Back to Dogs
Belgium•hound
Bloodhound
moderateGood with KidsGood with Pets
World-famous 'Sleuth Hound' with unparalleled tracking ability. Gentle and docile at home, relentless and stubborn on scent. Trails admissible as court evidence.
Weight36-50 kg79.5-110 lbs
Height58-69 cm23-27"
Lifespan10-12 yrs
Overview
Personality and care at a glance
GentlePatientNobleStubbornDetermined
Height
58-69 cm23-27"
Weight
36-50 kg79.5-110 lbs
Lifespan
10-12 yrs
Breed Traits
Size
Large - Size category based on typical adult weight
Energy Level
Balanced - enjoys play sessions and moderate activity
Trainability
Strong-willed - needs an experienced handler
Grooming
Minimal grooming - occasional brushing
Barking
Frequent barker
Attachment Style
How much this breed typically wants to be near their people versus enjoying time on their own.
IndependentHighly Dependent
Balanced companionship
Size Comparison
🧍
Human~6ft / 183cm🐕
Bloodhound58-69 cm23-27"Compatibility
How well Bloodhound matches your lifestyle
??%
Your Match Score
Take our 2-minute lifestyle quiz to see how well Bloodhound matches your lifestyle.
Good Fit
- +
- +
- +
Things to Consider
- !
- !
Exercise
Activity requirements for Bloodhound
medium energy45-60 min/day
Bloodhounds need regular daily exercise to stay fit and content. A mix of walks and play will keep them mentally and physically satisfied.
1+ hour daily of exercise with opportunities to use their nose
Recommended Activities
Low intensity
Mental Stimulation
Puzzle toys and training games for mental exercise.
10-15 min
Moderate intensity
Daily Walks
Regular walks at a moderate pace, ideally twice daily.
20-30 min each
Moderate intensity
Fetch & Retrieval Games
Active play sessions with balls or toys.
15-20 min
Moderate intensity
Social Play
Playdates with other dogs or interactive games with family.
20-30 min
Grooming
Coat care and maintenance for Bloodhound
Low Maintenancefur coat
Bloodhounds require minimal grooming maintenance. Occasional brushing and basic hygiene care will keep them looking their best.
Weekly Brushing
A quick brush once a week removes loose hair and distributes natural oils for a healthy coat.
Weekly
Occasional Bathing
Bathe only when dirty or smelly - typically every 2-3 months. Over-bathing can strip natural oils.
Every 2-3 months
Nail Trimming
Keep nails trimmed to prevent discomfort and clicking on floors. If you hear clicking, they're too long.
Every 2-4 weeks
Dental Care
Brush teeth regularly or provide dental chews to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease.
2-3 times per week
Training
Training approach for Bloodhound
Strong-Willed
Bloodhounds have a strong will and may resist training. Success requires patience, experience, and understanding that stubbornness often indicates intelligence.
Best Approach
Never force or punish - it will backfire. Find creative ways to make them think compliance was their idea. Consider professional training help if needed.
Training Tips
Essential
Extreme Patience Required
Progress may be slower than with other breeds. Celebrate small wins and don't get discouraged.
Essential
Get Creative
Standard training methods may not work. Be willing to try unconventional approaches.
Essential
Firm, Fair Boundaries
Set clear boundaries consistently, but always with positive methods. Never use punishment.
Recommended
Consider Professional Help
A professional trainer experienced with this breed can provide valuable techniques and support.
Recommended
Set Realistic Expectations
They may never be perfectly obedient, and that's okay. Focus on essential commands and safety.
Common Challenges
- May refuse commands they know perfectly well
- Can be manipulative - knows how to get what they want
- Training sessions may require multiple approaches
- May need experienced handlers
Nutrition
Feeding guidelines for Bloodhound
Large Breed2 meals$60-150/month
Large breeds need careful nutrition management, especially during growth. Controlled growth and joint support are key priorities.
Feeding Tips
Large Breed Formula
Use foods specifically formulated for large breeds, especially during puppyhood for controlled growth.
Joint Support
Look for foods with glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health throughout life.
Don't Overfeed puppies
Rapid growth stresses developing joints. Large breed puppies should grow slowly and steadily.
Consider Bowl Placement
Some large dogs benefit from elevated food bowls for comfortable eating posture.
Important Considerations
- Rapid puppy growth increases risk of joint problems
- Higher risk of bloat - avoid exercise right after eating
- Prone to obesity in less active individuals
Health
Common health conditions to watch for in Bloodhound
2
High Risk
2
Common Issues
Understanding breed-specific health risks helps you provide better preventive care. Regular vet checkups and health screenings can catch many issues early.
High Risk Conditions
Common Issues
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian about your pet's specific health needs.
Ownership costs
Estimated expenses for Bloodhound
Monthly costs
Food
$60-150
Insurance
$43-101
Supplies
$17-35
Monthly total
$120-286
Annual costs
Veterinary care
$492-828/yr
Parasite prevention
$432/yr
Annual total
$924-1,260/yr
Estimates based on 2024-2025 research, adjusted for Bloodhound's size. Actual costs vary by location and provider.
Regional insights
Local factors affecting pet ownership costs in United States
- •Pet industry expenditure reached $152B in 2024, projected $157B for 2025
- •66% of households own pets (86.9 million homes)
- •Pet CPI continues to outpace general inflation
What's not included
- •Initial adoption/purchase fees
- •One-time equipment purchases (beds, bowls, leashes)
- •Emergency veterinary surgeries
- •Boarding/daycare services
Sources
4 references for Bloodhound
American Kennel Club Breed Information
Registry·American Kennel Club
Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
Veterinary·Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
Canine Health Information Center - Bloodhound
Health·OFA-CHIC
Bloat in Dogs
Veterinary·American Kennel Club
Information sourced from breed registries, veterinary organizations, and peer-reviewed research