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Bloodhound

The Bloodhound is an 80-to-110-pound scent hound built around a single overpowering instinct: follow a trail, ignore everything else.

Bloodhound dog breed portrait
Bloodhound — photo by Ivan Babydov (Pexels)
Bloodhound — gallery 3
Bloodhound — photo by Lucas (Pexels)

Size

80-110 lb

Lifespan

10-12 years

Exercise

60-90 minutes

Shedding

Moderate

Experience

Match to owner routine

Is This Breed Right for Me?Compare BloodhoundsCare Guide
By Mr Pet Lover Team·Updated
Fact-checked against the sources listed on this page, including American Kennel Club, ASPCA, AVMA. Not individually reviewed by a veterinarian. Editorial standards
This article is for general information only. Always consult your veterinarian for medical decisions about your pet.

Decision first

Is a Bloodhound right for you?

Start with fit before history or trivia. These are ownership signals, not guarantees about any individual dog.

Best suited for

  • Households with children.
  • Homes with other compatible pets.
  • Active owners who enjoy daily outdoor exercise.

Think carefully if

  • You cannot provide substantial daily exercise.
  • You cannot keep up with grooming and preventive care.
  • The dog will spend most days alone without support.

Conditional fit

Apartment living may be difficult unless the owner can meet the breed's exercise, training, and space needs.

Daily reality

Bloodhound commitment snapshot

The best breed choice is the one whose daily care actually fits your calendar, budget, and home.

Daily exercise

60-90 minutes

Match activity to age, health, weather, and training goals.

Coat care

Moderate

Grooming needs vary by coat, shedding, and lifestyle.

Time alone

Needs planning

Most dogs need gradual alone-time conditioning and support.

Structured facts

Bloodhound at a glance

The measurements and traits that most affect day-to-day life with this breed.

Origin

Belgium/France

Group

Hound

Weight

80-110 lb

Height

23-27 in

Lifespan

10-12 years

Temperament

Gentle | Affectionate | Stubborn | Even-tempered | Determined | Friendly

View all characteristics and methodology

Lifestyle fit

Apartment suitability
Needs caution
Child friendliness
Often good, with socialisation and supervision
Other-pet fit
Often compatible with careful introductions

Owner commitment

Exercise
60-90 minutes
Grooming
Moderate
Shedding
Moderate
Training
Moderate

Environment and health

Health risk
Needs planning

Ratings combine structured breed data, visible breed fields, and editorial context. They are planning aids, not predictions for an individual dog.

Daily life

Bloodhound temperament and behavior

The Bloodhound is an 80-to-110-pound scent hound built around a single overpowering instinct: follow a trail, ignore everything else. It is one of the most affectionate, gentle, and tolerant breeds with people and children — and one of the most physically demanding to live with because of what that nose, that drool, and that stubborn independence actually cost day to day. People fall for the soulful face and droopy ears and underestimate the management. This profile leads with the realities, because they decide whether the breed fits your household. Physically the Bloodhound is a large, loose-skinned, powerful dog with the deep facial folds and long ears that funnel scent. It is a heavy drooler — owners genuinely keep towels in every room and on the car — and carries a strong natural hound odor that bathing reduces only briefly and over-bathing worsens. Coat colors are black-and-tan, liver-and-tan, and red. Temperament is gentle and patient indoors and single-minded outdoors. Bloodhounds are excellent with children and other dogs, rarely aggressive, and poor guard dogs despite their size. They are intelligent but trained for centuries to make independent decisions on a trail, which reads in the home as stubbornness: recall is unreliable once a scent is locked in, and a Bloodhound on a trail will walk for miles oblivious to your calls and to traffic. Who the Bloodhound is right for: a patient owner with a securely fenced yard, tolerance for drool and odor, time for 1-2 hours of daily leashed scent-rich exercise, and realistic training expectations. Who it is wrong for: house-proud owners, anyone needing reliable off-leash recall, apartment dwellers, or people wanting a quick-to-obey dog. The nose runs this breed, not you.

