Bloodhound breed photo

Bloodhound

The Bloodhound is a large scent hound renowned for its extraordinary sense of smell and tracking abilities, often used in search and rescue operations. With its distinctive droopy ears and wrinkled skin, this gentle and affectionate breed is also known for its friendly and patient demeanor.

2.2
Size
Giant
Over 45kg
Grooming
High Maintenance
Daily grooming
Family
Great with Kids
Patient & gentle nature
Family-friendly

The Honest Truth

Before you fall in love, know what you're getting into.

ChallengeThe "Deafness" of Scent

When a Bloodhound catches a scent, their ears literally close (the heavy flaps block the ear canal) and their brain filters out all auditory input. They are not ignoring you out of malice; they genuinely cannot process your commands while tracking. This makes .

ChallengeStubbornness vs. Independence

They score near the bottom of obedience intelligence rankings not because they are stupid, but because they are bred to work independently of human direction. They solve problems (finding trails) without help, which translates to opening fridges, doors, and gates in the home.

ChallengeSensory Overload

The combination of (slingers that reach ceilings), (caused by yeast in skin folds and oily coats), and makes them unsuitable for fastidious housekeepers or those with sensory sensitivities.

Health Overview

View full health guide →
Top concerns: Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat): High risk; a leading cause of death., Otitis Externa (Ear Infections): Weekly (or daily) cleaning is mandatory for life., Hip & Elbow Dysplasia: BVA/KC mean hip score is around 20, which is relatively high.
Ask breeder for:
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) testingProphylactic gastropexy

Ownership Costs

View full breakdown →
Initial Cost
$1,000-2,500
BudgetAveragePremium
Monthly Cost
$180-300
LowModerateHigh
Estimated Yearly Cost
$2,160-3,600

Includes food, insurance, vet visits, grooming, and supplies

Living Situation

Apartment Living
Challenging - needs space
Work From Home
Suitable with adequate exercise
Alone Time
Moderate - 4-6 hours
First-Time Owner
Better for experienced owners

With Other Pets

Dogs
Generally friendly
Cats
Generally safe with proper introduction
Small Mammals
Supervision required
Birds & Reptiles
Caution advised

Climate & Seasonal Care

Heat Tolerance 2/5
Cold Tolerance 3/5
Winter Needs
No gear needed
Summer Care
Limit exercise in heat
Seasonal Shedding
High

Adjust activities based on weather conditions.

Breed Origins

Origin
eye and skin issues due to exaggeration
Original Purpose
heavier wrinkle, longer ears, and massive bone
Show/Conformation Lines
** Bred for heavier wrinkle, longer ears, and massive bone

Living With a Bloodhound

Odor Level
Moderate
Coat Feel
Varies by coat type
Surrender Risk: Medium
  • Underestimated exercise needs
  • Behavioral challenges
  • Cost of care

Exercise Menu

60-90 min/day
Physical
60 minutes
Mental
15 minutes
Physical Exercise:60-90 min
60-90 minutes daily. Long, slow "sniffari" walks are better than fast runs. They need to use their nose to tire their brain.
Mental Stimulation:30 min
30 minutes daily. Tracking games, "find it" puzzles, and trailing exercises are essential.
Total Requirement:15-20 min
~2 hours of dedicated engagement per day.
Method:15-20 min
Positive reinforcement is the *only* option. Harsh methods cause them to shut down or become defensive.
Motivation:15-20 min
Food is king. They will do almost anything for a high-value treat, but will "go on strike" if the reward isn't worth the effort.
Pitfall:15-20 min
Repetition bores them. Do not drill "sit" 20 times; they will walk away after the third time.
Heat Tolerance (2/5):15-20 min
Poor. Their large size and dark coats make them prone to heatstroke. Exercise must be limited to early mornings/late evenings in summer.
Cold Tolerance (3/5):15-20 min
Moderate. Their coat is dense but short. They can handle cool weather well but are not Arctic dogs.

Life Stages

Puppy0-12 months

Bloodhound puppies require consistent training and patience.

Adolescent6-18 months

Peak energy age: 1-3 years

Adult2-8 years

Prime years - energy stabilizes but remains active

Senior8+ years

Senior care varies by individual health.

First Year Reality Check

8/10
Puppy Difficulty
Challenging
House Training
Medium
Crate Training Success
6-18
Destructive Phase (months)
This breed commonly experiences adolescent regression - training may temporarily regress around 6-18 months

Travel & Adventure

Car Travel
Good
Hiking Companion
Camping
Suitable
Beach Friendly
Yes
Cabin Eligible
Too large
Hotel Friendly
Yes

Adapts well to travel with proper preparation.

Safety & Containment

Dog Park
Suitable
Off-Leash
Not recommended
Escape Risk
Low
Min Fence Height
5-6 feet
Resource Guarding
Low
Small Animal Safe
Yes

Proper containment and supervision recommended.

Breeding Information

6
Avg Litter Size
(range: 4-8)
Varies
C-Section Rate
Medium
Whelping Difficulty
Low
Puppy Mortality

Special Abilities

Canicross/Bikejoring Sensory Friendly Coat

Training Guide

Recommended Method
Positive reinforcement
Learning Speed
repetitions
Training Tips
  • ** Positive reinforcement is the *only* option. Harsh methods cause them to shut down or become defensive.
Common Challenges
  • ** Repetition bores them. Do not drill "sit" 20 times; they will walk away after the third time.

Community Insights

No Bloodhound insights yet

We're gathering data from real Bloodhound owners. Be the first to share your experience!

Register your Bloodhound

Featured Bloodhounds

Be the first Bloodhound creator!

No Bloodhounds registered yet. Join Dogfluence and showcase your furry friend to brands.

Start creating

Care Tips for Bloodhounds

Tip #1

Ensure regular exercise for your Bloodhound.

Tip #2

Provide a balanced diet appropriate for their size and energy level.

Tip #3

Regular grooming and veterinary check-ups are essential.

Breed Characteristics

Trainability
Independent Spirit
Energy Level
Energizer
Grooming Needs
High Maintenance
Size
Giant
Hypoallergenic
No
Apartment
Not Ideal
Kids
Great
Weight
Over 45kg

More Bloodhound Resources

Bloodhound Costs

Calculate the true cost of ownership

Bloodhound Health

Common health issues & prevention

Bloodhound Grooming

Coat care & grooming tips

Bloodhound Food

Nutrition & diet recommendations

Bloodhound Temperament

Personality & behavior traits

Bloodhound Name Ideas

Find the perfect name for your Bloodhound

Bloodhound Hashtags

Top Instagram hashtags for Bloodhound posts

Frequently Asked Questions

Join as a Bloodhound Creator

Love your Bloodhound? Join thousands of dogfluencers and get sponsored by top pet brands!

Registrar mi canal