These dogs need regular exercise, but not in the “marathon runner” sense. Give them long, meandering walks and space to follow their nose at a slower pace. Mental enrichment through scent games is gold.
They’re not disobedient—they’re just busy being detectives. Training is slow and scent-driven, not obedience-focused.
One of the best gentle giants out there. They’re famously tolerant of kids and get along well with other animals—if you don’t mind the occasional slime.
Minimal grooming needs, but their long ears and folds require regular cleaning. Also: be ready for drool. Lots of it.
Loud—and we mean loud. Their signature bay is part of the charm, but it’s not apartment-friendly.
Not allergy-friendly. Drool, dander, and shedding come standard.
The Bloodhound is one of the oldest and most storied scent hounds, with lineage tracing back to medieval France, where monks at the Saint-Hubert Monastery developed dogs with extraordinary tracking abilities. These early scent hounds were refined over centuries, eventually crossing into England, where they became known as “Bloodhounds”—not for their nose, but for their “noble blood” and pure breeding.
Renowned for their unmatched olfactory prowess, Bloodhounds can follow a scent trail that’s days old and are often used in search and rescue and law enforcement. Their sense of smell is so reliable, evidence gathered by a trailing Bloodhound has been admissible in court. Their long ears and wrinkled skin help channel scent toward their powerful nose, making them the gold standard in trailing dogs.
Bloodhounds are large and substantial, typically weighing between 80–110 pounds and standing 23–27 inches tall. They are gentle, affectionate, and surprisingly sensitive dogs—but they are also single-minded when on a scent. Training can be challenging due to their independent streak, and they require secure spaces to roam, lest their nose lead them into mischief or danger.
They are prone to ear infections, bloat, and joint issues, and their drool is legendary. But for scent work or companionship in the right home, the Bloodhound is a noble and remarkable breed.
Similar Dog Breeds: Coonhound, Basset Hound, Black and Tan Coonhound, Plott Hound, Redbone Coonhound
Living with a Bloodhound is like cohabiting with a soulful, droopy-eyed detective who loves you more than they love solving mysteries—but just barely. Their nose runs the show, often dragging their giant, wrinkly body (and you) along for the ride. Once bonded, a Bloodhound is deeply affectionate, wonderfully goofy, and stubborn in ways that are both frustrating and completely endearing.
They’re not clean, quiet, or terribly obedient. They drool—a lot. They snore like a freight train. They shed in clumps and flop dramatically across your best rug. But what they lack in tidiness, they more than make up for in heart. Bloodhounds are gentle giants with a sense of humor, emotional depth, and a work ethic that kicks in the second they catch a scent.
They need patience, secure fences, and people who understand that a strong will doesn’t mean a bad dog—it just means a dog with an ancient purpose. If you can embrace the mess and the mayhem, you’ll gain a loyal, lovable, utterly unforgettable companion who’s as full of feeling as they are full of slobber.
• Sweet and soulful
• Deeply scent-driven (and easily distracted)
• Laid-back but emotionally intense
• Incredible with kids and other animals
• Stubborn, messy, and completely lovable
I’ve got soulful eyes, a legendary nose, and an undying love for snacks, naps, and following you from room to room. I’m looking for a kindred spirit who appreciates loyalty, long walks at a sniffable pace, and the occasional (okay, frequent) slobbery kiss. I may be stubborn, but it’s part of my charm—and once I’m yours, I’m all in. Bonus points if you enjoy floppy ears, deep sighs, and the sound of snoring on a lazy afternoon. Let’s get lost together—figuratively, of course. Literally, I’ll always find the way back.
Bloodhounds thrive in homes that offer space to sniff, freedom to roam, and people who don’t mind a bit of drool on the furniture. A securely fenced yard is a must—when their nose picks up a trail, their brain clocks out, and they’ll follow it without hesitation. They don’t need a giant house, but they do need room to move, stretch out, and nap in sunbeams.
They’re a great fit for relaxed households, rural homes with trails or acreage, or families who love to be outdoors but aren’t in a rush. Kids, dogs, and even cats can get along beautifully with a Bloodhound—as long as everyone’s okay with being occasionally stepped on by 90 pounds of floppy enthusiasm. Whether it’s a farmhouse or a family home in the suburbs, the key is this: give them love, space, and plenty of scents to explore, and they’ll settle in like they’ve been there forever.
Start with the Raising a Puppy Guide — a step-by-step roadmap covering every stage of puppy development, or jump into one of our other detailed guides.
And if you’re ready to go even deeper, grab a copy of the book: Help! I Got a Puppy. It’s everything you didn’t know you needed to know.
• They will follow their nose—leashes and fences are non-negotiable
• Very stubborn—training is a long game
• Drools enough to need dedicated cleanup gear
• Not ideal for allergy-prone households
• Prone to ear and skin infections if not properly groomed
• Long-line leash for scent tracking
• Extra-absorbent drool towels (trust us)
• Ear-cleaning supplies and gentle wipes
• High-reward treats for stubborn moments
• Orthopedic bed for serious lounging
Bloodhounds are generally robust, but their large size and unique anatomy come with notable health concerns:
• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Bloat (gastric torsion)
• Ear infections (long ears trap moisture)
• Skin fold dermatitis
• Entropion and ectropion (eyelid issues)
• Heart conditions
• Joint problems due to weight and build
Routine checkups, weight control, and careful observation are essential for long-term well-being.
Bloodhounds have a classic, low-maintenance coat—but the wrinkles and ears need regular attention:
• Short, dense coat that’s easy to brush
• Common colors: black and tan, liver and tan, red
• Moderate shedding year-round
• Weekly brushing keeps coat healthy and reduces loose hair
• Clean ears and wipe wrinkles regularly to prevent infections
Low-maintenance fur, high-maintenance folds.
Feeding a Bloodhound means fueling their large frame without tipping into obesity or triggering bloat:
• Choose a large-breed formula with joint support and moderate fat content
• Feed smaller meals 2–3 times daily to reduce bloat risk
• Use slow-feeder bowls to curb fast eating
• Monitor weight closely—excess pounds put extra stress on hips and joints
• Avoid strenuous exercise right after meals
They’ll eat like they’ve never been fed—consistency and portion control are key.
Keeping a Bloodhound healthy requires vigilance and routine:
• Clean ears 1–2 times per week to avoid chronic infections
• Wipe facial wrinkles daily to prevent irritation and odor
• Don’t overfeed—keep joints and heart healthy with a lean body
• Provide orthopedic bedding to support their joints
• Schedule regular vet visits for hips, eyes, and heart screening
With proactive care and gentle structure, your big detective can live a long, happy life.
Bloodhounds are lovable oddballs with one of the best noses—and biggest hearts—in the dog world. If you want perfection, look elsewhere. But if you want soulful companionship, quiet loyalty, and the joy of a dog that follows their heart (and nose), the Bloodhound is a treasure.
