Bloodhound
Bloodhounds are legendary scent hounds with an extraordinary nose and a calm, friendly disposition. They appear relaxed at home, but once on a scent trail they are intensely focused and difficult to redirect. Bloodhounds need secure containment and leash management, along with patient training that respects their independent nature. Their loose skin and long ears require routine cleaning to prevent irritation and infections. For owners who love long walks and scent-based enrichment, Bloodhounds can be gentle, impressive companions.
The Bloodhound is a large dog in the Hound group, known for Gentle, Determined, Independent. Adults typically weigh 80-110 lbs and stand 23-27 in, with a lifespan around 10-12 years.
Quick facts
- Group: Hound
- Size: large
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
- Weight: 80-110 lbs
- Height: 23-27 in
- Temperament: Gentle, Determined, Independent, Friendly
Temperament & day-to-day life
Temperament helps you predict what daily life with this breed may feel like. The Bloodhound is often described as Gentle, Determined, Independent, Friendly. Individual dogs vary, but these traits are a solid starting point when you’re planning training, enrichment, and routines.
If you’re researching this breed because you’re trying to identify your own dog, use temperament as supporting evidence—not the final verdict. Compare size, proportions, and behavior patterns, then confirm with a photo using the AI dog breed identifier.
Training & exercise
Hounds were developed to follow scent or sight. Many have strong instincts to track, chase, or explore—traits that show up clearly on walks.
Recall and leash skills are especially important. Use high-value rewards and practice in low-distraction environments before leveling up.
Enrichment that taps into sniffing and tracking (scent games, long-line walks) can be as valuable as pure running for many hounds.
History
Bloodhounds have ancient European roots and were refined over centuries for tracking ability. They became famous for man-trailing work and are still valued in search and rescue contexts.
Care tips
Good care is less about perfection and more about consistency. Start with simple routines you can keep up—daily movement, a predictable feeding plan, and regular check-ins for ears, nails, and skin.
- Secure your fencing and leashes—when tracking, they may ignore calls.
- Clean ears and facial folds routinely to prevent skin issues.
- Provide scent games and tracking activities as brain games.
- Train with patience and rewards; independence is part of the breed.
- Keep weight controlled to reduce strain on joints and feet.
Similar breeds to compare
Many breeds share similar silhouettes and features. If you’re comparing AI results or deciding between breeds, it helps to read a few profiles side by side. Common look-alikes and close cousins to the Bloodhound include Basset Hound, Beagle, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Afghan Hound.
When you compare, focus on structure (muzzle length, ear set, body proportions) as much as coat color. Then confirm by looking at temperament and daily care needs.
FAQ
How big do Bloodhounds get?
Most adult Bloodhounds fall around 80-110 lbs and stand 23-27 in. Genetics, diet, and activity level all influence where an individual dog lands within that range.
How long do Bloodhounds live?
The typical lifespan is 10-12 years. Preventive vet care, healthy weight, and consistent daily exercise are some of the biggest factors that support longevity.
What is the Bloodhound temperament like?
Many owners describe this breed as Gentle, Determined, Independent, Friendly. Early socialization and reward-based training help those traits show up as calm confidence at home and on walks.
How can I identify a Bloodhound from a photo?
Upload a clear photo (ideally with the full body visible) to our dog breed identifier. Use the results as a starting point, then compare likely matches in the breed directory.