Dog Breed · Belgium/France
Bloodhound
Possessor of the world's finest nose — a droopy-eared scent hound.
By the WARN Research & Conservation TeamChecked against IUCN Red List & CITES sourcesLast updated
In brief
The Bloodhound is a large, droopy-eared scent hound from Belgium and France with arguably the most powerful nose in the dog world. Bred to trail people and game over long distances and days-old scent, it is gentle and affectionate at home but single-minded and famously stubborn once it picks up a trail.
Bloodhound: At a Glance
| Origin | Belgium/France |
|---|---|
| Size | Large (36–50 kg) |
| Weight | Females 36-45 kg (80-100 lb), males 41-50 kg (90-110 lb) |
| Lifespan | 10–14 years |
| Coat | A short, dense, fairly hard coat in black and tan, liver and tan, or red, with loose, wrinkled skin that hangs in characteristic folds around the head and neck. Grooming is straightforward, with a weekly brush to remove loose hair, but the skin folds and long, low-set ears trap moisture and need regular cleaning to prevent infection and odour. They shed moderately, drool considerably, and benefit from routine wrinkle and ear care. |
| Temperament | Gentle, stubborn, determined |
| Good with | A gentle, tolerant breed that is typically very good with children and other dogs, suiting patient families with space rather than first-time owners unprepared for size, drool and stubbornness. Bloodhounds need secure fencing and lead walks, because a caught scent overrides recall almost entirely. They require substantial daily exercise and sniffing opportunities, are not suited to small flats, and their baying voice and slobber are best matched to relaxed, rural-minded homes. |
History & Origins
The Bloodhound descends from scent hounds developed in medieval Europe, with the modern breed shaped chiefly in Belgium and France; tradition credits monks at the Abbey of Saint-Hubert in the Ardennes with breeding the ancestral St Hubert Hound, and the breed is still known in French as the Chien de Saint-Hubert. Brought to Britain, possibly around the Norman Conquest, the dogs were refined for tracking and became prized for their unmatched ability to follow a trail. The name is generally thought to refer to a hound of pure or 'blooded' breeding rather than to any link with blood itself. Over centuries the Bloodhound became the benchmark tracking dog, and today it works in search and rescue and law enforcement worldwide.
Bloodhound Fun Facts
- A Bloodhound's sense of smell is so reliable that the results of its trailing have been accepted as supporting evidence in courts in some jurisdictions.
- Their long, low-hanging ears and loose facial skin help sweep and trap scent particles toward the nose, effectively funnelling odour as the dog tracks.
- Bloodhounds can follow a trail that is several days old and have been recorded successfully working scent trails well over a hundred miles long.
- In French the breed is still called the Chien de Saint-Hubert, after the Belgian abbey traditionally credited with developing its ancestors.
Bloodhound Common Health Issues
Conditions seen more often in this breed, and how owners and vets help manage them. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice — always speak to your vet.
Bloat risk
Bloat risk can occur in this breed and may need veterinary monitoring.
Care: Discuss prevention and treatment with your vet.
Ear infections
Ear infections can occur in this breed and may need veterinary monitoring.
Care: Discuss prevention and treatment with your vet.
Skin fold infections
Skin fold infections can occur in this breed and may need veterinary monitoring.
Care: Discuss prevention and treatment with your vet.
Every dog deserves a chance
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