The Bloodhound, which is also known as the St. Hubert Hound, is a large and powerful breed that is renowned for its incredible sense of smell. They have distinctive long, droopy faces and wrinkles on their skin, long drooping ears, and a thick tapered tail. These dogs were initially bred for hunting in medieval Europe and have been used for centuries to track game, criminals, and missing persons. The dogs of this breed are also known to be loyal and friendly with their owners and make great family pets.
However, before one adopts one for their household, it is crucial to have as much information about this breed as possible. Here, we will try to provide you with essential information that will enable you to make the correct decision about whether you should add a Bloodhound as part of your family. So, read on.
[wpdatatable id=75]History of Bloodhound
The Bloodhound is a breed that has a rich history dating back to medieval Europe. They were initially bred by the monks of St. Hubert’s Abbey in Belgium in the 8th century to track games and later to track human scents. The Bloodhound was known for its incredible sense of smell and tracking abilities, making them highly valued by hunters and law enforcement. They were used to track criminals and missing persons and were even employed in the American Civil War. The breed was also used in fox hunting and to track wounded deer.
In the 19th century, the Bloodhound was recognized by the American Kennel Club and was used as a search and rescue dog. Today, Bloodhounds are still used as search and rescue dogs, as well as for hunting, tracking, and detection work. These pets are also ideal for families, renowned for their devotion and fondness towards their guardians.
Breed Characteristics
The Bloodhound is a large and powerful breed, around 23-27 inches tall, and can weigh up to 110 pounds. They have distinctive long, droopy faces and wrinkles on the skin. The Bloodhound possesses ears that are elongated and droopy, as well as a tail that tapers to a point with a substantial girth. The coat of the animal in question is short and thick, and it can be found in different colors.
More About the Bloodhound
The Bloodhound is an intelligent and independent breed known for its strong will and determination. The breed is known for being highly faithful and sociable, making them ideal companion pets for families. However, their powerful hunting inclinations may make them less suitable for households with smaller animals as pets.
Size
Bloodhounds are a large breed and can easily weigh up to 110 pounds. They also have long, pendulous ears and thick, tapered tails. They stand at around 23-27 inches tall.
Personality
Bloodhounds are a complex breed known for their dignified and contradictory nature. They can be docile and easy-going but also stubborn and determined. They are affectionate towards their owners but may be shy around strangers. Their sense of smell is unparalleled, making them great tracking dogs but unsuitable for watchdog or guard dog roles. Their temperament can vary greatly depending on heredity, training, and socialization.
It’s best to choose a Bloodhound puppy with a balanced temperament and meet at least one of the parents to get insight into the puppy’s potential temperament. Early socialization is crucial for Bloodhound puppies to ensure they grow into well-rounded dogs.
Temperament
Bloodhounds are known to be very friendly and loyal to their owners. They are also known to be self-reliant, so they necessitate consistent training and socialization to help them to be well-adjusted and well-behaved. They are also known for their patience and compatibility with children, making them a suitable companion for families. However, they also have a strong hunting instinct and may not be the best breed for homes with small pets.
Health
These are common issues in large breeds, and it’s essential to have regular vet check-ups to catch them early.
- Hip Dysplasia: A genetic disorder where the thigh bone does not fit securely into the hip joint. Some dogs may exhibit discomfort and limp, while others may not. As the dog ages, arthritis may develop. It can be identified through X-ray examination and should not be used for breeding.
- Elbow Dysplasia: A heritable condition common in large breeds, caused by different growth rates of the elbow bones, leading to joint laxity. It can be treated with surgery, weight management, or medication.
- Hypothyroidism: A deficiency of thyroid hormone, it can produce symptoms such as infertility, obesity, mental dullness, lack of energy, coarse and brittle fur, and dark, tough skin.
- Ectropion and Entropion: These are eyelid conditions that can be corrected surgically if needed.
- Epilepsy: A disorder characterized by seizures, which can be inherited, acquired, or of unknown origin. It can be controlled with the help of medication.
- Bloat: It is a life-threatening condition that primarily affects large, deep-chested breeds of dogs. The twisted stomach cuts off blood flow and requires emergency medical intervention.
- Fold Dermatitis: A skin infection that is caused by the combination of rubbing or trapped moisture in the skin creases. It can be treated with topical ointments, antibiotics, and proper maintenance of the coat and folds to prevent it.
Care
Bloodhounds are dogs that can live both indoors and outdoors. They are best kept in homes with large, enclosed yards as they have a tendency to escape and therefore require a fence that is at least six feet in height. Underground electric fences will not be effective in containing them as their desire to follow scents is stronger than the fear of an electronic shock.
Due to their strong sense of smell and tendency to pull while following a trail, they are known to be strong pullers and can be challenging to walk on a leash, keeping them on a leash when outside the yard is essential to prevent them from running off to follow a scent.
Bloodhounds need daily walks, and they can go for miles, making them an excellent companion for people living in the countryside or who love hiking. They can also be trained for search and rescue or tracking tests.
As with all breeds, the exercise of a Bloodhound puppy should be curtailed until they have reached full physical maturity. The rule of thumb is 5 minutes for every month of age, and it is vital to be aware of their signs of fatigue.
Crate training is highly recommended for Bloodhound puppies as they tend to be nosy and curious, and it helps in both keeping them out of trouble and with house training. They are simple to house-train, and using a crate can teach them how to control their bladder.
Feeding
Bloodhounds are large dogs requiring a diet high in protein and moderate in fat. They should be provided with high-quality dog food that is explicitly created for large breeds. They should also be given smaller and more frequent meals to avoid bloating.
Coat Color and Grooming
The Bloodhound’s coat is short and dense. When it comes to grooming, they are relatively low-effort dogs. Their coat requires minimal brushing, but regular bathing is necessary to keep their wrinkles clean and prevent skin issues. They are also susceptible to ear infections, so regular cleaning of their ears is crucial for their well-being.
Children and Other Pets
Bloodhounds are known to be patient and good with children. However, as previously mentioned, they may not be the best breed for households with small pets. It’s essential to socialize with them from a young age and provide proper training to prevent hunting behavior toward other household pets.
Conclusion
The Bloodhound is a formidable and powerful breed, recognized for its exceptional olfactory abilities and ability to track scents over prolonged distances. These dogs were initially bred for hunting in medieval Europe and have been used for centuries to track game, criminals, and missing persons. The dogs of this breed are also known to be loyal and friendly with their owners and make great family pets. Regular vet check-ups, exercise, and a healthy diet are essential for maintaining their health, as well as providing consistent training and socialization.
FAQs
Bloodhounds are known to be patient and good with children. However, they certainly have a strong hunting instinct – something one needs to keep in mind.
In terms of grooming, Bloodhounds are relatively easy to maintain. Their coat requires minimal brushing, but regular bathing is necessary to keep their wrinkles clean and prevent skin issues. They tend to develop ear infections, making regular cleaning their ears a vital part of their care.
Bloodhounds have a lifespan of 11-15 years.
Bloodhounds require regular exercise. They should be walked or exercised on a leash.
Hi, I’m Walter,
I live in Oklahoma City, USA, and have extensive dog caring and grooming expertise. In addition, I provide dog training tips and tricks through my blogs in Canine Weekly. I have a Dog Behavior and Training diploma and have previously worked as a Dog Trainer at ROC Animal Training and Behavior and Tip Top K9 of OKC Dog Training.
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