LargeBelgium, Great Britain

Bloodhound

"The Bloodhound is the world's premier scent hound: A gentle giant with an unparalleled nose and a calm demeanor that makes him a uniquely loyal companion."

Your Height:

180 cm

Shoulder Height: 68 cm

Age10-12 years

Average life expectancy with species-appropriate husbandry and good health.

Height

Shoulder Height: 64-72cmHead Height: ~87cm (est.)

The standard size measured from the ground to the highest point of the shoulder (withers).

Weight46-54 kg

Ideal body weight for a healthy, adult breed.

Cost/Month€105+

The sum of food, insurance, and basic care per month.

Character Profile

Activity Level

A measure of the daily urge to move and the necessary mental stimulation.

A hound with great stamina that needs plenty of exercise and strictly requires mental stimulation through scent work (e.g., mantrailing).

Trainability

The willingness of the breed to cooperate with humans and learn commands quickly.

Highly stubborn with a strong tracking instinct; once on a scent, they tend to completely ignore commands.

Family Friendliness

Describes patience and adaptability when dealing with children and family bustle.

Very gentle, patient, and friendly, though can sometimes be clumsy and boisterous due to its massive size.

Sociability

Behavior towards strangers and other dogs/pets.

Very peaceful, avoids conflicts, and is usually extremely sociable with both other dogs and strangers.

Beginner Friendly

Indicates how well the breed is suited for first-time owners without much experience.

Requires consistent handling, understanding of their stubbornness, and breed-specific tasks; not recommended for beginners.

Apartment Friendly

Considers barking behavior, space requirements, and the general need for rest indoors.

Absolutely not suited for apartments due to their massive size, distinct hound odor, and loud, deep baying.

Grooming Effort

Time required for brushing, bathing, and nail care. Long-haired breeds often need daily care.

The short coat is easy to care for, but the long ears, skin folds, and heavy drooling require regular cleaning.

Shedding

How much loose hair the breed loses in the house. Important for allergy sufferers and cleaning effort.

Sheds moderately; occasional brushing is sufficient to remove loose hair.

Did you know?

Keeping a pet of this size costs over 80€ per month on average. Plan your finances wisely.

Character & Training

The Bloodhound is the quintessential 'gentle giant.' His stoic calmness indoors stands in sharp contrast to his relentless determination when tracking. Owners will encounter a proud, often independent character that rejects blind obedience. While patience and positive reinforcement yield great results, the world fades away once his nose catches a scent. He is a dog for those who appreciate a quiet but persistent spirit and understand that his focus is his greatest gift.

Living & Exercise

The ideal home for a Bloodhound is rural with plenty of space. An apartment rarely accommodates his imposing size or his deep need for scent work. He is not built for typical dog sports but is a natural-born mantrailer. A securely fenced yard is mandatory, as he will ignore boundaries if a trail beckons. Above all, he craves the presence of his family and should never be isolated, despite his rugged appearance and large stature.

Health & Grooming

The Bloodhound's distinctive anatomy requires consistent care. Deep skin folds and long, heavy ears must be checked and cleaned daily to prevent infections. Like many giant breeds, they face a higher risk of gastric torsion (bloat) and joint issues such as hip dysplasia. Their eyes are sensitive due to the loose skin. Prospective owners must embrace the reality of significant drooling and a characteristic, robust hound scent that is part of the breed's charm.

History

Bred by monks in the Belgian Ardennes, the Bloodhound, or St. Hubert Hound, is one of the oldest scent-tracking breeds. He is considered an ancestor to many modern hounds. His fame stems from an ability to follow 'cold' trails that are days old over vast distances. Originally used for deer hunting, he now serves globally as an elite search-and-rescue specialist, tracking missing persons with incredible accuracy and zero aggression.

Similar Breeds

Based on character, activity level, and grooming needs – not by appearance.