Bloodhound

The Bloodhound: The World's Finest Nose

The Bloodhound is a large, dignified scent hound famous for possessing arguably the most powerful nose in the entire animal kingdom. Loose-skinned, long-eared and soulful in expression, it was bred to follow a trail for miles and is still relied upon today for search-and-rescue and law enforcement. Adults stand 58 to 69 cm tall, weigh 36 to 50 kg and typically live around 10 to 12 years.

From Monastery to Man-Trailer

The breed traces back to the St. Hubert Hound, said to have been developed at a Belgian monastery during the 8th and 9th centuries. As medieval nobles discovered its extraordinary tracking gift, the Bloodhound earned fame as a man-trailer, with legends describing hounds pursuing figures such as Robert the Bruce and William Wallace. Remarkably, a Bloodhound's trailing work is so reliable that its results have been accepted as evidence in court.

Built to Follow a Scent

Every feature serves the nose. The long, draping ears sweep scent upward, while the deep wrinkles and loose facial skin trap and concentrate odour molecules so a trail can be followed for hours or even days. Once a Bloodhound locks onto a scent it becomes single-minded and determined, which is why secure containment and lead work are essential outdoors.

A Gentle, Stubborn Soul

Off the trail, the Bloodhound is one of the most easygoing and affectionate of dogs. It is gentle, patient and good-natured, particularly tolerant of boisterous children, yet determined and stubborn when working. It is also among the most vocal breeds, communicating with a deep, resonant howl. Patient, food-motivated, positive training works far better than insistence, since this independent thinker was bred to make decisions on its own.

Exercise and Grooming

Bloodhounds need daily exercise and love scent-based activities such as tracking and AKC scent work that channel their natural talent. Grooming is moderate: the short coat needs weekly brushing, but the ears require regular cleaning, the wrinkles should be kept clean and dry, and owners should expect a fair amount of drool.

Health Considerations

As a large, deep-chested breed the Bloodhound carries some notable risks, and reputable breeders screen accordingly:

• Bloat (gastric torsion), a life-threatening emergency that calls for preventive care
• Ear infections linked to the long, low-hanging ears
• Hip and elbow dysplasia and eye conditions such as entropion

Who It Suits

The Bloodhound suits patient owners with space, a secure garden and an appreciation for a gentle, scent-obsessed, occasionally stubborn companion. Give it a trail to follow and a tolerant household, and it returns deep affection and steady devotion.