Bloodhound
尋血獵犬
Updated 2026-09-09
At a glance
The Bloodhound is the world's most famous tracking dog — a large, wrinkled, long-eared scenthound that can follow a trail for hours and is used to find lost or hidden people. Off duty it is affectionate, gentle and docile, but on a scent it is relentless and deaf to commands, so walks are always on lead. Expect drool, daily ear and wrinkle care, an appetite for eating anything, and a real risk of bloat.
Facts
| Size | Large |
|---|---|
| Height | 58–69cm |
| Weight | 36–50kg |
| Life expectancy | 10–12years |
| Breed group | AKC: hound FCI: 6 |
| Role | Hound |
| Coat | Short coat |
| Shedding | 3/ 5 |
| Exercise | 45–150min/day |
| Can be left alone | up to 4 hours |
| Companionship need | 4/ 5 |
| Trainability | 4/ 5 |
| Barking | 5/ 5 |
| Good with children | 3/ 5 |
| Good with other dogs | 3/ 5 |
| Heat tolerance | 4/ 5 |
| Cold tolerance | 2/ 5 |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Hip dysplasia
Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen hips by X-ray. Ask your vet about hip screening and about keeping your dog lean and fit.
Elbow dysplasia
Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen elbows by X-ray. Ask your vet if you notice front-leg lameness, especially in a growing dog.
Inherited eye conditions
Various inherited eye conditions are reported in the breed; annual eye examinations by a veterinary ophthalmologist are recommended for breeding stock. Ask your vet about eye screening.
Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus)
Deep-chested dogs of this breed are at risk of bloat, a life-threatening emergency. Ask your vet about the warning signs and prevention options.
Behaviour
Gentle and affectionate, but sensitive
The CKC says the Bloodhound is extremely affectionate with a gentle nature, gets along well with other dogs, may be somewhat shy and is very sensitive to kindness or correction from its owner; the AKC calls it affectionate and devoted but also stubborn and independent, liking to take charge, so training needs a firm but kind owner with patience, consistency and rewards.
Nose first — always on lead
The AKC dispels the porch-dog myth: bred to follow a scent for hours, the Bloodhound is an active dog needing long daily walks, always on lead because it may not respond once it has a scent, plus a securely fenced yard as it is a great digger and escape artist; the CKC says one whiff of an interesting scent and it is off, covering a great deal of distance in a short time.
Energy and exercise
Energy level is rated 3/5 (moderate) on the AKC breed-trait chart. The Royal Kennel Club puts its exercise need at "more than 2 hours per day".
Training and barking
AKC trait chart: trainability 4/5, barking level 5/5. Individual dogs vary; early socialisation and reward-based training are recommended for every breed.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
American Kennel Club — Bloodhound
Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Canadian Kennel Club — Bloodhound (Hounds)
Origin, temperament, activity level, height/weight, coat and grooming as described by the Canadian Kennel Club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
The Royal Kennel Club — Bloodhound
Breed characteristics (size large, exercise more than 2 hours per day, lifespan under 10 years), plus the recommended pre-breeding health schemes and DNA tests.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
FCI nomenclature — Bloodhound (standard no. 84, group 6)
FCI breed nomenclature entry with the official breed standard PDF in English, French, German and Spanish.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
What owners say
Owner advice is quoted from public community posts and reflects those owners' opinions, not PocketPaw's position. It is unverified and not a substitute for professional advice. Each item links to where it was said.
“The parent club's 'Is the Bloodhound the right dog for you?' page asks buyers to be ready for an extra-large dog with a high energy level through its first two or three years, needing daily exercise and stimulation; to commit to a daily and weekly care routine for the wrinkles, deep lips, long ears and eyelids — and to drool on walls, furniture and clothes; to give it plenty of company, since Bloodhounds do not do well left alone for long; and to know that bloat and torsion are life-threatening emergencies. Most Bloodhounds live 8–12 years.”
— American Bloodhound Club — Is the Bloodhound the right dog for you? via breed clubWorldwide2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Bloodhound — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Bloodhound — Choosing a Breed — Canadian Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [3]Bloodhound — Breeds A to Z — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [4]Bloodhound — FCI standard no. 84 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [5]How do I help my dog adjust to spending time alone? — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [6]Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016 (Hall, Carter & O'Neill, Scientific Reports 10:9128) — Nature / Scientific Reports (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [7]Is the Bloodhound the right dog for you? — American Bloodhound Club — American Bloodhound Club (public breed information) (Accessed 2026-09-09)
Still have questions?
Ask owners on the PawMunity forum — every breed has its own board.
Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.