Bloodhound at a glance
- Size
- Large
- Height
- 61–66 cm
- Weight
- 45–50 kg
- Life expectancy
- up to 10 years
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog.
Is the Bloodhound right for you?
Like every breed, the Bloodhound is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You enjoy long walks and an active, outdoor life.
- You have, or would like, another dog.
- You would like a coat that is fairly easy to look after.
Consider another breed if…
- The dog would regularly be left alone for long working days.
- You cannot offer well over an hour of exercise every day.
- You live in a flat or a small home.
- You have young children at home.
How would the Bloodhound fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Bloodhound
The Bloodhound is a big, powerful hound with a noble, wrinkled head, droopy lower eyelids and long, hanging ears. It is famous for its sense of smell and is typically gentle, placid and affectionate, though it needs a great deal of exercise.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Large
A large dog.
- Exercise
Very high
Usually needs several hours of activity or work a day.
- Energy level
Very lively
Very lively and usually keen to be busy.
- Grooming
Weekly
The coat usually needs brushing about once a week.
- Shedding
High
Tends to shed a lot, so expect hair around the home.
- Trainability
Independent
Can be independent-minded; patient training helps.
- Good with children
Older children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
- Good with other dogs
Usually sociable
Usually sociable with other dogs.
- Good with cats
Varies
Varies with the individual dog.
- Suits first-time owners
Experienced owners
Best with an experienced owner.
- Barking / vocality
Barks sometimes
May bark at visitors or unfamiliar sounds.
- Time alone
Prefers company
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
The breed may descend from hounds once kept at the monastery of St Hubert in Belgium, but it has been bred and developed in Britain since before 1300. In the 19th century British Bloodhounds were used to rescue the French Chien de St Hubert from extinction, and the breed still carries that name in parts of Europe.
Bloodhounds were first used as leashed hounds for hunting deer and wild boar, and from very early times also for tracking people. In Scotland the breed was known as the sleuth-hound and was used until about 1600 on both sides of the border to pursue raiders and cattle thieves. Today Bloodhounds still work in law enforcement and search and rescue. The Royal Kennel Club lists the Bloodhound as a vulnerable native breed.
Bloodhound temperament
Bloodhounds are usually gentle, friendly and affectionate, and they form strong bonds with their families. They are easy-going and often quiet in the house, but they come alive outdoors, where they can be very vocal.
They are sensitive dogs and can sometimes be nervous, so early socialisation with people, dogs and new experiences helps them grow into calm, confident adults. They tend to welcome visitors rather than guard against them.
A bored Bloodhound is more likely to be destructive around the home, so it needs plenty to keep it busy. Their bark is loud and deep, though many use it only when they want attention or something unusual is happening.
Size and appearance
This is a large breed. Adults typically stand 61–66 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 45–50 kg.
The coat is short and smooth. Breed standard colours are black and tan, liver, liver and tan, and red.
How much exercise does a Bloodhound need?
Bloodhounds need a lot of exercise: at least two hours a day for an adult, split into several walks, and more is better. Long, interesting walks with plenty to sniff suit them best, along with time to run off-lead in a secure area.
A secure garden is essential. They follow scents over long distances and can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps. Scent games, puzzle toys and training sessions help keep their minds busy. Puppies grow fast, so take care not to over-exercise them in their first year while their bones and joints develop.
Training a Bloodhound
Bloodhounds respond well to positive, reward-based training from an early age, but they can be wilful and are easily distracted once they pick up an interesting scent. Most have little interest in training that does not involve using their nose.
- Be patient and persistent, and keep training rewarding.
- Teach your Bloodhound to walk on a harness and lead from early on.
- Try a scentwork or tracking class, which gives their nose a proper outlet.
- Accredited training classes can help if you need extra guidance.
Bloodhound grooming
The short coat needs only a weekly brush to remove dead hair, though Bloodhounds do shed through the year. They often have a noticeable smell, and they drool, so they are not the best choice for house-proud owners.
Their skin is sensitive. Keep skin folds clean and dry, check their ears and eyes regularly for signs of infection, and ask your vet before choosing a shampoo.
Living with a Bloodhound
Bloodhounds have very gentle, patient natures and usually get on with children of all ages. Their size and clumsiness mean they can knock small children over, though, so they are usually better suited to families with older children.
Learn to read your dog's body language so you can step in before a situation becomes stressful. Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
Other dogs
Usually sociable with other dogs.
Cats and small pets
Varies with the individual dog.
Flats and smaller homes
Usually needs a roomy home.
Garden
A secure garden is strongly advised.
Being left alone
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
First-time owners
Best with an experienced owner.
Bloodhound health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
Bloodhounds often live under 10 years, and some conditions are recognised in the breed. The Royal Kennel Club lists it under Breed Watch and notes that it can be affected by conformational concerns, and PDSA highlights the loose skin around the eyes, which can easily become infected or affect sight. Knowing about these issues helps you ask the right questions; it does not mean every Bloodhound will be affected.
Hip dysplasia
The hip joint does not fit together perfectly, which eventually leads to arthritis. The Royal Kennel Club recommends hip testing under the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme before breeding.
Elbow dysplasia
The elbow joint does not fit together perfectly, which eventually leads to arthritis. The Royal Kennel Club recommends elbow testing under the BVA/KC Elbow Dysplasia Scheme before breeding.
Gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV)
The stomach bloats and twists around on itself, which can be fatal. Leaving a gap between eating and exercise is thought to reduce the risk.
Eye problems
These include ectropion, entropion and corneal ulcers. The Royal Kennel Club recommends eye testing under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme as best practice.
Skin infections and atopy
Their large amount of loose skin creates folds where infection can develop. Some Bloodhounds also have atopy, itchy skin caused by sensitivity to things in the environment such as pollen, grass and dust mites.
Ear infections
Ear infections are among the problems seen in the breed, so regular ear checks help catch them early.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Bloodhound home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Bloodhound cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Bloodhound home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically up to 10 years, not just the first year.
Buying a Bloodhound
If you have decided the Bloodhound suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Bloodhound
Bloodhounds do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Bloodhounds looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
There are no Bloodhound adverts at the moment.
Find Bloodhound adverts for sale and for adoption on Mypetzilla now.
Similar breeds you may want to consider
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Loyal, gentle, clever, protective, athletic, courageous and stubborn.
View breed guide
Bloodhound FAQs
Is the Bloodhound good with children?
Usually better with older, calmer children. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Can the Bloodhound live in a flat?
Usually needs a roomy home. Exercise and company matter more than floor space.
How much exercise does the Bloodhound need?
Very high: usually needs several hours of activity or work each day. Puppies and older dogs need less structured exercise.
Does the Bloodhound shed?
Tends to shed a lot.
How much grooming does the Bloodhound need?
Typically: about once a week.
Is the Bloodhound easy to train?
Can be independent-minded; patient training helps. Kind, reward-based training works best.
Can the Bloodhound be left alone?
Usually copes only with short periods alone. Build up time alone gradually.
Does the Bloodhound bark a lot?
Barks sometimes. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Is the Bloodhound good with cats?
Varies with the individual dog. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
How long does the Bloodhound live?
Typically up to 10 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, care and luck.
How big does the Bloodhound get?
Adults typically stand 61–66 cm at the shoulder and weigh 45–50 kg.