Gentle | Affectionate | Stubborn | Even-tempered | Determined | Friendly

Gentle

A common Bloodhound temperament descriptor that should be interpreted alongside training, exercise, and household fit.

Affectionate

A common Bloodhound temperament descriptor that should be interpreted alongside training, exercise, and household fit.

Stubborn

A common Bloodhound temperament descriptor that should be interpreted alongside training, exercise, and household fit.

Even-tempered

A common Bloodhound temperament descriptor that should be interpreted alongside training, exercise, and household fit.

Owner note

Temperament labels are starting points, not guarantees. Meet the individual dog and ask about behavior history whenever possible.

Care essentials

How to care for a Bloodhound

What looking after one actually involves: exercise, grooming, food, training, and routine health.

HealthAs needed
  • Bloodhounds generally live 10-12 years and have several breed-specific health considerations. Their most common health issues relate to their anatomical features, particularly the loose skin and droopy eyes. These dogs are prone to various eye conditions including ectropion (outward rolling of the eyelid), entropion (inward rolling), cherry eye (prolapse of the third eyelid gland), and dry eye. Skin fold dermatitis can develop in their facial wrinkles and requires vigilant cleaning. Their pendulous ears are susceptible to chronic infections if not properly maintained. Orthopedic concerns include hip and elbow dysplasia, which can lead to arthritis, and these large dogs can also suffer from bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention. Bloodhounds are also predisposed to hypothyroidism and may develop certain cardiac issues. Obesity can exacerbate many of these health problems, making weight management crucial. Responsible breeders screen for these conditions, and regular veterinary check-ups can help catch and address issues early. Despite these concerns, many Bloodhounds live healthy lives into their senior years when properly cared for.
ExerciseAs needed
  • Bloodhounds require regular, moderate exercise to stay healthy both physically and mentally. Plan for at least 1-2 hours of activity daily, ideally including opportunities to use their remarkable scenting abilities. Long, leisurely walks where they can sniff and explore are perfect, as they tend to move at a deliberate pace when following interesting scents. While not typically high-energy dogs at home, they need sufficient outdoor time and can become destructive if their exercise needs aren't met. Their exercise regimen should be consistent, though avoid strenuous activity in hot weather as they can overheat easily due to their heavy build. Young Bloodhounds (under 18 months) should avoid excessive running or jumping until their growth plates close fully. Off-leash exercise should only occur in securely fenced areas, as these dogs will follow scent trails single-mindedly, ignoring recalls when on an interesting track.
GroomingAs needed
  • Despite their relatively short coat, Bloodhounds require regular grooming attention due to their distinctive physical characteristics. Their coat sheds moderately year-round and should be brushed weekly with a rubber curry brush or hound glove to remove loose hair and distribute skin oils. The breed's most notable grooming needs stem from their facial wrinkles, drooping lips, and long ears, which create warm, moist environments prone to bacterial and yeast growth. The deep facial folds should be cleaned and thoroughly dried daily to prevent skin infections, with particular attention to the area under the lower lip where food and moisture collect. Their pendulous ears require weekly cleaning to prevent ear infections, using a veterinarian-recommended solution. Bloodhounds are prolific droolers, especially after eating, drinking, or during warm weather, necessitating strategic placement of 'drool towels' around the home. Nails should be trimmed regularly, and teeth brushed several times weekly for overall health.
TrainingAs needed
  • Training a Bloodhound requires patience, consistency, and understanding of their unique temperament. While intelligent, these dogs are independent thinkers bred to work without constant human direction, making them somewhat challenging to train. They respond best to positive reinforcement methods using high-value food rewards, praise, and gentle guidance, as they're sensitive to harsh corrections. Early socialization is essential to ensure they develop into well-mannered adults, particularly given their size. Basic obedience training should begin early, though owners should set realistic expectations—a Bloodhound may never have the snap-to attention of some working breeds. Their remarkable scenting abilities provide excellent opportunities for engaging their minds through tracking activities, nose work, or scent games. Bloodhounds are notorious for their stubbornness, and training sessions should be kept short (5-10 minutes) and interesting to maintain their attention. Consistency is crucial, as these dogs will quickly learn which rules are firmly enforced and which can be ignored. House training may take longer than with some breeds, requiring vigilance and patience.
NutritionAs needed
  • The Bloodhound's nutritional needs must be carefully managed to maintain proper weight and support their large frame and active lifestyle. These dogs thrive on high-quality dog food appropriate for their age, size, and activity level, with protein content between 18-26%. Portion control is crucial as the breed can be prone to obesity, which exacerbates joint issues they may already be predisposed to. Adult Bloodhounds typically require 4-8 cups of quality food daily, divided into two meals to help prevent bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), a life-threatening condition they're at risk for. Slow-feed bowls can help reduce rapid eating, another bloat risk factor. The feeding schedule should be consistent, and exercise should be avoided for at least an hour before and after meals. Fresh water should always be available, though water bowls may need frequent cleaning due to the breed's slobbering tendencies. Treats should be factored into daily caloric intake, with healthy options preferred for training rewards.

