Blood Hound

Height: 23-27 in.

Weight: 80-110 lbs

Color: Bi-color: black, tan, liver, red

Origin: Belgium, France

Lifespan: 10-12 years

Temperament: Even tempered, gentle, affectionate, stubborn, independant, determined

Original Use: Hunting, tracking

The Bloodhound is an ancient breed associated with royalty. They’re a highly intelligent dog with a keen sense of smell that they will follow to the ends of the earth. Originally used in medieval Europe for tracking deer and boar, today that sense of smell is used for police work, especially search and rescue.

While the Bloodhound appears to be inactive and inattentive with their droopy features, this breed is anything but. They’re highly active with boundless energy. You can expect to go on exceptionally long walks as the Bloodhound’s sense of smell and determination will have you both following a long trail—one that will likely end with a pinned-down passerby being licked excessively.

The Bloodhound is wonderful with children of all ages and gets along well with other animals. Training may be a challenge though, as they have an independent streak and require a firm but loving hand at command. As puppies they take a while to reach maturity, and will be boisterous and clumsy until they do. They’ll also chew on anything and everything.

This breed is not suitable for apartment living. They require a home with a fenced-in yard, emphasis on the fence. They’re known to pick up a scent and follow it nose down, oblivious to oncoming cars and other dangers.