Have you ever wondered about adopting a dog breed that is calm yet vocal, gentle yet confident, and, well, an excellent canine companion? If you haven’t guessed yet, we are talking about the Bloodhound dog breed. 

In this 5-minute read, we will tell you everything you need to know about this mysterious and interesting breed. So, are you ready to check whether or not bloodhounds are a match for you?

Overview

Height25-27 inches
Weight90-110 lbs
Life span10-12 years
Exercise needs1-2 hours daily
TemperamentLaid back, Gentle, Howls a lot
GroomingLow maintenance
HypoallergenicNo
OriginBelgium, France

Origin of the Bloodhound

Bloodhounds spent their early lives doing no different than what other hound dogs did—hunting. However, these hunting dogs are among the most skilled dogs who assist hunters in tracking games as well. If we dig deep into the history, it is also said to believe that these were developed by the monks in Belgian monasteries, which is a crucial point that sets them apart from other dog breeds. Apart from this, let’s not forget that Bloodhounds are skilled hunting dogs who gained recognition from big dog clubs and organizations by the 20th century, which made them more popular among dog enthusiasts. 

Moreover, we can proudly say that these dogs have history tales that are one of a kind. From deliberate attempts to refine their skills by crossbreeding them in French monasteries to finally being admired for their loyalty and companionship- Bloodhounds came a long way!

Appearance of the Bloodhound

Here are the details about the physical attributes and characteristics of the Bloodhound dog breed:

1. Size and body

The Bloodhound dog breed stands at a height of 25-27 inches while weighing about 110 pounds! So it is very clear that this large-sized dog breed is going to take up all your couch space, so you better get yourself a new one! Apart from their size, these four-legged buddies are muscular, very stiff, and have super strong arms, which adds to their physique.

2. Coat

These dogs have a short and dense coat that protects them when they are hunting outdoors. Talking of their coat, one thing we absolutely love is their lustrous coat that looks even more beautiful as there is a shine over their wrinkles and folds as they walk. Also, these dogs decided to be not so boring as their coat colors come in different colors like liver and tan, black and tan, or red. 

3. Other features

Besides their size and coat, there are also other features that make the Bloodhounds so unique—starting with their floppy ears, which are not just there to make them cute, no! They have loose skin, wrinkles, and floppy ears that actually help these working dogs store the scents of their enemies. Isn’t that really cool?! 

Personality and Temperament

In this section of the article we will explore the details of the temperament and personality traits of the Bloodhound dog breed:

1. Gentle giants

We are sure no one will look at this breed and say they are an aggressive dog! We mean—do you see that innocent face that oozes calmness?! The bloodhound dog breed is known for its gentle nature, especially with children. So if you have children at home, don’t worry! These dogs are not aggressive and will instead quietly watch the kids play.

2. Laid back

One of the most annoying personality traits of Bloodhounds is their laid-back nature. These dogs are very hard to convince, and they would rather be couch potatoes than active breeds. This is one of the reasons why we do not recommend this dog breed for first-time dog owners. 

3. Howl a lot

Even though they are mostly quiet, you may find them howling at odd hours. No! It does not mean that there are ghosts around, but it’s just one of the things they still carry from their history as hunting dogs. So, if you adopt the Bloodhound dog breed, be ready to be taunted by your neighbor for your doggo’s howls. 

4. Independent thinkers

Last but not least, the Bloodhound dog breed is also known for its independent thinking skills. As these dogs used to hunt, they can make end-moment decisions on their own and act on them. But the bigger task before they get to that point is to get them off the couch!

a Bloodhound in the city

Grooming Needs of the Bloodhound

If you are a first-time owner looking for a Bloodhound, then you would be relieved to know that these dogs are low maintenance and will only eat a little of your time. Here are the everyday grooming essentials for the Bloodhound dog breed:

1. Brushing

You only need to brush the Bloodhound dog breed once a week. They have a short fur coat, so you don’t need to brush them daily as they barely shed. However, these dogs are not hypoallergenic, and you can spot some danders and loose sheds here and there during shedding seasons. 

2. Wrinkle care

One of the most crucial grooming areas of these dogs is their wrinkles. They have deep wrinkles like Basset Hound, which also needs deep cleaning. These areas can store dirt, debris, sweat, and bacteria, which can cause infections and wounds. So, all you have to do is take a damp cloth and clean their wrinkles with the cloth wrapped around your finger. You can also use a new damp cloth to remove their eye boogers, as Bloodhounds are prone to eye infections. 

3. Overall hygiene

Lastly, you should maintain the overall hygiene of your dog. This includes regular dental checkups, brushing teeth, cleaning dirt under the paws, and removing any ear wax built up.

Exercise and Training Needs

The bloodhound dog breed can be challenging to work with! These dogs require 1-2 hours of exercise everyday, but an even bigger task is to motivate them to do so. You will need to find interactive and fun activities for them. Apart from that, below are some everyday training needs of Bloodhounds:

1. Early socialization

We highly recommend that you give your dog early socialization training! Especially with shy and reserved dogs like Bloodhounds, it can be challenging for them to be in social settings. The earlier you start socializing them, the easier it will be for them to adjust to unfamiliar people instead of biting them out of fear.

2. Daily exercises

You should take the Bloodhound dog breed for daily walking sessions without a miss. As we said, these dogs are pretty laid-back, and it can be hard to get them straight to rigorous training. If you start with slow walks across the streets and then move forward to agility training, then that way might work for your pooch.

3. Obedience training

Lastly, before anything else, you should teach your dog basic obedience. This includes familiarising them with commands and actions. Also, leash training is super necessary for dogs. You can use commands and instructions while gently pulling a leash to help them navigate.

Final Thoughts

Our final thoughts on whether or not Bloodhound is an excellent pet to adopt is an absolute yes! You can adopt these dogs as a first-time dog owner, too, but then you will need to be ready to give them long motivational speeches and be very patient! The Bloodhound dog breed does not require rigorous training or a heavy grooming routine but needs a lot of mental stimulation.

If you are not experienced, their large size and laid-back nature can be a huge challenge. You might also need to take the help of dog walking services or enroll them in dog training classes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the life expectancy of a Bloodhound dog?

The life expectancy of a Bloodhound dog breed is 10 -12 years. A lot of factors affect the life expectancy of dogs, such as nutrition, physique, underlying health condition, or hygiene. So, to make your dog live longer, you should give them a quality life and fulfill all their physical and mental health needs.

Can Bloodhounds live in hot weather?

Even though Bloodhounds have short coats, and you may think summers are perfect for them, that is not the case! The bloodhound dog breed has folds and loose skin that make them susceptible to heat. It is recommended that you keep them in shady areas or areas with low heat temperatures. Also, if you take them to a hot climate, they should be fully hydrated and have human foods like cucumber or watermelons.

Can Bloodhounds be aggressive?

The Bloodhound dog breed is not considered to be aggressive. These dogs generally have a cool and calm demeanor, which is why they don’t react very aggressively. However, unwanted acts like aggression, humping, barking a lot, and biting can be fixed with behavior training.

Are Bloodhounds hard to take care of?

The only time it is hard to take care of the Bloodhound dog breed is when they act all lazy. These dogs are very laid back, and getting them up for training or anything can be a hell of a task. Their unwillingness and need for a lot of motivational speeches can make it difficult for first-time dog owners.

What are the problems with Bloodhounds?

There are some common health problems bloodhounds are prone to, such as hip dysplasia, heart problems, and eye infections. Also, some underlying health issues or genetic mutations can be a health problem for dogs. Hence, please take your dog on regular health checkups!

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