Bloodhound: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care

Bloodhound temperament and personality

The AKC rates the Bloodhound four out of five for affection with family and two out of five as a watchdog, so most are gentle, easygoing companions rather than guardians. They were bred to follow a scent for hours, and that single-minded focus defines the breed.

Barking is five out of five on the AKC scale, and the Bloodhound's deep bay carries a long way. The AKC says Bloodhounds like to take charge and tend to become set in their ways, so good habits formed early matter for life.

How big do Bloodhounds get?

According to the AKC, males stand 25 to 27 inches at the shoulder and weigh 90 to 110 pounds, and females stand 23 to 25 inches and weigh 80 to 100 pounds. The long, wrinkled face, loose skin and huge drooping ears are the breed's trademarks, and coats are black and tan, liver and tan, or red.

They are powerful, heavy dogs, so leash manners and a sturdy harness are essential. Keep a Bloodhound lean to protect its joints, and plan your car, crate and budget for a 100-pound dog.

Bloodhound lifespan and common health issues

The AKC gives a Bloodhound lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Like other large, deep-chested dogs, the AKC says Bloodhounds can suffer bloat, and owners should learn the signs. VCA lists restlessness, drooling, retching without bringing anything up and a swollen belly; that is an emergency, so call a vet immediately.

VCA says Bloodhounds are predisposed to hip and elbow dysplasia, eyelid problems, recurrent ear infections and skin-fold infections, and the AKC recommends hip, elbow and cardiac evaluations. The AKC also warns they are notorious for eating anything and everything. Ask breeders for parent results, and see your vet about red or runny eyes, smelly ears or any swallowed object.

Exercise needs

The AKC says the idea that Bloodhounds laze on the porch all day is a misconception: bred to track for hours, they are active dogs that need daily exercise. Long daily walks are ideal, always on a leash, because a Bloodhound on a scent may ignore every command.

Tracking and mantrailing are the perfect outlets for that nose, and many clubs offer them. VCA advises caution with overexertion in heat. A securely fenced yard helps, but check it for gaps; a scent can lead a Bloodhound a long way.

Grooming and shedding

The AKC says the short, dense coat sheds once or twice a year, and weekly brushing with a medium-bristle brush, rubber mitt or hound glove removes dead hair before it reaches the furniture. Shedding is three out of five on the AKC scale.

Drooling is five out of five, the top of the scale, so keep towels handy. The low-hanging ears and facial folds need regular checks and cleaning to prevent infection, VCA advises. Trim nails and brush teeth regularly.

Training a Bloodhound

The AKC recommends early socialization and starting obedience classes early, because Bloodhounds tend to set their habits young. An owner needs to be firm but kind. Short sessions with high-value food rewards work best.

Use the nose rather than fighting it: scent games and tracking are training a Bloodhound loves. Teach a solid leave-it and drop-it, given the breed's appetite for anything on the ground, and keep trash and food out of reach.

Are Bloodhounds good with kids and other pets?

The AKC rates the Bloodhound three out of five with young children, and VCA says they are generally good with supervision. Gentle but large and clumsy, a happy Bloodhound can knock over a small child, so supervise and teach calm behavior.

With other dogs the AKC rating is three out of five, and VCA says they are usually compatible. Many live peacefully with other pets, though small animals should be introduced carefully to any hound.

What a Bloodhound needs at home

Useful kit includes a strong harness and long tracking line, a secure fence, an extra-large crate or resting area, a thick orthopedic bed, drool towels, heavy non-tip bowls, a rubber grooming mitt, nail clippers and an ear cleaner your vet suggests.

Lidded trash cans and high counters save a lot of vet trips. Book a vet visit soon after bringing your Bloodhound home and ask about bloat signs, ear and eye care and a target weight.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.