Bloodhound

Personality

Off duty, the Bloodhound is one of the sweetest dogs around. The AKC calls an off-duty Bloodhound among the most docile of dogs, and it describes the breed as easygoing, affectionate and devoted. PetMD adds that Bloodhounds are pack-oriented, gentle and patient with well-socialized children and other pets.

On a scent, everything changes. The AKC says the breed is relentless and stubborn when working a trail, and a Bloodhound that has found an interesting odor may stop listening to you altogether. Think of it as an enormously gifted nose with a dog attached.

Bloodhounds are sensitive, so harsh handling backfires. They are also vocal. PetMD says they are one of the most vocal breeds and give a deep howl, called baying. That voice carries, and neighbors will notice.

This is a social dog that enjoys company, including other dogs and kids. The AKC suggests giving every Bloodhound a quiet space to eat in peace and retreat from the household bustle.

History

Bloodhound origins are hazy, but the AKC says the breed seems to be the oldest living hound that hunts by scent. A scholar named Aelian wrote in the third century of a hound with unrivaled scenting power that would not leave a trail until the quarry was found. Many later scent hounds, including the Black and Tan Coonhound and other coonhounds, owe something to the Bloodhound.

The dog as we know it was shaped in Western Europe about a thousand years ago. Church leaders in medieval England and France kept packs at well-funded monasteries, and the monks in charge of breeding were so careful that the hounds were called "blooded," meaning of aristocratic stock. The origin of the name is debated, but the AKC attributes it to this careful breeding.

Over the centuries, the Bloodhound became a trusted man-trailer. The AKC says the first recorded use by organized law enforcement was in England in 1805, when an association acquired one to track poachers and thieves. Police departments worldwide have since used Bloodhounds to find criminals, lost children and confused seniors. The AKC recognized the breed in 1885, and a Bloodhound won Best in Show at Westminster for the first time in 2022.

Appearance, coat & colors

Bloodhounds are big, substantial dogs. The AKC lists males at 25 to 27 in (64 to 69 cm) and 90 to 110 lb (41 to 50 kg), and females at 23 to 25 in (58 to 64 cm) and 80 to 100 lb (36 to 45 kg).

The face is what everyone remembers: a long, wrinkled head with loose skin, huge drooping ears and warm, deep-set eyes that give the dog a solemn, dignified look. The AKC recognizes black and tan, liver and tan, and red. Powerful legs allow Bloodhounds to follow scent over miles of punishing terrain.

The coat is short and dense. The skin is loose, with folds around the head and neck that need regular care. The long ears and loose skin are signature features, but they also trap moisture and dirt, which is why ear and wrinkle care matters so much.

The AKC says no scenting device yet invented is as accurate as a Bloodhound's nose, and everything about the dog's build serves that nose.

Training

Bloodhounds are affectionate and devoted but also stubborn and independent, so training takes patience and consistency. The AKC advises starting obedience classes early, because the breed tends to become set in its ways, and it is better if the habits that stick for life are the ones you want.

An owner needs to be firm but kind. Rewards such as treats and praise usually work well, while harsh corrections tend to shut a sensitive hound down. PetMD says the breed can be stubborn and independent, so keep expectations modest and sessions short.

Reliable off-leash recall is unlikely. The AKC says a Bloodhound may not respond to commands if it has found a scent to follow. Walk it on a leash or in a securely fenced space, and treat a dependable recall as a bonus, not a given.

Because Bloodhounds were bred to follow their noses, scent games are the most rewarding training of all. Hide treats, lay trails and enjoy letting your dog do what it was made for.

Exercise

The popular image is of a Bloodhound snoozing on the porch. The AKC says that is a misconception: this scent hound was bred to follow trails for hours, and it needs daily exercise. Plan on long daily walks, always on a leash, with plenty of time to sniff. PetMD suggests moderate daily exercise such as long walks, hiking and tracking.

Let the dog set an unhurried pace. Bloodhounds enjoy places where they can follow interesting smells, and a long sniffing walk is mentally tiring in the best way. Our guide to how much exercise a dog needs can help you match activity to your dog's age and condition.

Backyard time is useful only if the fence is solid. The AKC warns that Bloodhounds are great diggers and escape artists, and PetMD recommends a sturdy six-foot fence.

Tracking, trailing and scent-work classes are the ideal outlet. Many Bloodhounds also enjoy simple scent games at home.

Avoid heavy exercise right before or after meals, as the breed is at risk for bloat.

