Bloodhound
also known as Chien St. Hubert, Bernhardiner, St. Bernhardshund, Sleuth Hound, St. Hubert Hound
History
The Bloodhound, also known as the St. Hubert Hound, is a breed of dog that is known for its exceptional sense of smell. These dogs have been used for centuries to track lost or missing people, as well as escaped prisoners and missing animals. Their unique ability to pick up and follow scents has made them an invaluable asset to law enforcement and search and rescue teams around the world.
This breed is recognized by several major kennel clubs and organizations around the world, including the American Kennel Club (AKC), the United Kennel Club (UKC), the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), and the Kennel Club of Great Britain (KCGB).
One of the most distinctive features of the Bloodhound is their wrinkled skin. These wrinkles are not just for show, they serve a purpose. They help to trap and hold scents, making it easier for the dog to pick up and follow a trail. The Bloodhound's nose is also incredibly sensitive, with a large surface area that is able to pick up even the faintest scents. This makes them particularly well-suited for tracking people or animals over long distances.
Bloodhounds have been used for hunting and tracking for centuries. They were first bred in Belgium and France, during the Middle Ages, for hunting deer and wild boar. These dogs were prized for their ability to pick up and follow scents over long distances, making them valuable assets to hunters and gamekeepers.
Today, Bloodhounds are still used for hunting and tracking, but they are also popular as family pets. They are friendly, patient, and good with children, making them great companions. They are also known for their gentle nature and easy-going personalities. They are easy to train, but they can be stubborn at times.
Despite their large size, Bloodhounds are not known for being aggressive or overly protective. They are not naturally inclined to be guard dogs and tend to be more interested in following their noses than in protecting their owners. However, they make good watchdogs because of their loud and distinctive bark.
The Bloodhound gets its name from the Old English word "blodhund", which translates to "bloodhound". This name likely originated from the breed's historical use in hunting and tracking, where it was trained to follow the scent of blood. The Bloodhound's keen sense of smell made it well-suited for this task, as it was able to track wounded game over long distances.
Another theory is that the name "bloodhound" comes from the fact that the dogs were used to track deer and wild boar during hunting, and the dogs would often be covered in the animal's blood.
Breed Information
Is Bloodhound a purebred?
Purebred
How do you pronounce the Bloodhound name? How do you say Bloodhounds?
wahyt bluhd-hound
What were Bloodhounds originally used for?
tracking game
How Long Do Bloodhounds Live? What is average life expectancy for a Bloodhound? How long can Bloodhounds live?
10-12 years
The average Bloodhound lifespan is somewhere between 10-12 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.
Bloodhound Height & Weight
How big is a full grown Bloodhound?
| Height | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | 6 months | 12 months | 18 months | |
| Male | 25-27 inches (63.5 - 68.6 cm) | 24.0 inches (61 cm) | 25.0 inches (63.5 cm) | 26.0 inches (66 cm) |
| Female | 23-25 inches (58.4 - 63.5 cm) | 22.0 inches (55.9 cm) | 23.0 inches (58.4 cm) | 24.0 inches (61 cm) |
| Weight | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | 6 months | 12 months | 18 months | |
| Male | 90-110 pounds (41 - 50 kg) | 67.5 pounds (31 kg) | 80.0 pounds (36 kg) | 97.5 pounds (44 kg) |
| Female | 80-100 pounds (36 - 45 kg) | 57.5 pounds (26 kg) | 72.5 pounds (33 kg) | 90.0 pounds (41 kg) |
Do Bloodhounds get fat easily?
The Bloodhound is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.
Are Bloodhounds Hypoallergenic?
No
Unfortunately, the Bloodhound is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.
What is a Bloodhound personality? What are Bloodhound dogs best known for?
Affectionate
Gentle
Independent
Outright
Tempered
Stubborn
Are Bloodhounds heavy shedders? How Much Does a Bloodhound Shed?
Bloodhound dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Bloodhound. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.
What is the watchdog ability of a Bloodhound dog?
The Bloodhound breed is one of the worst choice if you want a good watchdog.
Breed History
Where do Bloodhounds come from?
Europe
What are Bloodhounds descended from?
flemish hound, talbot hound
What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Bloodhound breed?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
When were Bloodhounds first bred? How old is the Bloodhound breed?
middle ages
What Breed Group is a Bloodhound?
Hound (AKC:1885)
Scenthounds (UKC)
Bloodhound Appearance
What color are Bloodhound eyes?
Hazel
Amber
What color can Bloodhound nose be naturally?
Black
Brown
What color can Bloodhound coat be naturally?
Black
Brown
Red
Fawn
Sable
How long is a Bloodhounds coat?
Bloodhounds are known for their short coat.
How Dense Is The Bloodhound Coat?
What is the texture of the hair of a Bloodhound?
Straight
How many puppies can a Bloodhound have in a litter? How many puppies can a Bloodhound have in her first litter?
10-12 puppies per pregnancy
A Bloodhound can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.
Bloodhound dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.
Bloodhound Health Issues
Do Bloodhounds have a lot of health problems?
The Bloodhound is a very healthy breed, with little need for frequent vet visits. However, it's important to keep an eye on their health and have them checked by a veterinarian when needed.
What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Bloodhound?
Otitis Externa
Entropion
Gastric Torsion
Cherry Eye
Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Bloodhounds?
