Bloodhound
Trait scores are tendency indicators from 0-100. Example: 42% alone tolerance roughly maps to around 4 hours alone.
Bloodhounds are massive scent hounds with the most powerful noses in the dog world, bred to track people over vast distances. These gentle, stubborn giants are devoted but single-minded when following scent trails, making them challenging to train, and their droopy facial features require constant cleaning while their deep voices produce earth-shaking bays.
Verified source: American Kennel Club profile (2026-02-10)
Quick Facts
AKC VerifiedGroup
Hound
Life Expectancy
10-12 years
Height
23-27 in
Weight
80-110 lb
Alone-Time Tolerance
About 5 hours
Exercise
60 min/day
AKC popularity rank: #58
Hound context: Hounds were bred to track scent or chase game. They often have strong noses, prey drive, and independent streaks.
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (verified 2026-02-10)
Finding Your Bloodhound
🏠Consider Adoption First
Many wonderful Bloodhounds are waiting in shelters and breed-specific rescues. Adoption saves lives and gives deserving dogs a second chance.
Adoption Resources
Search for Bloodhounds in shelters and rescues near you.
Responsible Breeder Checklist
- Provides health clearances for both parents
- Allows you to visit the breeding facility
- Offers a written health guarantee / contract
- Provides references from previous buyers
- Asks you screening questions about your home
- Breeds only one or two breeds
Whether you adopt or buy from a breeder, always prioritize the dog's health and well-being. Avoid puppy mills and pet stores that source from irresponsible breeders. For Bloodhounds, ensure health testing for common breed-specific conditions.
Life Stage Simulator
Who This Breed Fits
Watch Out For
A Day in the Life
A purposeful walk and short training game helps them settle for the day.
Most do best with another activity block before winding down near their people.
Longer outings and enrichment games noticeably improve behavior and sleep quality.
People often underestimate how quickly behavior slips when routines are inconsistent.
Exercise & Activity
Plan on around 60 minutes of daily activity split between walks and mental games. Consistency matters more than occasional long outings.
Moderate
Moderate
Mental Enrichment Ideas
Health
Long-term outcomes improve with weight control, regular preventive care, and condition-specific monitoring for known breed risks.
Known Health Concerns
Abnormal hip joint development can lead to pain and arthritis over time.
Environmental allergies can cause chronic itching and recurrent skin or ear issues.
Plaque and periodontal disease are common without consistent home dental care.
Size, exercise demand, and care complexity determine boarding availability and price.
Behavior Reality Check
Good news! This breed typically has manageable behavior traits with proper training and socialization. Of course, individual dogs vary, but Bloodhounds generally don't present severe behavioral challenges.
Temperament & Traits
All traits rated on a 0-100 scale representing tendency scores.
Lifestyle & Activity
Moderate
Moderate
~8h alone capacity
High
Social & Compatibility
High
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Training & Behavior
High
High
Low
Very High
Maintenance & Care
Low
Moderate
Very High
Very High
Environment & Adaptability
Moderate
High
Moderate
High
Moderate
Grooming & Coat
Low
Moderate
Very High
Very High
Coat care needs depend on coat type, but weekly brushing and routine nail, ear, and dental care are baseline requirements. Professional grooming frequency rises sharply for curly, silky, and wire coats.
Shedding varies by coat type; double-coated breeds and many mixes shed heavily during seasonal coat changes.
Common Barking Triggers
Lifestyle Planner
PROInteractive Cost Calculator
Adjust the options below to see how your choices affect ownership costs.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Annual Cost Summary
Estimates based on breed size, grooming needs, and health risk. Actual costs vary by location, individual dog health, and lifestyle choices. Emergency vet visits and unexpected health issues not included.
10-Year Cost Calculator
PRONeighborhood Compatibility
Breed History
Origin
The Bloodhound originated in United Kingdom.
Original Purpose
Bloodhound lines were developed for scent/sight hunting. That working role still shows up today in temperament, stamina, and day-to-day needs.
Breed Group: Hound. Hounds were bred to track scent or chase game. They often have strong noses, prey drive, and independent streaks.
In modern homes, this history matters because it predicts what helps the dog thrive: enough movement, clear structure, and outlets that match their original instincts.
Fun Facts
Bloodhounds have 300 million scent receptors (the highest of any breed) and can track a scent that's over 100 hours old—they're literal scent-tracking wizards.
The breed was developed by medieval monks in Belgium to track wounded game and outlaws, and they're still used by law enforcement today.
Bloodhounds can become so obsessed with a scent that they'll ignore food, water, and commands—their brains are literally hijacked by their nose.
The breed's excessive skin folds and droopy ears require constant cleaning, and infections in the ear canals are practically universal in the breed.
Bloodhounds have a genetic predisposition to becoming lost because they'll follow a scent trail regardless of where it leads, making them unsuitable for off-leash activities.
Famous Bloodhound Dogs
Scent and sight trailblazers
Famous representatives are usually known for tracking, hunting heritage, or storytelling roles.
Classic pop-culture hounds
Many of this group's recognizable dogs come from cartoons, books, and family films.
Practical Next Steps
First-Month Supplies Checklist
Breeder Red Flags
Preparation Timeline
Week Before
Purchase all supplies, puppy-proof your home, choose a veterinarian, and set up training schedule.
Day 1
Gentle introduction to home, establish crate/bed location, first bathroom break routine, quiet time to adjust.
Week 1
Vet checkup, start basic training, establish feeding routine, begin socialization carefully.
Month 1
Start formal training classes - this breed excels with early training! Regular vet visits for vaccinations, establish grooming routine.
Training Priorities for Bloodhounds
- • Early "quiet" command training to manage barking
Recommended Products
Joint Supplements
Larger and active breeds often benefit from joint support supplements starting early.
Shop Supplements →Is Bloodhound right for you?
Use our breed matcher to see how Bloodhound compares to other breeds based on your lifestyle.
Try the Breed MatcherData Transparency
Quick facts for Bloodhound are cross-checked against publicly available American Kennel Club breed pages.
AKC source: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bloodhound/ (verified 2026-02-10)
AKC sync coverage: 188/188 non-mix breeds as of February 10, 2026.
Last updated: February 10, 2026
Sources: American Kennel Club (AKC) breed profiles, Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) breed standards, United Kennel Club (UKC) breed standards, Merck Veterinary Manual (canine health references), Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) screening guidance, AKC: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bloodhound/