Although German Shepherds are the most popular police dog today, the bloodhound was the first police dog. Jack the Ripper, a serial killer that lived in London during the 1880s, had police scrambling as he went on his violent killing spree. A bloodhound breeder suggested that the police use one of his hounds to track the killer, which they first frowned upon. But the London Metropolitan Police agreed to help from a bloodhound as they had run out of options.
Bloodhound
The Bloodhound excels at one thing more than any other creature on earth: locating individuals who are lost or in hiding. When off-duty, a Bloodhound is one of the most gentle members of the canine world, but once on a scent, their determination and tenacity are unmatched.
Country of Origin
Belgium
Breed Group
Hounds
Height
Male 25-27 In
Female 23-25 In
Weight
Male 90-110 Ib
Female 80-100 Ib
Life Span
10-12 years
In a Nutshell
Bloodhounds are like the gentle giants of the dog world. They’ve got these comically long, wrinkled faces, floppy ears that practically touch the ground, and eyes that give them a wise and solemn look. They’re social butterflies, enjoying the company of other dogs and kids. But, there’s a twist – their noses are like super-powered detectors, which can get them into hilarious, nose-led escapades. So, be prepared with a sturdy leash when you take them for a walk in sniffing wonderland. Oh, and they’re known for being champions in the drooling department, so keep a napkin handy! And if you’re up for the challenge of training these detective jesters, be prepared for some slobbery surprises along the way!
Life With a Bloodhound
Low (1)
High (5)
Energy level
Trainability Level
Amount of Shedding
Tendency of Barking
Exercise Needs
Kid Friendly
Pet Friendly
Looks & Personality
Bloodhounds are unmistakable with their unique appearance. They’re renowned for their deep, velvety coats and those endearing, large, floppy ears that make them quite imposing. Their substantial build includes a broad, gracefully arched neck and a lengthy, slender muzzle. Their bodies are adorned with soft, wrinkled skin, found all over, from their bodies and throats to their elbows. These wrinkles serve a functional purpose, providing insulation to keep them warm in chilly weather. Bloodhounds sport a variety of coat colors, ranging from red and yellow to black, with some even featuring white patches on their chest, paws, and tails.
Originally bred as skilled deer and boar trackers, Bloodhounds have transformed into a highly active and intelligent breed. Among all canine counterparts, they lay claim to the most potent olfactory senses, making them unparalleled trackers, particularly when it comes to locating people. This extraordinary sense of smell has earned them a critical role in law enforcement and search and rescue operations.
Bloodhounds are inherently vigilant dogs who relish exploring new surroundings. They tend to get along famously with other animals and people, though they might maintain a bit of aloofness around strangers, as compared to some other dog breeds. Due to their imposing size, they can appear intimidating to those unaccustomed to them. Therefore, it’s crucial to approach them with a calm and unhurried demeanor to avoid unintentional mishaps. However, prospective Bloodhound puppy owners should be prepared for the breed’s well-known traits of stubbornness and sensitivity.
Contrary to the common misconception that Bloodhounds spend their days lounging on the porch, the truth is quite the opposite. These dogs, bred to tirelessly follow scents for extended periods, are incredibly active and necessitate daily exercise. They benefit greatly from long, daily walks, always on a leash, as their commitment to a scent may render them unresponsive to commands.
A tip from a vet
Bloodhounds are highly susceptible to a life-threatening condition known as gastric inversion due to their body structure and genetic predisposition. Shockingly, nearly 1 in 3 Bloodhounds will face a life-threatening situation due to this condition. To reduce the risk, it's advisable to divide your Bloodhound's daily meals into at least two portions and avoid feeding them half an hour before or after exercise. In many instances, Bloodhounds undergo proactive surgery aimed at stabilizing their stomach, significantly reducing the likelihood of this occurrence.
A tip from a trainer
When it comes to Bloodhounds, getting a head start on obedience classes is the way to go. These dogs have a knack for sticking to their habits, so it's wise to make sure the behaviors they pick up early are the ones you actually want. Bloodhounds have a bit of a bossy streak, so it's essential for owners to be both firm and gentle. While they're incredibly affectionate and loyal, they can also be quite stubborn and independent, making training a bit of an art.
What about your Bloodhound?
Did You Know
Bloodhounds can follow a scent trail that’s 300 hours old and can even distinguish the 12-day-old scent from newer, fresher scents.
A bloodhound named Tigger holds the world record for the longest ears on a dog. Tigger’s left lobe measured 13.75 inches long, while the right lobe measured 13.5 inches long.
There’s so much faith in the bloodhound’s scent abilities that evidence found by a bloodhound is admissible in court.
In The News
Famous Bloodhound Owners
Walt Disney, John Legend, Ariana Grande
The History Behind the Breed
The history of the Bloodhound is a tale steeped in antiquity, with its roots tracing back to the St. Hubert’s hound, a breed already present in Europe as far back as the 700s. A pivotal moment in their history occurred in 1066 when William the Conqueror is attributed with introducing them to England. These hounds were among the earliest instances of pure-breeding strains, meticulously raised by church dignitaries in carefully curated packs. The name “bloodhound” itself is derived from “blooded hound,” a testament to their pure lineage. By the 1800s, Bloodhounds had also found their way to American shores. Today, Bloodhounds persist as skilled trackers of humans, embodying their enduring legacy. Their significance is underscored by their recognition by the AKC in 1885.
If a Bloodhound Could Talk…
A Quick Anatomy Lesson
Bloodhounds have some health conditions that can be a concern, and they include hip and elbow dysplasia, heart problems, eye problems such as persistent pupillary membranes and cataracts, as well as patellar luxation.
Common Health Problems
What about your Bloodhound?