Bloodhound

The tireless sniffer dog: all about the Bloodhound

The history of the Bloodhound: bred by monks

The roots of the Bloodhound go back to the Middle Ages. Originally bred by Belgian monks in the monastery of St. Hubert, the Bloodhound was initially known as the St. Hubert hound. The monks valued him for his exceptional sense of smell and his tireless stamina when hunting. In the 11th century, Norman nobles brought these dogs to England, where they soon became famous for their tracking and hunting skills. The name "Bloodhound" is derived from "blooded hound", which refers to its pure and noble lineage.

Who is the Bloodhound suitable for?

The Bloodhound is not a dog for everyone. Its keen nose and strong will require an owner who is patient and experienced in dealing with dogs. Active families or individuals who spend a lot of time outdoors and can offer the dog sufficient physical and mental challenges are particularly well suited to a Bloodhound. The Bloodhound is also ideal for search and rescue missions and as a police dog.

Character: Gentle, loyal and strong-willed

The Bloodhound is known for its gentle and friendly nature. He is very people-oriented and loves to be part of a family. Despite his size and sometimes somewhat serious appearance, he is a gentle giant at heart. The Bloodhound is also known for his stubbornness - once he picks up a scent, it is difficult to dissuade him. This trait makes him an excellent scent hound, but also requires a patient and consistent trainer.

Appearance: Majestic and unmistakable

With its long, wrinkled face, drooping ears and deep, melancholy eyes, the Bloodhound has an unmistakable appearance. His coat is short and dense, in colors such as black and tan, liver and tan or red. An adult male reaches a shoulder height of 64 to 69 cm and a weight of 46 to 54 kg, while females are somewhat smaller and lighter.

Care and health: Robust but high-maintenance

Grooming a Bloodhound requires regular attention. Its wrinkled skin is prone to infections, so it is important to keep the folds clean and dry. The ears should also be cleaned regularly to prevent ear infections. In terms of health, Bloodhounds are prone to certain genetic conditions such as hip dysplasia and gastric torsion. Regular visits to the vet and a balanced diet are essential to minimize these risks.

Exercise and training: active and demanding

A Bloodhound needs a lot of exercise. Daily long walks and plenty of sniffing time are essential to keep this dog happy and healthy. Due to its keen nose, it is less suited to city life and is more comfortable in rural areas or homes with large gardens. Training should start early and be consistent as the Bloodhound can sometimes be stubborn. Positive reinforcement and lots of patience are the keys to success.

Behavioral characteristics: Good with children and other animals

Bloodhounds are generally good-natured and get along well with children and other pets. Their friendly and patient nature makes them ideal family dogs. However, due to their size and boisterous temperament, they should always interact with small children under supervision.

FCI recognition and interesting facts

The Bloodhound is recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and belongs to Group 6, the running and welding dogs. Interestingly, the Bloodhound has helped solve crimes throughout history by tracking criminals over long distances. Its exceptional sense of smell is legendary and is still used today in many search and rescue missions.