Care calendar

Daily

  • Meals, water, exercise, interaction, and a quick health check.

Weekly

  • Grooming, nails, ears, teeth, and body-condition review.

Annually

  • Veterinary exam, vaccination review, and preventive-care planning.

Health planning

Bloodhound health risks and screening

Every breed has individual health variation. Use this profile for planning and discuss medical decisions with a veterinarian.

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat / GDV) — the leading killer of the breed; the very deep chest predisposes the stomach to fill with gas and twist, cutting off circulation. A distended hard abdomen, unproductive retching, and restlessness is a within-hours fatal emergency. Many owners elect a preventive gastropexy.
Ectropion and entropion — eyelid conformation defects common in this loose-faced breed: ectropion (outward-rolling lids exposing the eye to irritation and infection) and entropion (inward-rolling lids causing lashes to abrade the cornea); both may require surgical correction.
Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia — inherited joint malformation causing arthritis and lameness, significant in a dog this heavy; screened by OFA radiographs in breeding stock and worsened by excess weight and over-exercise of growing pups.
Skin-fold dermatitis (intertrigo) — bacterial or yeast infection in the deep facial and lip folds when moisture, saliva, and debris are trapped; requires routine cleaning and veterinary treatment when inflamed.
Chronic ear infections (otitis) — the long, low, heavy ears trap moisture and limit airflow, making recurrent infections common without weekly cleaning and after-bath drying.

Ownership cost

How much does a Bloodhound cost?

Cost figures are structured so first-year and lifetime estimates do not conflict with the underlying line items.

Acquisition$700-$2,500
Adoption$50-$500
Initial setup$300-$800
Routine monthlyAbout $130/month
Routine annualAbout $1,560/year
First-year estimate$2,560-$4,860
Lifetime routine estimate$15,600-$18,720 routine costs

Currency: USD. Region: United States. Updated: March 2026. First-year totals add acquisition, a $300-$800 setup range, and 12 months of routine monthly care. Lifetime routine costs exclude acquisition, emergency care, boarding, and specialized training.

Responsible ownership

Finding a Bloodhound responsibly

A responsible path can be a documented breeder or a good rescue match. The important part is transparency and support.

Reputable breeder

  • Ask for documented health screening relevant to the breed.
  • Meet the breeder, parent dogs where appropriate, and review medical history.

Rescue or adoption

  • Check breed-specific rescue groups and reputable shelters.
  • Ask about temperament, medical history, foster notes, and support after adoption.
  • Match the individual dog's age, energy, and behavior history to your household.

Warning signs

  • No health documentation.
  • Pressure to buy immediately.
  • No questions about your home or experience.
  • Unclear return policy or unwillingness to provide references.

Original purpose

Bloodhound history

History is useful when it explains today's behavior, coat, exercise needs, and training style.

