plenty of opportunities to move throughout the day. These should include running or walking sessions with you and less-structured romps in the backyard or the dog park.

Environment

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Bloodhounds get along in any type of family—whether single people or people with kids—as long as they’re active. And these pups love a crowd, so a family with a pack of dogs or cats is ideal. Bloodhound dogs need a fenced-in space to roam. They love exploring the outdoors, but if they catch a scent, nothing else matters. They won’t let it go until they track down the source—sometimes running for miles. Off-leash play in an unfenced area is not an option for this uber-focused pup. Bloodhounds can be friendly, but they’re not necessarily outgoing and are much more likely to ignore visitors than jump all over them. Bloodhounds bark and bay when they notice something, and while training can help them tame their commentary, these dogs will never be the strong and silent type, so they may be best suited for rural settings, where they can bark, drool and run without bothering anyone else.

Bloodhounds have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, but, like any breed, are prone to certain health issues that are cause for concern. Knowledge is power and knowing your pup’s potential health risks can help you give your dog the longest and healthiest life possible.

Be familiar with potential health problems so you can recognize and treat them quickly.

1. Gastric Dilation Volvulus Complex (GDV) : Also known as bloat , GDV is a life-threatening medical emergency. It occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself. Symptoms include abdominal pain, pacing, retching without vomiting (dry heaving), and a distended belly. To help prevent your pup from getting this condition, feed your dog smaller meals throughout the day and use a slow feeder to keep them from eating too quickly. Keep the food bowls on the floor (don’t elevate them), and don’t exercise one hour before or after meals. However, even if you do all those things, there may be a genetic component. Contact your vet immediately or go to the closest veterinary ER if you think your dog is suffering from GDV.
2. Foreign Object Ingestion Bloodhounds will find—and eat—anything. Yup, that includes your underwear and those decorative rocks on your coffee table. They’re also good at finding and opening cupboards and eating foods off the “never eat” list , so make sure to Bloodhound-proof your home and see your vet ASAP if anything appears to have gone missing. While some foreign objects pass naturally, your vet will want to examine and x-ray your pup if they eat something that may need surgery to remove.
3. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia : Dysplasia is a common joint issue for dogs, most often in the elbows and the hips. It occurs when the joint doesn’t fit together properly, causing pain, limping and mobility issues. Some dogs may have a genetic propensity for dysplasia but there are no genetic screening tests. This is a progressive disease, meaning it gets worse, so early detection is key. Maintaining a healthy weight and exercise routine may minimize clinical signs and improve the pet’s quality of life. It can be treated with medication, physical therapy, weight reduction and, in some cases, surgery.
4. Skin Issues Those deep, adorable folds in your Bloodhound’s face can lead to some skin conditions, including dermatitis. This condition occurs when moisture is trapped in the skin folds, causing redness and irritation. Fortunately, it can be treated with medication and often prevented by keeping those folds clean and dry. Preventative weekly ear cleaning may also be beneficial for those floppy Bloodhound ears. Some Bloodhounds also have food allergies and may need to be put on a diet free of certain ingredients. Your vet will help you determine the best course of action.

We know very little about the Bloodhound’s early origins, but it likely begins around the Mediterranean, where ancient Greeks were in awe of their superior sniffing powers. But their name and distinctive look took root in Medieval Europe, where the Bloodhound historyreallybegins.

These working dogs were essential members of a hunting pack, and they were bred and treated with reverence on the grounds of medieval French monasteries. Bred by monks, these dogs were originally called “blooded hounds” because they came from aristocratic families. (For the rest of us who watch too many movies, no, they did not get their names because they’re quick to pick up a trail of blood in the woods.) Later, their name evolved into “Bloodhounds.” It is believed that William the Conqueror brought these pups with him from Normandy when he conquered England in 1066.

The pup’s potential for police work did not go unnoticed. By the turn of the 19th century, English police units began using these nose-first pups to find criminals. Law enforcement agencies around the world took notice, and today, a Bloodhound’s trailing results are acceptable in almost any court of law. Bloodhounds were used by police departments throughout the 20th century, but over time, they became less popular as police forces turned to “multi-use” breeds such asGerman Shepherds, which, in addition to tracking, can be trained to provide personal protection and backup.

But because Bloodhounds are good with kids, they can be excellent in search-and-rescue cases, as they pose little threat to the people they find. The American Kennel Club recognized the Bloodhound in 1885 and is part of theHound group. Today, you can expect to pay $600 to $1,200 or more for a purebred Bloodhound puppy. But for that price, you’re likely getting a pup who’s been screened for health and temperament issues and may come with pedigree papers. You can find reputable breeders on theAKC’s site. If you’d like to adopt your pup, contact Bloodhound rescues, look for the breed at your local animal shelter, orsearch Chewy’s database of adoptable dogsin your area.