Bloodhound

Alternative names: Bloodhound, Saint Hubertus Hound.

History of the breed

The Bloodhound is one of the oldest dog breeds, originating in the Middle Ages, where it was developed in Belgium by monks of the Abbey of Saint-Hubert. The breed was used to track large game and later also to follow human scent trails, making it famous as a tracking dog. Thanks to its exceptional sense of smell and stamina, the Bloodhound remains a favorite among search and rescue teams and police units worldwide to this day.

Character and temperament

The Bloodhound is a friendly, gentle, and patient dog. He is social and strongly bonded to his family, but retains an independent and sometimes stubborn streak due to his working background. This breed is known for its calm temperament indoors, but is determined and persistent when tracking. He gets along well with children and other animals, provided he is properly socialized.

Physical characteristics

Shoulder height : 58-69 cm.
Weight : 36-50 kg.
Coat : Short, dense and weather-resistant.
Colors : Black and tan, liver-colored and tan, or solid red.
Sizes for collars and harnesses : Neck circumference of 50-65 cm, chest circumference of 80-100 cm.

Care

The Bloodhound's short coat is easy to maintain. Weekly brushing helps remove loose hair and keeps the coat healthy. The long, pendulous ears should be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent infections. Its facial wrinkles should be kept clean and dry to avoid irritation. Regular dental care and nail trimming are important for maintaining its health.

Movement and activity

The Bloodhound needs daily exercise, such as long walks or tracking activities. While calm indoors, it requires sufficient physical and mental stimulation to prevent boredom. This breed has a strong tendency to follow scents, so a well-fenced garden or walking on a leash is necessary.

Health

The Bloodhound is a relatively healthy breed, but can be susceptible to:

Hip dysplasia
Gastric torsion (bloat)
Eye problems, such as ectropion (eyelids turning outwards) and entropion (eyelids turning inwards)
Ear infections

The average life expectancy is 10-12 years.

Nutrition

A balanced diet is essential for the health of the Bloodhound. They typically eat 400-600 grams of food per day, depending on their weight, age, and activity level. Divide the food into two meals per day to reduce the risk of gastric torsion.

Training and socialization

The Bloodhound is intelligent and eager to learn, but can sometimes be stubborn due to its independent nature. Positive reinforcement and patient, consistent training work best. Early socialization is essential to ensure it interacts well with other people, animals, and situations. Tracking training or other activities that utilize its nose keep it happy and mentally stimulated.

Suitability for owners

The Bloodhound is ideal for experienced dog owners who understand how to handle its strong tracking instinct and independent nature. It's well-suited to families who enjoy outdoor activities and can provide it with the space and time to track and exercise. This breed is less suitable for people with a small garden or a busy lifestyle, as it doesn't like to be left alone and needs regular attention. Its gentle and patient nature makes it an excellent choice for families with children, but supervision is recommended with young children due to its large size. The Bloodhound needs an owner who is consistent in its training and able to challenge it both physically and mentally.

Share your experience with us!

Do you own a Bloodhound? Send a photo of your dog to klantenservice@fidello.nl and receive a 10% discount on your next purchase. Want to participate in a video for FidelloTV? Make an appointment via the same email address and receive €20 shop credit as a thank you for your participation!