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With his keen scent ability, the Bloodhound is used worldwide as a tracking dog in criminal searches and rescue efforts. This breed descended from the St. Huberts Hound of eighth century Belgium. Kind, docile and affectionate, the Bloodhound is a good family pet. The breed has a distinctive look due to abundant loose skin that hangs around the head and neck forming deep folds. The coat should be groomed weekly.
DID YOU KNOW? The Bloodhound’s name refers to the pure-blood breeding of this hound. Bloodhounds are such accurate trackers that they have produced evidence that has been accepted in a court of law.
ALSO KNOWN AS: Chien de Saint-Hubert, St. Hubert Hound
| Lifespan: | 10–12 years |
| Weight: | 41–50kg |
| Height: | 58–69cm |
| Colours: | Their short, smooth coat comes in black and tan, liver and tan, and red |
| Size: | Large |
| Kennel Club group: | Hound |
| Family-friendly: | 5/5 |
| Exercise needs: | 5/5 |
| Easy to train: | 3/5 |
| Tolerates being alone: | 2/5 |
| Likes other pets: | 5/5 |
| Energy level: | 5/5 |
| Grooming needs: | 3/5 |
| Shedding: | 4/5 |
These are gentle-natured, affectionate dogs who usually get on well with children and can live in harmony with other dogs and household pets. They are friendly dogs who will welcome both wanted and unwanted visitors. Although quiet in the house, they can be very vocal outdoors. They are family dogs and do not like to be left alone.
Country of Origin: Belgium
The ancestry of modern Bloodhound dog breeds can be traced back to the monastery of St. Huberts where dogs called St. Hubert’s Hounds were originally used to track wolves, big cats or deer, or to follow the trail of wounded game. The pale white versions of the breeds went on to be known as the Talbot Hound whereas the black and tans were called Bloodhounds.
The Bloodhound was brought to Britain by William the Conqueror and it was used for stag-hunting - following a wounded animal sometimes for amazingly long distances.
The scenting ability of the Bloodhound is extraordinary and they can easily track a human over long distances even after several days – and so while their original role was to help with hunting, they have found also work in law enforcement and in search and rescue.
