Bloodhounds come in three recognised colours; black and tan, liver and tan and red. Sometimes there is a slight amount of white on the chest, feet and tip of the stern.
Origin of the Bloodhound
The Bloodhound breed is more than one thousand years old. The breed was perfected by monks of St. Hulbert in Belgium. Later Bloodhounds were brought by the Normans into England and then to the United States. Bloodhounds are able to follow any scent-even human; this is a rare ability in a dog. The Bloodhound is also known as the Flemish hound. Today, all Bloodhounds are red or black and tan; however in the Middle Ages they were solid in colour.
Sizes of typical male and female Bloodhounds
Adult males should weigh between 41kg and 50kg, and be between 25-27 inches in height, while females should weigh between 36kg and 45kg and be between 23-25 inches in height.
Bloodhound Temperament
The Bloodhound is a patient, kind, mild-mannered, noble and lovable dog. The breed is truly a good natural companion and is calm, friendly and excellent with children. The Bloodhound’s nature is somewhat shy, and by the same token sensitive to kindness or correction by his master. The Bloodhound is used worldwide for rescue and criminal searches.
Bloodhound Coats
Bloodhounds have smooth, shorthaired coats, which are easy to groom. Groom with a hound glove and bathe only when required. To ensure the coat is gleaming, rub with a rough towel or chamois. Toe nails need clipping on a weekly basis and care should be taken to keep their ears clean of ticks and debris as they are floppy and hang low to the ground-picking up all kinds of dirt while training. The hair is softer on the ears and the skull. The coat of the Bloodhound is exceptionally weatherproof. The Bloodhound is an average shedder and has a distinctive dog-type odour.
Exercise your Bloodhound
Bloodhounds need a lot of exercise and should be taken for a long walk daily. Bloodhounds have an unbelievable good level of stamina and can walk for hours on end. The Bloodhound is a big dog that grows quickly and needs all its energy for developing strong muscles, joints and bones.
What health problems can Bloodhounds suffer from?
Bloodhounds are prone to bloating. Ensure you feed your dog two or three small meals a day, instead of one large one, also avoid exercising just after meals. Some Bloodhounds suffer from stomach cramps. Bloodhounds are also prone to ear infections, hip dysplasia and entropion; where the eyelids turn inwards. Ensure your bloodhound has a padded bed to avoid calluses on the joints.
The life expectancy of a Bloodhound
Bloodhounds usually live between 10 and 12 years.
The cost of a Bloodhound
The average cost of a Bloodhound puppy is £800 and upwards. A puppy will cost around £10 per week to feed them.
Bloodhound Puppies
Bloodhound puppies usually start behaving like an adult at about 3 years old, however you will be training your bloodhound for its whole life.
Dog groups related to Bloodhounds
Hound group
Similar dog breeds to the Bloodhound
Similar dog breeds to the Bloodhound include; American foxhound, Beagle, Black and Tan Coonhound, Blue trick Coonhound, English foxhound, Otter hound and Rhodesian ridgeback.