Quick Stats for the Bloodhound Dog
- Height (at the shoulders): dogs: 25 – 27 inches (64 – 69 cm) ; bitches: 23 – 25 inches (58 – 64 cm)
- Weight: dogs: 90 – 110 pounds (41 – 50 kg) ; bitches: 80 – 100 pounds (36 – 45 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 7 – 10 years
- AKC Group: Hound Group – AKC recognized in 1885
- Shedding: average shedder
- Living Conditions: okay in apartment (with sufficient exercise); relativity inactive indoors; best with average sized yard (minimum)
Personality of the Bloodhound Dog
The Bloodhound is an independent, tough, and intelligent member of the Hound Group. They can be stubborn at times, so they are not usually considered one of the easiest dogs to train. However, if you want to train them for trailing and tracking activities, then they are second to none.
These dogs are often portrayed as laid back, sometimes lying lazily around the house. However, this is misleading. They are actually focused and energetic trackers, especially once they pick up on a scent.
Bloodhounds are one of the gentlest dog breeds you will find. They make excellent family pets and are gentle and affectionate with children. They will also do just fine with other dogs and pets.
History of the Bloodhound Dog
The history of the Bloodhound goes back for a least a thousand years. Their origin is not certain, but it is believed that the breed was refined in Belgium. Later, they were exported to England by the Normans. Eventually, the breed found its way to America.
In the Middle Ages, Bloodhounds were a solid color, including the white Talbot Hound. However, that particular variety became extinct around the 1600s. Today, all Bloodhounds are either red or black and tan.
Many of the hound breeds today can trace their history back to the Bloodhound including the Coonhound and Basset Hound.
The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1885.
The Bloodhound Dog Care and Grooming
The Bloodhound can live both indoors and outdoors. It prefers milder temperatures, but can do okay in hotter climates as long as they have sufficient shady areas to rest. You should know that the Bloodhound tends to drool.
These dogs need an average amount of daily exercise.
They require daily attention when it comes to grooming, especially for their large, wrinkly face. Pay special attention to the floppy ears and the flaps around the eyes and gums. Grooming its short-haired coat is simple, with just an occasional brushing using a hound glove. The proper dog grooming tool always makes the job a lot easier.
Bloodhounds are average shedders and have a very distinct doggy-odor.
Health Problems of the Bloodhound Dog
The average life expectancy of the Bloodhound dog is about seven to ten years.
Major health concerns for this breed are:
- CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)
- gastric torsion
- entropion
- otitis externa
- elbow dysplasia
- skin-fold dermatitis
- bloat
Minor health issues include:
- hypothyroidism
Image courtesy of Wikipedia
For even more information about this dog breed check out the book:
[...] of dog lovers think they originated in France, while others believe that they are a mixture of the Bloodhound, Welsh Harrier and the Southern Hound. They also think that they have a touch of the Water [...]
[...] Spaniel (extinct now) which was found on his estate. Later he introduced infusions of Irish Setter, Bloodhound and more Tweed Water Spaniel to produce the Golden Retriever known [...]
[...] their popularity grew, they were bred to other local retriever dogs, and other breeds such as the Bloodhound and the Irish Water [...]
[...] like the Bloodhound dog, the Coonhound keeps its nose to the ground when trailing a scent. They move along quite swiftly [...]
[...] the late 1800s and sometime around 1930, crosses were made with Bloodhounds to increase the size of the dog. Basset Hounds were first brought to England and then to the United [...]