Bloodhound
A gentle, affectionate, and determined scent hound with a legendary nose for tracking. Loyal and patient, Bloodhounds thrive as both devoted companions and skilled search partners.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
63–69 cm (male)
58–63 cm (female)
WEIGHT
36–50 kg (male)
34–48 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
10–12 years
Bloodhound: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Bloodhound isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Bloodhound's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
Bloodhounds are affectionate, gentle, and patient, known for their even temperament and strong attachment to family members. They may be reserved with strangers but are rarely aggressive.
Key Personality Traits
Gentle, sociable, and affectionate with most people
Moderate problem-solving skills, somewhat independent-minded
Needs regular exercise but not highly active
Enjoys games but not highly playful
Can struggle with new environments and changes
Strengths
- Exceptional scent-tracking ability
- Gentle and patient with children
- Strong endurance for long activities
- Loyal and affectionate with family
- Generally sociable with other dogs
Challenges
- Prone to stubbornness during training
- Requires extensive daily exercise
- Tends to drool excessively
- Can be vocal and bay frequently
- Sensitive to hot weather and heat
Protect your Bloodhound
Bloodhound can develop hip dysplasia and ear infections. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Bloodhounds are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
Bloodhounds are highly intelligent and possess an exceptional sense of smell, but their independent nature can make training challenging. Consistent, patient training with positive reinforcement is most effective.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
60–90 minutes daily
recommended per day
Bloodhounds are energetic and require substantial daily exercise, including long walks and opportunities to track scents. Mental stimulation through scent games or tracking activities is essential to prevent boredom.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Bloodhounds are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Bloodhound would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Their stubbornness and training needs can overwhelm inexperienced owners
Apartment Living
Large size and need for space make them unsuitable for most apartments
Active Lifestyle
Bloodhounds enjoy outdoor activities and can keep up with active owners
Kids
Patient and gentle but may accidentally knock over small children due to size
Multiple Pets
Sociable and generally get along with other pets when properly introduced
Being Left Alone
They can develop anxiety and destructive behaviors when left alone too long
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Bloodhounds compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bloodhound
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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