Bloodhound
The Bloodhound possesses the most extraordinary nose in the natural world — 300 million scent receptors, a tracking ability so reliable that its evidence is admissible in US courts of law, and a documented ability to follow a scent trail four days old over 220 km.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
United Kingdom
Lifespan
10–12 years
Weight
36–50 kg (80–110 lbs)
Height
58–69 cm (23–27 in)
Exercise
40 to 60 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — large-breed quality formula; multiple small meals to reduce bloat risk; face wrinkles need rinsing after eating
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Bloodhound possesses the most extraordinary nose in the natural world — 300 million scent receptors, a tracking ability so reliable that its evidence is admissible in US courts of law, and a documented ability to follow a scent trail four days old over 220 km. Developed by the monks of St Hubert's Abbey in Belgium over a thousand years ago, the Bloodhound is the foundation of most modern scent-tracking police dogs. Despite their fearsome reputation as manhunters, they are among the gentlest, most affectionate of all large breeds.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
The Bloodhound is a large, powerful, loose-skinned dog with a distinctively long, deeply wrinkled face, extremely long pendant ears that may touch the ground, and deeply sunken eyes hidden beneath drooping lids. The loose skin around the head and neck forms deep folds. The coat is short and hard.
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Brushing
1-2x-Weekly
Bathing
Every-4-6-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Bloodhounds are gentle, affectionate, and patient to a remarkable degree — particularly with children. Their main personality challenge is their nose, which overrides every other consideration when a scent is found. They drool significantly and are not suited to people who are fastidious about furniture.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
2/5Attention Need
3/5Friendliness
4/5Playfulness
3/5Protectiveness
2/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
House-Large-Garden
Daily Exercise
40 to 60 min/day
Ideal Weather
5°C to 25°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
20%
Attention
30%
Playfulness
30%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
excessive howling, drooling, destructive behaviour, escape attempts, pacing
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Bloodhounds need 1–1.5 hours of daily exercise, always on leash or in a securely fenced area. The deep facial wrinkles and ear canals must be cleaned regularly. Bloat/GDV is a serious risk — multiple small meals and avoiding exercise after eating are important.
Nutrition Notes
Bloat risk is among the highest of any breed — feed 3 meals daily, gastropexy strongly recommended. Large breed formula. Foreign body ingestion common (will eat anything). Joint supplements essential.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
Bloat (GDV) — the #1 killer, gastropexy essential. Hip and elbow dysplasia. Ectropion/entropion. Ear infections (massive ears). Fold dermatitis. Foreign body ingestion (X-ray if stops eating). The best nose in the animal kingdom — evidence admissible in court. Short lifespan (10-12 years). Drool is EXTREME.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
2000 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
1600 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Bloat/GDV is a leading cause of death — prophylactic gastropexy is strongly recommended. Hip and elbow dysplasia are significant. Ectropion (outward rolling eyelid) is nearly universal. Ear infections are very common.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
Rare breed — waiting lists common. Food costs ₹8,000-12,000/month India. Gastropexy surgery should be budgeted. Drool management supplies are an ongoing cost. India: very rare, imported stock.
Purchase Price
$1,000 to $2,500
Adoption Fee
$100 to $500
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Bloodhound's tracking evidence is legally admissible in US courts — the only animal's "testimony" with this status. A dog named Nick Carter is documented as having led to the conviction of over 600 criminals.
The Bloodhound has 300 million scent receptors — 40 times more than a German Shepherd and 60 times more than a human.
The name "Bloodhound" does not refer to blood-tracking — it derives from "blooded hound," meaning a hound of pure or aristocratic blood.
