Bloodhound Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Bloodhound is a large, gentle scent hound with long ears, loose wrinkled skin and a deep, sorrowful expression. Its nose is among the most sensitive in the dog world, and it has been used for centuries to follow trails.

Origins and appearance

The breed is old and was developed in Europe, with monastic breeders often credited. Bloodhounds are large and heavy, with a long head, a pronounced brow, drooping lips, long low-set ears, loose skin, a short, dense coat in black and tan, liver and tan or red and a long, tapering tail.

Temperament

They are gentle, patient and affectionate. They are usually good with children and other pets. They are stubborn and independent, especially when following a scent. They can be sensitive. They dislike being left alone and may howl or bay.

Exercise

They need one to two hours of daily exercise, ideally on a long line with plenty of sniffing. They enjoy tracking games. Secure fencing is essential, since they follow scents for miles.

Training

They are intelligent but independent. Use positive methods, patience and food rewards. Do not expect a reliable off-lead recall. Early socialization helps. See how to use treats in dog training.

Coat and grooming

The short coat needs weekly brushing. Clean the skin folds and ears often, and wipe the lips. See dog skin fold dermatitis. Trim nails and brush teeth.

Health considerations

Topics include:

• Bloat. See bloat and GDV in dogs
• Ear infections. See dog ear infections
• Skin fold infections. See dog skin fold dermatitis
• Ectropion and entropion, affecting the eyelids
• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Cancer and a shorter lifespan

Living with a Bloodhound

They suit patient families with a secure yard and a tolerance for drool and noise. They do best with company. They are poorly suited to long hours alone or to owners wanting a quick learner.

A typical day

A Bloodhound wants a morning sniffing walk, a long nap, family time and an evening outing. Many are calm indoors.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are clumsy and curious. Begin socialization, handling and gentle training. Provide chew toys, and avoid heavy exercise while growing. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for food for a large dog, vet care and cleaning supplies. See dog vet cost guide.

Seasons and travel

They overheat easily in warm weather, so exercise early or late. Provide shade and water. They travel well with a sturdy crate or harness.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include trusting the dog off lead, neglecting the ears and folds, feeding large meals and leaving the dog alone.

Choosing a puppy or adult

Ask about hip and elbow tests, the lifespan of relatives and temperaments. Meet the parents and see how they live.

The nose that finds people

Bloodhound noses can follow a scent trail that is many hours old, and trained dogs have been used in search work. For a pet, the same ability turns walks into slow, absorbing exploration. Let the dog set the pace on a long line, because sniffing is mental exercise as well as physical.

Drool, ears and folds

Expect drool on walls, furniture and visitors. The long ears drag through food and water, and the folds trap moisture. Wipe the face and lips after meals, dry the folds and check the ears every week. A towel by the door helps.

Daily care checklist

• A sniffing walk on a long line.
• Wiping the lips, face and folds.
• A check of the ears, especially after meals or rain.
• Measured meals, with quiet time afterward.
• Company and a soft bed.

Is it the right breed for you?

A Bloodhound suits patient owners who want a gentle, scent-driven companion and accept drool and independence. It may not suit those wanting a tidy home or an obedient, off-lead dog. For another scent hound, see the Basset Hound.

The takeaway

Bloodhounds are gentle, stubborn and scent-driven, and they need patience, secure fencing and careful grooming.