Grooming

The short, dense coat is easy. The AKC says Bloodhounds shed once or twice a year, and that weekly brushing with a medium-bristle brush, rubber grooming mitt or hound glove removes dead hair and spreads skin oils. Bathe regularly, because the AKC says that keeps a doggy odor from developing.

The loose skin and ears need more attention than the coat. The AKC says to check the low-hanging ears daily for signs of infection, and to check the skin folds daily for odor or irritation. If needed, wipe them with a warm, wet cloth and then dry them thoroughly. PetMD agrees that the facial folds need daily wiping and that ears need routine cleaning, including after water exposure.

Drool is part of the package. Keep towels handy, wipe the jowls after meals and drinks, and expect slobber on furniture and clothing.

Brush the teeth regularly and keep the nails trimmed.

Feeding

Feed a high-quality complete and balanced diet suited to your dog's life stage, whether commercial or home-prepared with your vet's input. The AKC notes that some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch calories and count treats.

Because Bloodhounds are deep-chested, mealtime habits matter. The AKC's health notes for the breed advise feeding several small meals, slowing down any dog that inhales its food, keeping to a regular schedule and avoiding heavy exercise before and after eating. VCA lists eating one large meal a day, eating rapidly and exercising after a big meal as bloat risk factors. PetMD suggests two or three smaller meals daily. A slow-feeder bowl can help.

Bloodhounds are also notorious for eating things that are not food. The same notes mention rocks, remote controls, eyeglasses and socks, so keep tempting objects out of reach and the vet's phone number handy.

Use our dog food calculator for a starting estimate, and keep fresh water available.

Health

The AKC says Bloodhounds, like other large deep-chested dogs, can experience bloat. Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists. VCA calls it a life-threatening emergency that needs surgery. Signs include restlessness, heavy drooling, unproductive retching, a swollen belly and collapse. If you see them, call your vet or an emergency clinic right away. PetMD notes that many deep-chested dogs have a preventive stomach-tacking surgery called a gastropexy, which you can discuss with your vet. Our page on bloat and GDV explains more.

Ears and skin folds are other trouble spots. The long ears trap moisture, and PetMD names ear infections and skin fold dermatitis among the breed's issues. PetMD also lists hip and elbow dysplasia.

Eating foreign objects often leads to emergency vet visits, so keep the vet and emergency clinic numbers handy.

The AKC recommends hip evaluation, elbow evaluation and a cardiac exam for breeding dogs. Typical life expectancy is 10 to 12 years.

Health conditions to know about

• Bloat (GDV) — A twisted, gas-filled stomach in deep-chested dogs; an emergency that needs immediate veterinary care.
• Ear infections — Long, low-hanging ears trap moisture and debris; the AKC advises daily checks.
• Skin fold dermatitis — Wrinkles and jowls can become irritated or infected if not kept clean and dry.
• Hip and elbow dysplasia — Inherited joint malformations; breeders should screen for them.
• Swallowing foreign objects — The AKC says Bloodhounds are notorious for eating things they should not, which can mean emergency visits.

Health tests to ask a breeder about

• Hip evaluation
• Elbow evaluation
• Cardiac exam

Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy

Living with a Bloodhound

Bloodhounds are big, loud, drooly and lovable, and that combination does not fit every home. The best fit is a house with a securely fenced yard, a tolerance for slobber and the patience for a stubborn dog. The AKC says that Bloodhounds are such great diggers and escape artists that the fence must be solid.

They are also noisy. PetMD says Bloodhounds are among the most vocal breeds, so they may not suit apartments or homes with close neighbors.

Bloodhounds enjoy company, including other dogs and children. The AKC says they are pack dogs that get along with both. They are friendly rather than protective, and the AKC rates their watchdog instinct low.

Because they were bred to work in the field, they do best with an owner who is home a fair amount and will keep them busy. Give your hound a quiet place of its own where it can eat, rest and escape the bustle, as the AKC suggests.

Puppies, breeders & rescue

Bloodhound puppies are a big commitment, since adult dogs weigh 80 to 110 lb. Prices vary widely, and a high price does not guarantee a healthy dog. Choose breeders who can show you results for both parents.

The AKC recommends a hip evaluation, elbow evaluation and cardiac exam for the breed. Ask about bloat in the pedigree, too: VCA says dogs with a first-degree relative that had GDV should not be bred, so a breeder should be able to tell you about bloat in the family line. A good breeder raises the puppies in the home, lets you meet the mother, supplies a written contract and takes the dog back at any age.

Be wary of sellers who always have puppies available. Prepare for the drool and the howls too.

Adult Bloodhounds in rescue may already be house-trained and used to leashes. Our breed selector can help you compare.