Bloodhound Breed Guide for Adopters of Older Dogs

What is the Bloodhound breed about?

The Bloodhound is a trailing scenthound that traces its origins to the ancient French St. Hubert Hound, which was raised for tracking and hunting. Bloodhounds are experts at following an old, cold trail, which makes them exceptional tracking dogs. The AKC places the breed in the Hound Group, lists its origin as Western Europe, and recognized it in 1885. The United Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1914.

The breed has a large, distinctive build with loose skin around the face and neck, long pendulous ears, and a short coat in black and tan, red, or liver combinations.

How big is a Bloodhound? Height and weight

The AKC categorizes the Bloodhound as a large breed. The AKC gives 25-27 inches in height for males and 23-25 inches for females. The AKC gives a weight of 90-110 pounds for males and 80-100 pounds for females. The UKC describes the average adult male as 26 inches tall and about 90 pounds, with females averaging 24 inches and about 80 pounds. A small Bloodhound is not the norm, since the breed standard calls for a large, massive and very powerful dog.

Bloodhound temperament and breed traits: are Bloodhounds good family dogs?

The UKC describes the Bloodhound as gentle, placid, kind and sociable with people, and particularly attached to its owner. It may be somewhat reserved and stubborn, and it is described as tolerant of other dogs and domestic animals. VCA describes the breed as typically friendly and deeply bonded to its family, and notes that it is highly independent. The AKC's temperament words for the breed are independent, friendly and inquisitive.

On the job, a Bloodhound's nose often takes priority, so tracking can come before listening to commands. They may become vocal, especially when following a scent trail. VCA says they are generally good with children when supervised and are best suited to patient or experienced owners.

Exercise and daily needs

Bloodhounds need moderate daily exercise, including walks and controlled outdoor activity. Since the nose leads them, a leash or a secure area is the safer choice outdoors. They prefer companionship and do best in homes that offer space, supervision and patience, with caution about overexertion in heat.

Grooming and coat care

The coat is low-maintenance, but skin and ear care are essential. Weekly brushing helps manage shedding. Long ears need frequent cleaning to prevent infection, and skin folds should be monitored for moisture and irritation.

Training a Bloodhound

A strong scent drive can sometimes override commands, so training calls for patience. Rewarding good responses and staying consistent can improve how well the dog responds, though instinct may still win out. The UKC notes that the breed is sensitive to both praise and correction.

Bloodhound lifespan and health issues

The AKC gives a general life expectancy of 10-12 years for the breed, which speaks to the average lifespan of a Bloodhound.

VCA names hip and elbow dysplasia as conditions the breed is predisposed to, and recommends cardiac screening before breeding. Their deep chest increases the risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus. The loose skin of the face together with long ears can lead to eyelid problems and repeated ear infections. Congenital eyelid disorders such as entropion, ectropion and cherry eye are named among the concerns. Ask a veterinarian about any eye or mobility changes.

Living with an old Bloodhound

Regular activity helps maintain weight and supports joint health, which matters for an older dog. VCA points to ear and skin-fold care, weight management, and noticing eye or mobility changes early as ways to support long-term health.

Considering Bloodhound adoption or rescue

• Ask the caring organization how the dog behaves on leash, since scent drive can override commands.
• Ask how the dog's ears, eyes and skin folds are doing, and whether any hip or mobility concerns have come up.
• Consider whether you can offer secure outdoor space and companionship, since the breed prefers company.