Read the breed history

The Bloodhound descends from scent hounds refined by monks at the Abbey of Saint-Hubert in present-day Belgium from around the 7th-8th centuries, where it was known as the St. Hubert Hound. Brought to England after the Norman Conquest, the breed was perfected for trailing — first game, then people. The name most likely refers to its status as a 'blooded' (pedigreed, aristocratic) hound rather than to tracking blood. Centuries of selection produced an animal whose scenting ability is unmatched: Bloodhounds can follow trails several days old over many miles, and a trained Bloodhound's identification of a trailed person has been accepted as evidence in courts of law. They were brought to America and used to trail escaped people, criminals, and the lost, and remain the gold-standard mantrailing dog for search-and-rescue and law enforcement. That working history — bred to commit utterly to a scent and decide for itself — directly explains the breed's stubborn, low-recall, nose-driven behavior in the modern home.

Bloodhound — photo by Ivan Babydov (Pexels)

Lower-page context

Bloodhounds in culture

Where the breed shows up in film, sport, work and folklore — the enjoyable part, once the practical questions are answered.

Movies and TV

Fun facts

  • Bloodhounds have over 300 million scent receptors, more than any other dog breed (humans have only about 5 million).
  • Their tracking evidence is legally admissible in court in many jurisdictions—the only dog breed with this distinction.
  • Bloodhounds can follow trails that are over 300 hours old and have been known to track a person's scent for more than 100 miles.
  • The long, droopy ears of the Bloodhound actually serve a purpose—they help stir up scent particles from the ground and keep them near the dog's nose.
  • Despite their common portrayal as manhunters, Bloodhounds are actually very gentle and make wonderful family pets.

Bloodhound FAQs

Do Bloodhounds really drool that much?

Yes — heavily and constantly. The loose lips and jowls mean drool flings onto walls, furniture, ceilings, and you, especially after eating, drinking, and exercise. Experienced owners keep cloths in every room and in the car. This cannot be trained or bred away; it is structural. Honestly assess your tolerance before getting one — drool is the single most common reason house-proud owners regret the breed despite loving the dog itself.

Can a Bloodhound be let off-leash?

Realistically, no. Once a Bloodhound locks onto a scent it is effectively deaf to recall and will trail for miles, including across roads — this is hardwired, not disobedience. Exercise on a harness and long line, and provide a securely fenced (5-6 foot, dig-proofed) yard. Off-leash freedom is only safe in fully enclosed spaces. A microchip and ID tags are essential because trailing-off-and-lost is the breed's classic emergency.

How long do Bloodhounds live, and why is it shorter than other breeds?

Typically only about 10-12 years, relatively short for a dog. Gastric bloat is the leading cause of premature death — many owners elect preventive gastropexy surgery for that reason — alongside cancer and joint disease in this large, deep-chested frame. Feeding two or three smaller measured meals with rest afterward, keeping the dog lean, and treating bloat signs as an immediate emergency are the highest-impact ways to protect the lifespan.

Are Bloodhounds good with children?

Yes — they are among the most gentle, patient, and tolerant breeds with children and other dogs, and rarely aggressive. The real cautions are physical, not temperamental: an 80-110 pound dog can easily knock a small child over in play, and the drool, hound odor, and shedding are constant household realities. Supervise toddlers around the dog's size and bulk, and teach children to respect the dog rather than fearing its temperament.

Are Bloodhounds hard to train?

Yes, by general-obedience standards — not from low intelligence but because they were bred for centuries to make independent decisions on a trail and are motivated by scent over pleasing you. Recall is the weakest point and may never be reliable around scent. Use short, high-value, positive sessions, set realistic goals for basic manners, and channel the nose into legitimate tracking or scent games. Expect a polite companion, not a precision obedience dog.

Do Bloodhounds need a lot of grooming despite the short coat?

The short coat itself is easy — a weekly hound-glove brush handles shedding. The grooming burden is elsewhere: the deep facial and lip folds need cleaning and drying several times a week to prevent skin infection, the long heavy ears need weekly cleaning to prevent chronic otitis, and the breed carries a strong natural odor that over-bathing makes worse. Budget grooming time for folds and ears, not for the coat.

Sources

Every claim on this page traces to a published source. Each opens in a new tab so you can check it yourself.