Bloodhounds are a breed of scent hound, originating in Belgium. These gentle giants are known for their characteristic long droopy faces and calm, friendly temperament. Thanks to their incredible sense of smell, they were originally used for scent tracing during hunts. These days, their powerful noses make them great rescue dogs, and they are used to detect scents in criminal investigations.
But are they good pets if they aren’t working?

What does a Bloodhound look like?

Bloodhounds come in three colours, including black and tan, red and tan, and red. The exact distribution of markings will vary between them, making every bloodhound unique. Their excess skin gives the appearance of droopy eyes, long floppy ears, and a wrinkled face. They are considered a large breed of dog, weighing approximately 36-50kg and standing between 23-27 inches tall. When choosing a dog breed, it’s important to consider that larger dogs typically come with higher expenses. They often require more food and tend to have higher kennel and veterinary costs compared to smaller breeds.

How should a Bloodhound be looked after?

What are the feeding requirements for a Bloodhound?

A commercial large-breed diet for the appropriate life stage would be suitable for a bloodhound. Commercial diets are already balanced meaning they contain all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients a bloodhound needs. You can ask your veterinarian for advice on exactly how much to feed them as this will depend on their stage of life and weight. They will also be able to recommend the best brands with the highest quality ingredients. 

Do Bloodhounds need a lot of training?

Whilst Bloodhounds are calm, they also have a reputation for being stubborn. This can make them difficult to train, meaning they need consistent and patient owners. You should always use positive reinforcement methods when training, such as dog-safe treats and toys. Utilising their strong sense of smell could be a useful tool when training them. Electric shock collars should never be used. 

How often do Bloodhounds need grooming?

Bloodhounds have minimal grooming requirements thanks to their short-hair coat and low level of shedding. They can be bathed every 3-4 months and with weekly brushing, shedding will be less noticeable. Regular brushing is a good habit that helps to spot any other skin issues or signs of parasites. Their droopy ears and wrinkled skin require regular cleaning to prevent infections and inflammation, especially after swimming. Like any other breed, their claws may need trimming from time to time. Walks on a concrete surface can help to naturally file down claws. 

How much enrichment and exercise do Bloodhounds require?

Bloodhounds require long walks and outside playtime to provide them with the mental stimulation they would naturally get from tracking scents. You can provide further enrichment with puzzle toys and treat mats. This encourages them to use their sense of smell and provides them with mental stimulation to tire them out at home.  Insufficient exercise and entertainment will lead to boredom and behavioural issues.

Do Bloodhounds have any behavioural issues? 

Unfortunately, a bloodhound’s obsession with tracking scents can mean they end up wandering off and escaping. Secure fencing at home and walking them on a lead can help to avoid this. They are also known to be a particularly vocal breed and will howl, which is very hard to train out of them. This may be something to bear in mind if you live in terrace housing or a flat!

Are Bloodhounds good with children and other dogs? 

Bloodhounds are pack animals that get along well with other dogs and children, if introduced from a young age and are well socialised. As always, dogs should be supervised around children to be safe. They are an affectionate and friendly breed that is well suited to family life. 

Health risks 

Are Bloodhounds predisposed to any genetic conditions?

There are three main genetic conditions associated with Bloodhounds. These include degenerative myelopathy (a condition of the spinal cord), hip, and elbow dysplasia. Hip and elbow dysplasia are conditions of the hip and elbow joint due to poor conformation. These conditions can lead to painful arthritis and lameness if untreated. They can be treated with surgery or medication, but responsible breeders should be testing for these conditions to avoid breeding from those affected. For those who have joint dysplasia, nutritional supplements can be added to their diet to protect the joints as much as possible. 

What health issues can Bloodhounds have due to their size?

As with many large dog breeds, their life expectancy is at the lower end of the spectrum at around 9.3 years old (McMillan 2024). If you are wondering whether you would neuter your Bloodhound or not, it is worth knowing that the recommendation for large dog breeds is to neuter slightly later at around 12-18 months old. This allows for full skeletal growth (Hart 2020). This may be something to consider if you have other unneutered animals at home. 

Bloodhounds are deep-chested, which makes them more prone to a condition called gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV). GDV is a true veterinary emergency that requires surgery to treat the animal. Recognising the signs of GDV can help detect and treat it as soon as possible:

• Bloated abdomen
• Lethargy and weakness
• Unsuccessful attempts to vomit
• Pale gums 
• Panting 

To avoid GDV, feeding multiple smaller meals and avoiding vigorous exercise around mealtimes are recommended. 

What problems do bloodhounds get with their skin, eyes, and ears?

Excessive skin may look cute, but it can lead to many skin issues in bloodhounds. Their saggy eyelids can cause dry eye, corneal ulcers, and cherry eye. These conditions can be painful and may require surgery to correct them permanently. 

Long and droopy ears prevent normal ventilation of the ear canal, leading to a moist warm environment perfect for bacteria and yeast. Ear infections can occur regularly and become hard to treat. The best way to avoid this is regularly cleaning the ears and keeping them dry after swimming or baths. 

Their wrinkled skin can also lead to skin fold infections. Like ears, these skin folds require regular cleaning to prevent infections from occurring. Your vet can recommend which ear and skin products are safe and most effective.  

So, do Bloodhounds make a good pet?

Bloodhounds can make a safe and adoring family pet, that requires minimal grooming. However, a well-behaved bloodhound depends on patient owners dedicated to training them consistently. Some environmental factors may also influence their suitability, including neighbour proximity and home security.

As with many breeds, there is a list of health risks including GDV, eye issues, hip and elbow dysplasia, and ear and skin fold infections. Good insurance could help to cover the costs of these conditions. 

References and further reading

Hart, B. L., Hart, L. A., Thigpen, A. P., & Willits, N. H. (2020). Assisting Decision-Making on Age of Neutering for Mixed Breed Dogs of Five Weight Categories: Associated Joint Disorders and Cancers. Frontiers in veterinary science, 7, 472. 
McMillan, K. M., Bielby, J., Williams, C. L., Upjohn, M. M., Casey, R. A., & Christley, R. M. (2024). Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death. Scientific reports, 14(1), 531.