Before deciding on a Bloodhound, it’s worth knowing all aspects of the breed. For starters, the Bloodhound, also known as Saint Hubert, is a dog with an extremely sensitive sense of smell. It originated in Belgium and is one of the oldest breeds we know today. In this article we will discuss everything you need to know about the Bloodhound breed.
What do you find in the article?
Bloodhound – description and appearance of the breed
Bloodhound is a large dog with a strong, muscular body structure. Males reach up to 69 cm at the withers and weigh up to 50 kg, and bitches slightly less. Their coat is short and dense, usually in black, brown and fawn colors. The most distinctive feature of the Bloodhound’s appearance is its long, loose ears and facial wrinkles, which give it a serious and pensive look.

Character of the Bloodhound dog breed
Skills – what should you know?
The Bloodhound is a well-known and respected tracking dog. Its exceptional olfactory abilities are used by police and border guards to search for missing persons or track down criminals. It can be said that Bloodhound is a real detective in the dog world.
What kind of personality does he have?
Despite its imposing appearance, the Bloodhound is an extremely gentle and friendly dog. He is calm, patient and extremely devoted to his owner. His gentle disposition makes him get along well with children.
Bloodhound – how to train and raise?
Raising a Bloodhound requires consistency and patience. This dog is intelligent, but can be stubborn. The key to success is positive reinforcement of good behavior.
Who is the Bloodhound suitable for?
The Bloodhound is an ideal dog for people who have an active lifestyle and can provide the dog with enough exercise. Due to its tracking skills, the Bloodhound will be happy to take regular walks in the woods or park.
Bloodhound – price
The price of a Bloodhound puppy can vary depending on many factors, such as the reputation of the kennel or the pedigree of the parents. The average price for a puppy with a pedigree is about 2500-3500 PLN.
Advantages and disadvantages
Disadvantages
The Bloodhound can be stubborn and requires consistent parenting. In addition, because of its keen sense of smell, it can be prone to following scents, which can draw it away from its owner during walks.
Advantages
The Bloodhound is a very friendly and loyal dog. His gentle disposition makes him a good companion for the whole family. In addition, his unique tracking abilities make him indispensable in search work.
Bloodhound – Health, diseases and grooming
Nutrition
The Bloodhound needs a well-balanced diet, rich in protein and fats. It is important to control the amount of food, as this breed is prone to obesity.
Grooming
The Bloodhound’s grooming is not complicated. Regular brushing of the coat and cleaning of the ears is sufficient. However, it is important to monitor the skin under the wrinkles to prevent infections.
Diseases
The Bloodhound is generally a healthy dog, but like all breeds, it has some predisposition to certain diseases, such as hip dysplasia, eye and ear problems.
Accessories and equipment or how to prepare for this breed?
When buying a Bloodhound, it is worth investing in a sturdy leash and collar, a comfortable bed, as well as an ear and coat care kit.
History of the Bloodhound dog breed
Origins
Bloodhound is a breed with an extremely rich and interesting history. The origin of these dogs is not entirely clear. There is an assumption that their ancestors lived as far back as ancient Egypt, which would be confirmed by paintings depicting dogs with a similar appearance. However, the real development of the breed began in medieval Europe.
The breed was bred at the Abbey of Saint Hubert in Belgium, from where its second name – Chien de Saint-Hubert – originated. The monks bred these dogs for their extraordinary tracking abilities. For this reason, Bloodhounds are often called “dogs of Saint Hubert.”
Development of the breed
In the Middle Ages, Bloodhounds were extremely popular among the aristocracy, especially in the English and French courts. The dog was prized for its hunting skills, especially its ability to track game.
However, the breed endured many hardships. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Bloodhounds nearly became extinct as a result of numerous revolutions and wars. Eventually, the breed was saved thanks to enthusiasts who tried to preserve its purity and unique characteristics.
In the 19th century, Bloodhounds made their way to America, where they became famous for their new use. Because of their unique sense of smell, they began to be used in police searches for missing persons or criminals. This role has survived to the present day and is still one of the main uses of these dogs.
Currently
Today, the Bloodhound is valued as both a domestic and working dog. Despite some challenges in breeding and raising, Bloodhounds are widely regarded as some of the most loyal and devoted companions. Their history is proof of steadfastness and survival, and their unique abilities attract new generations of lovers of the breed.
Bloodhound dog standard
According to the FCI standard, the Bloodhound is a dog of large size, harmonious build and solid body. The correct proportion between body length and height at the withers is crucial for the breed.
The Bloodhound’s head is very distinctive – it is long, but proportional to the rest of the body. The forehead is broad and slightly convex with pronounced wrinkles, especially when the dog is interested or focused. The nose is black and has wide nostrils, which is extremely important for a dog with such an excellent sense of smell.
The eyes are another distinguishing feature of the Bloodhound – they are diamond-shaped, with a deep copper color. Their melancholy expression adds to the dog’s unique charm.
The Bloodhound’s ears are very long and soft, hanging loosely on the sides of the head. Their function is to direct scents to the nose, which aids their phenomenal tracking abilities.
The neck is strong and muscular, with loose skin forming a so-called “orifice.” The trunk is long and solid, with a deep chest. The tail is carried high, slightly curved.
The Bloodhound’s coat is short, but dense and rougher to the touch than it might appear at first glance. The standard allows three colors: black with fawn, red and Hungarian (liver and tan), which is dark brown with fawn.
Any Bloodhound that meets these standards can be considered a model representative of the breed. However, it is important to remember that, as with humans, every dog is different and may differ slightly from the standard. Most importantly, the Bloodhound should be healthy, balanced and happy.
Bloodhound – interesting facts about the breed
Bloodhound is a breed full of surprises, which still manages to surprise with its unique characteristics and abilities. Here are some fascinating facts about these remarkable dogs.
- Unparalleled sense of smell: the Bloodhound has the most developed sense of smell of all dog breeds. It can detect a scent even days after it has been left behind. This is why they are so effective in detective work, helping to find missing persons or runaways.
- Forensic evidence: In the United States, Bloodhounds are the only animals that can provide forensic evidence. The scent trail that a Bloodhound is able to track can be used as evidence in court. This shows how extremely valuable their work is.
- Known from movies: Bloodhounds often appear in movies and TV series, especially those with criminal themes. One of the most famous Bloodhounds is undoubtedly Trusty from the classic Disney film “Lady and the Tramp.”
- Ear longevity: Bloodhound ears are among the longest in the dog world. Their job is to “sweep” odors toward the nose. The length of the ears can reach up to 25 cm!
- Saliva longevity: Anyone who has ever met a Bloodhound knows that this dog is a master of…. drooling. This is normal for the breed, however, and is often the source of many amusing situations.
- Lifespan: Despite their large size, Bloodhounds are a breed with a relatively long life span. With proper care, they can live up to 10-12 years, and some specimens live up to 15 years.
Emily Carter is an experienced pet enthusiast and writer, with over a decade of experience caring for and working with animals. From her early days volunteering at animal shelters to becoming a pet care advisor, Emily has dedicated her life to understanding the unique needs of pets and helping pet owners provide the best possible care for their furry companions. She is especially passionate about topics like pet nutrition, behavior, training, and animal welfare.