Belgium / France
Hound Group
Large
23–27 in
80–110 lbs
10–12 years
Meet the Bloodhound
Bloodhounds are unmatched when it comes to using their nose. With up to 300 million scent receptors, they can follow a trail for miles or even days old. Despite their serious work ethic, they are calm, affectionate, and gentle companions at home.
Where It All Began
Bloodhounds originated in Belgium and were developed by monks in the Abbey of St. Hubert in the 11th century. They were bred to track deer and other game and later became vital in search-and-rescue and police work.
Personality
🏃 An Active Lifestyle
This breed does well with regular, moderate exercise such as daily walks and playtime.
- ✓ 30–45 minutes of exercise daily
- ✓ Daily walks plus some playtime
- ✓ Benefits from occasional training sessions
✂ Grooming Needs
Grooming is easy — an occasional brush and bath is usually all that is needed.
- ✓ Brushing once a week
- ✓ Bathe only as needed
- ✓ Routine nail trims
❤ Keeping Healthy
Like all breeds, the Bloodhound benefits from routine vet checkups and preventive care; the conditions below are the ones responsible breeders and owners watch most closely.
- • Hip Dysplasia
- • Elbow Dysplasia
- • Bloat (GDV)
$ Cost of Ownership
Estimated costs vary by breeder, location and individual dog; use these as a general planning guide.
Purchase Price: $800 – $2,500
Monthly Cost: $90 – $140
First Year Cost: $2,180 – $4,880
Lifetime Cost: $11,600 – $22,660
👍 Pros
- Patient, gentle temperament around children
- Low-maintenance coat that's easy to groom
- Loyal and devoted companion for the right owner
👎 Cons
- Not ideally suited to small apartments without a yard
- Can be stubborn, better suited to experienced owners
- Larger size means higher food, medication and vet costs
💡 Did You Know?
The Bloodhound originally comes from Belgium / France and belongs to the Hound Group — a fitting background for a breed so often described as independent.
Compare Bloodhound
See how the Bloodhound stacks up against other breeds to find your perfect match.