Bone And Joint Problems
Hypothyroidism
What are the occasional tests recommended for Bloodhound breed?
Eye
Hip
Elbow
Thyroid Tests
X-Rays
Bloodhound Needs and Activities
Do Bloodhounds have a lot of energy?
Bloodhounds are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.
Do Bloodhounds need socialization? How social are Bloodhounds?
Bloodhound have very high social needs. These needs include regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.
How much exercise should Bloodhounds get?
The Bloodhound needs a high level of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They also make great companions for people who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy running, hiking or other outdoor activities. These breeds are not suitable for people with sedentary lifestyle or those who live in small apartments
How much sleep should a Bloodhound have? Do Bloodhounds sleep a lot?
Bloodhounds are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.
Does a Bloodhound drool a lot?
The Bloodhound is a breed known for excessive drooling which can cause a lot of drool to be left on clothes. If this is unappealing to you, it may be best to consider a different breed of dog.
How much does it bark?
Bloodhound dogs bark and howl frequently, they are not a good fit for quiet homes.
Do Bloodhounds exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?
Bloodhound dogs are not known for their protective nature and may not be the best choice as guard dogs. They do not have a strong drive to defend their territory and may not be inclined to provide protection.
Are Bloodhounds mouthy?
What is the likelihood of a Bloodhound running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?
Do Bloodhound dogs have a high prey drive?
What do Bloodhounds enjoy doing? How do I keep my Bloodhound busy?
Snack time, Walk, Petting, Sniffing, Not walking, Eating treats, Walking, Cuddle, Hide & Seek
What is the energy level of a Bloodhound? How much energy does a Bloodhound have?
Medium
Bloodhounds are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.
How far should a Bloodhound walk each week? How many miles should a Bloodhound walk every week?
8 miles / week
There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Bloodhound, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.
How much a Bloodhound should exercise a day? How much activity does a Bloodhound need?
60 minutes
In general most Bloodhounds usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.
What level of grooming should be provided for a Bloodhound?
The Bloodhound is a breed of dog that is known for its low grooming needs.
How often should you brush a Bloodhound?
Weekly
Bloodhound should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot
What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Bloodhounds?
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper
Costs
How many cups of food does a Bloodhound eat?
3 cups
For an average 90-110 pound (41 - 50 kg) Bloodhound feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.
How Much Does a Bloodhound Cost Daily?
$2.80 - $3.20 / day
The average cost of a Bloodhound is somewhere $2.80 - $3.20 per day.
How Much Does a Bloodhound Cost Per Month?
$84 - $95 / month
The average per month expenses of a Bloodhound is between $84 - $95. This makes an average of $1008 - $1140 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.
Bloodhound Characteristic
How intelligent is a Bloodhound?
The Bloodhound breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.
How sensitive is a Bloodhound dog?
This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.
Are Bloodhound dogs affectionate?
Do Bloodhound do well in apartments? Are Bloodhounds good indoor dogs?
The Bloodhound is not an apartment-friendly dog breed. This dog breed is best in a home with a large, fenced-in yard. They are not suited for apartment life and can become destructive due to pent up energy from being in a small space.
Are Bloodhounds good with kids? Are Bloodhounds good around children?
A Bloodhounds typical characteristics indicate that this breed of dog is an ideal companion for kids and makes them family pets. Their gentle and protective nature and calm mentality make them gel along quickly with the younger humans
Are Bloodhounds good for elderly?
Are Bloodhounds good with cats? How friendly Bloodhounds are toward cats?
Bloodhounds are very cat friendly dogs. They generally make good companions for cats.
Do Bloodhound dogs get along with other dogs? Are Bloodhounds OK with other dogs?
Bloodhounds are very friendly towards other dogs. This breed typically have a happy and affectionate temperament around dogs.
How do Bloodhound dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?
Are Bloodhounds friendly with strangers?
Bloodhounds are very friendly around strangers.
Do Bloodhounds like to play? Are Bloodhounds playful?
Bloodhounds are known to be highly playful dog. So if you're not up for all that, think about adopting a slightly older Bloodhound for a mellower experience.
Are Bloodhound easily trained?
Bloodhound dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Good sense of smell
Bloodhounds have an excellent sense of smell, which makes them good at tracking scents. - Cat Friendly
Bloodhound dogs have a temperament that allows them to coexist peacefully with cats. - Service Dog
Service dog duties are a natural fit for this breed. - Affectionate
Bloodhounds are affectionate dogs that bond well with their owners. - Therapy Dog
This breed is ideal for therapy dog work. - Good with children
Bloodhounds are good with children and make great family pets.
Cons
- Barking
The Bloodhound breed is known for its loudness. - High energy
Bloodhounds are high energy dogs that require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Without enough exercise, they can become bored and destructive. - Not Hypoallergenic
Allergy sufferers may want to consider a different breed of dog, as Bloodhounds may not be a good fit due to the potential for allergic reactions. - Not suitable for office environment
Bloodhounds are not generally considered to be office-friendly dogs. - Not Apartment Friendly
The Bloodhound breed may not be ideal for apartment dwellers. - Prone to certain health issues
Bloodhounds are prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia and bloat. - Grooming needs
Bloodhounds require regular grooming to keep their coat in good condition. Their coats need to be brushed regularly.