Bloodhound — Breed Profile
"Relentless, stubborn on scent, docile off-duty, determined, gentle giant"
Nose knows all
At a Glance
Weight
80–110 lbs
Height
23–27"
Lifespan
10–12 years
Coat
Short
Group
Hound
Origin
Belgium
Breed Traits
Best For
Active families, search and rescue work, tracking activities, experienced dog owners, homes with space
Not Ideal For
Apartments, first-time owners, people wanting low-maintenance dogs, those with small yards, sedentary lifestyles
Health Considerations
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat, ear infections
Estimated annual vet cost: $800-$1,200
Breed History
Descended from hounds kept at the Abbey of Saint-Hubert in Belgium during the Middle Ages. Known as le chien de Saint-Hubert in French. Recognized as the world's premier scent-tracking dog.
Fun Facts
- Can follow a scent trail over 300 hours old
- Has up to 230 million scent receptors
- Their ears help trap scent particles near their nose
- Evidence from bloodhound tracking is admissible in court
- Can cover 20+ miles in a single tracking session
Famous Bloodhounds
Used by law enforcement and search and rescue teams worldwide