The Bloodhound is classified as a scent hound.  This breed has abundant amounts of wrinkles about its face that entraps and focuses the scents of that which it wishes to trail.  Once this dog has discovered the target scent, it is difficult, if not impossible, to call it off. When this breed is on scent, the dog will bay, or sing. This is a resounding song that can carry for a mile or more (depending on the terrain).  This not only lets the master know where the dog is, it also lets the other members of the pack know that it has picked up an active scent.  The Bloodhound's man trailing ability is so trustworthy that the results are acceptable testimony in the courts of law.
     The Bloodhound is known as a gentle and affectionate family companion, however, it is important that this breed be properly socialized around humans beginning as a very young puppy.  This breed of dog is never used as an attack dog, it goes against its nature. It may let you know when strangers are about, but mostly  it just wants to have fun.  Bloodhounds are energetic, active dogs.  They are not the lazy, sleepy dogs so often portrayed on T.V. As a matter of fact, Bloodhounds can be extremely destructive if they do not have an outlet for all their energy.  They can literally eat your house.
     The Bloodhound is an independent thinker which contributes to its ability as a canine detective.  This breed can be stubborn at times.
     If an ideal home for this breed can be described, it is as one magazine article wrote: "a Big Southern plantation with a front porch, a sporting owner and other Bloodhounds to share the thrill of the hunt with, or a big family that hunts daily, lives on the edge of a national forest, and no neighbors within earshot."
     The Bloodhound has two habits that are very difficult, if not impossible, to change.  The first is it's tendency to drool and then to shake the drool everywhere.  The other habit is chasing cars.  Bloodhounds have difficulty learning that cars are dangerous, so owners need be aware that this breed should not be exercised off lead, unless the dog(s) are within an enclosed area.
     The life span of the Bloodhound averages between 7 and 11 years.
     The male Bloodhound is usually between 25 and 27 inches tall at the withers.  The male weighs about 110 pounds.
     The female Bloodhound averages between 23 and 25 inches to the withers, and her weight is around 100 pounds.
     The Bloodhound coat color can be either Black and Tan, Liver and Tan, or solid Red.

Return to Bloodhound Directory

Return to Bark Bytes Home