BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION

Bloodhound
WBT's Tullamore Dew and Twinoak's Flirtatious Flash
Photo courtesy of Cu' Fola Kennels

Breed Registries:


Note: The breed registries indicated above are the most recognized all-breed registries. The breed may be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America.

* — The FCI is the World Canine Organization, which includes 84 members and contract partners (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 339 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The "owner" countries of the breeds write the standards of these breeds in co-operation with the Standards and Scientific Commissions of the FCI, and the translation and updating are carried out by the FCI. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.

Origin:

The Ardenne region of central Europe, on the border of Belgium and France.

Height:

From 23-27 in (58-69 cm) at the shoulder

Weight:

From 90-110 lb (40.5-49.5 kg)

Breed Profile:

Best known of all the scent hounds, the Bloodhound, also referred to as the Chien de St. Hubert, has an incredible sense of smell. — Almost any court will accept the testimony of a Bloodhound's mantrailing results. The sad expression and long, low-set, droopy eared dog was first used to hunt stag, but he became legendary as the dog used to track down criminals, fugitives and lost people. Intelligent, responsive, determined, and persistent, the Bloodhound is a tireless tracker.

An extremely affectionate dog with a gentle and sensitive nature, the Bloodhound gets along well with other dogs and adores children. He may be somewhat shy and is very sensitive but the breed makes a loyal and wonderful family companion.

He has a dignified and noble expression depicting wisdom and power. His skin is thin to the touch and extremely loose, more noticeably so around the head and neck where it hangs in deep folds. The coat is smooth, shorthaired and easy to groom. His colours are either black and tan, liver and tan or red. The darker colours being interspersed with lighter or badger-coloured hair, sometimes flecked with white. He may also have a small amount of white on the chest, feet and the tip of the tail.

Health Issues

Like all breeds, the Bloodhound is susceptible to some health problems — See the document Health Issues for the Bloodhound for a listing and information on some of the more common health concerns found in the breed.

If you are considering the adoption of a Bloodhound puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)

Additional Health Resources:

Only Natural Pet Store

Breed Standards

  AKC Bloodhound DVD
18 Min. DVD Edition, published by the AKC
Discussion of the breed standard: good structure and movement, acceptable colors, correct head, size. Developed for breeders, exhibitors and judges.
— Available from Dogwise.com

Grooming Information

As a minimum, regular brushing is required to maintain the smooth shorthaired coat. In addition, eyes should be gently wiped daily. Ears must be kept clean, especially during warm weather, and nails should be kept trimmed.

  • Grooming — This section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.

Training Resources

  • Training — For training information, see this growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.

Training Tools & Equipment
Choose from a wide variety of items from Dogwise.com



Additional Information

Select from the following links to view Breeder listings; Breed Clubs; Rescue Organizations; as well as Books and other Merchandise specific to the breed:

Breeders  /  Breed Clubs  /  Rescues  /  Books & More