Bloodhound

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The Bloodhound is an extremely powerful dog; well balanced, dogs about 70cm and weighing up to 110lbs - the bitches somewhat less.  There is nothing exaggerated about them and they have a very free and elastic movement.  The coat appears loose and there is a good deal of wrinkle on the head which is especially pronounced when tracking.  The combination of pendulous ears and wrinkle is thought to intensify the scent that is being followed.

It is believed that the forerunner of the present Bloodhound arrived with the Normans in 1066 and were bred by the monks of the monastery of St Hubert in Belgium, and he is known as the Chien de St Hubert in Belgium.  At the time of the Norman Conquest they were known as Segusius and were used for tracking predators and game.  The black and tan hounds developed into what are now Bloodhounds and the white hounds were called Talbots; Talbots are frequently seen represented on Coats of Arms.  They made their first appearance in the show ring in the second part of the 19thC and have remained unusually consistent in breed type since that time.

The Bloodhound, in common with all hounds are independent creatures; obeying their instincts is a higher priority than obeying their owners!  They are also a highly sensitive breed; a stern tone of voice is quite sufficient a reprimand for a Bloodhound.  Co-operation between hound and owner is the aim.  A securely fenced garden is essential as once they have a scent they are oblivious to all else.  Similarly, areas for exercise should be chosen carefully, away from obvious dangers such as roads.

As adults they need plenty of exercise but great care should be taken with youngsters not to over-exert them.  Guidance should be sought from the breeder of your Bloodhound puppy on the question of food and rearing; they grow fast into very substantial animals with plenty of bone.  One real danger is damage to the front from jumping out of 4WD (SUV); this kind of repeated concussion on developing joints can be extremely damaging and it would be wise to train them to use a ramp from an early age.

As a family pet the Bloodhound is good-natured and reliable and generally have excellent temperaments; however, they are heavy on their feet and will distress the gardener who is passionate about his lawn.  His voice is deep and melodious and will work wonders at deterring unwanted visitors. With such strong working instincts an enormously enjoyable experience for both hound and owner is participating in one of the organisations that trains and works hounds.  Visit the Hunting the Clean Boot website which gives plenty of Bloodhound-related information including KC Trials for hounds; the challenge to the hound is quite remarkable in tracking cold scents.  The Senior Trial requires hounds to follow a trail two hours old and three miles long.

The coat is very easy to keep; a bristle brush to remove the dead coat and dust plus a chamois leather to give him a polish will be quite sufficient.  A tablespoon of boiled linseed oil (from a saddler) in his daily feed will really make him gleam.  A wonderful hound, not for everyone, but for the right owner a real joy to own. 

To read the Kennel Club Breed Standard for the Bloodhound, click here.

Bloodhound Puppies

We have Bloodhound puppies listed on the puppyfinder website

Bloodhound Breeders

Puppies and dog breeders have moved to our newly re-designed Puppyfinder website where we have full page advertisements for puppies and the opportunity for breeders to have their own profile pages and blog. No designer breeds or puppy farmers, just breeders who care about their dogs as much as you do.

Adding Your Kennel

Ethical breeders are invited to register their kennel on Puppyfinder without charge. Litter advertising with your own page is £10, and your own mini-site with blog just £35 a year.

• Association of Bloodhound Breeders Miss Corner Tel 0191 377 0073
• Hunting the Clean Boot

Bloodhound Rescue and Rehoming

Contact a Breed Club. They should all be able to give you information about hounds requiring homes and procedures for re-homing; if you are in the unfortunate position of having to re-home your own Bloodhound, please go through breed rescue. They will not be judgmental and are best able to find the right permanent home for him.