Bloodhound Dogs

A healthy adult Bloodhound lying down with it's paws neatly crossed

A healthy adult Bloodhound with beautiful long ears

A healthy adult Bloodhound sitting to attention

A young adult Bloodhound with a lovely short coat

The characteristic droopy face of a Bloodhound

A Bloodhound resting it's head on a gate in the snow

A close up of a Bloodhound's incredible, long ears

A pack of Bloodhounds out on a hunt with the horses

A wonderful adult Bloodhound's thick and healthy coat

An adult male Bloodhound showing off his wonderful, long body

History

Bloodhounds were well established in England in the 14th century, but their exact origins are unknown. It is believed that they date back to 1000AD and are descended by the hounds bred by Monks at the Saint -Hubert monastery in Belgium. The breed is most famous for its tracking ability and can pick up scents that are days old and over a very long distance.

Behaviour

Bloodhounds are septum born. They are affectionate pets and extremely loyal, but rarely do as they are told. Their extreme sense of smell means they will run off at a seconds notice and should only be walked on a lead. Recall is an alien concept to them and many believe that it isn't worth trying to teach them, as their instinct to track will overrule common sense. Once a scent is found, they are tireless and rarely give up on it. Walking to heel needs to be started from day one as they like to pull on the lead. Bloodhounds are happy within a family and make good pets. They are gentle with children, but need human company to stay content. They are usually ok with other dogs and strangers if I introduced from an early age. The breed is slow to mature, usually around 3 years old. They require a fair amount of daily exercise, either in a safe fenced area or a long walk on a lead. Bloodhounds tend to drool a lot, saturating everything with one head shake, but they do make a loving, placid, fun dog. They love cuddles and will return your affection with loyalty until the end.

Bloodhounds tend to suffer from bloat which can be very common with the breed. Due to its skin folds and characteristic droopy eyes, problems can also arise here. Their short coat needs minimal grooming.

Temperament

Bloodhounds have a stubborn yet gentle temperament. They can be tough to train but are calm and placid around the house. Having an extremely strong sense of smell it can be very difficult to recall them once they have sensed a trail often following their nose for miles.

They are tolerant of other dogs and children but may be reserved around strangers. This dog needs lots of exercise daily and will drool all over you and your furniture.