Bloodhounds

Appearance:

Body: Solid, well-muscled, massive body with an exceptionally strong back, well sprung ribs and strong neck with a loosely-hanging dewlap

Coat: Short, smooth, dense, hard, and weather resistant. Softer around the skull and ears

Color: Black and tan, liver and tan, or red

Ears: Long, loosely hanging and soft to the touch

Eyes: Deep set and drooping with inverted eyelids

Feet: Round, compact and cat-like

Head: Long and muscular

Legs: Forelegs are straight, sturdy and very muscular. with rounded bones and strong pasterns. Hind legs are sturdy with bent hocks

Neck: Thick, powerful, and very muscular

Size:
Weight: 80 - 110 pounds (36 - 50kg)
Height: 23 - 27 inches (58 - 59cm)

Tail: Medium length, short-haired and tapered to end

Behavior

Recommended for experienced handlers only

The Bloodhound is a calm and gentle dog with a happy and laid-back temperament. He is a highly energetic dog (contrary to common perception), who needs a great deal of exercise. With his tremendous strength and independent personality, he is best suited for an experienced handler. He will mature slowly and will need a master who is both firm and patient.

Bloodhounds have the ability to track scents that are days old. Once they find a scent that interests them, they will quickly be on the chase letting their instinct to follow the scent take over. Be sure to keep your Bloodhound on a leash or in a securely enclosed area to prevent them from following their instincts and finding yourself unable to regain their attention.

The Hubert Hound is typically a good-natured dog with a kind and sensitive demeanor but may be protective of his food and his toys. He is good with children if they are older and respectful of what belongs to him. While generally good with people and with other dogs but has been known to be aggressive with other dogs of the same sex.

Bloodhounds like to chew, will swallow most anything they can, and are known for their drooling. The drool collects in their lower lips, which hang 2 inches below the jaw line, and will easily cover a large area when they shake their heads.

Breed Type

AKC Group: Hound Group (Scent Hound)

The Bloodhound is blessed with the sharpest sense of smell of any domestic animal. According to The Complete Dog Book by The American Kennel Club, "the Bloodhound's task ends once he has followed the trail to its termination. But so accurate is he in following a trail that his evidence has been accepted in a court of law."

Care and Grooming

Exercise: Lots of exercise is required for the Bloodhound. He will need a vast amount of space to run and play each and every day

Grooming: An occasional brushing is enough to maintain his hard coat. Keep the ear canals clean and dry to avoid possible health problems

Health

Life Expectancy: 10 - 12 Years

No serious inherited health problems

Possible Problems:
Bloat
Cardiomyopathy - heart disease
Entropion - eyelid disorders
Hip Dysplasia
Low Thyroid

Country of Origin

Belgium / France