Bloodhound

The Nose Knows
A living legend of the scent world, the Bloodhound is a gentle giant with an unmatched nose and a heart to match. Just don’t expect prompt responses—he’s got his own schedule.

Experienced Owner

Bloodhounds are famously stubborn but endlessly sweet. Training takes time, patience, and an ability to laugh when they decide sniffing that bush is more important than listening to you.

Tail Of The Tape

Trait
Low
High
Height
23
in
27
in
Weight
80
lbs
110
lbs
Lifespan
10
yrs
12
yrs
Activity Needs
Average
Average
Average
Average
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.
Trainability
Stubborn
Stubborn
Stubborn
They’re not disobedient—they’re just busy being detectives. Training is slow and scent-driven, not obedience-focused.
kid compatability
Kids
Kids
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.
grooming needs
Low
Low
Low
Minimal grooming needs, but their long ears and folds require regular cleaning. Also: be ready for drool. Lots of it.
noise level
Loud
Loud
Loud
Loud—and we mean loud. Their signature bay is part of the charm, but it’s not apartment-friendly.
Good for Allergies
No
No
Not allergy-friendly. Drool, dander, and shedding come standard.

What It's Like To Own One

Living with a Bloodhound is like rooming with an extremely sweet, extremely messy private investigator. Their heart is as big as their head, and once they fall in love with you, you're their person for life.

They’re goofy and tender, stubborn and soulful. They’ll track a scent for miles, sleep for hours, and greet your guests with a trail of drool and a hopeful wag. This is a dog who thrives on love, patience, and the joy of discovery. They won’t be winning any obedience trials—but they’ll win over everyone’s heart.

Personality Snapshot

• 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

Breed Embodiment

Hagrid (Harry Potter)
Massive, gentle, misunderstood, and a bit of a mess—but all heart.

Fictional Owners

Columbo
Always looks a little lost, but never misses a thing.
Rebecca Pearson
Steady, loving, and full of emotional depth—even if things get a little chaotic.
Atticus Finch
Deeply principled—he’d appreciate the Bloodhound’s quiet loyalty and soulful presence.

Where They Want To Live

A home with a fenced yard and a relaxed pace. They don’t need a mansion—but they do need space to sniff, roam, and snooze. Families with kids, dog-lovers with patience, or rural folks with trails to explore are ideal.

Dating Profile

I’ve got soulful eyes, a legendary nose, and an undying love for snacks and naps. I’m looking for a kindred spirit who appreciates loyalty, long walks, and slobbery kisses.

Things 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

Gear Guide

• 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

Bottom Line

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.