Bloodhounds 101

Name: Bloodhound, aka St. Hubert Hound

Personality: This renowned hound is famous as the scent-tracker of all scent-trackers, and, it is said, can exhibit a "one-nose mind." But bloodhounds are also remarkably gentle and even-tempered. The Dog Breed Info Center describes the breeds with words like "noble," "mild-mannered," "patient" and "lovable" when describing the good old Saint Hubes. But the American Bloodhound Club offers a somewhat more forthright take on the breed's big personality: "You don't 'own' a Bloodhound; it owns you!"

Grooming: According to Best Friends Pet Care, a bloodhound is an "average shedder with a smooth, short coat. Grooming is fairly easy and can be performed using a hound glove." For health reasons, clean out the dog's ears several times a week (see below), and for extra TLC, a wipe-down of its coat with a chamois will make your bloodhound gleam!

Common Health Issues: Gastrointestinal problems plague bloodhounds at an excessively high rate, as do eye and ear ailments. The latter issue is due mainly to the fact that their ears are so large and droopy. Their eyes produce a lot of moisture and mucus, so their regular cleaning is key to a bloodhound's health. As for the G.I. issues, a bloodhound owner must always be on the lookout for bloat and provide quick medical attention when bloat presents itself. A 2004 survey by the U.K. Kennel Club and the British Small Animal Veterinary Association Scientific Committee found that, at about 6.75 years, bloodhounds had the shortest median longevity of all dog breeds, and 34 percent of the deaths examined were attributed to bloat. The American Bloodhound Club has a very helpful and informative page all about the condition.


Training Tips: "Firm but not heavy-handed" training is what the Dog Breed Info Center recommends for bloodhounds, also warning that they are "naturally gentle animals but they are not easy to obedience train." The American Bloodhound Club agrees: "You can't just tell a bloodhound what to do the way you can a spaniel." A bloodhound owner must exude a natural sense of confidence and leadership at all times, lest the dog start exhibiting a willful streak and stop listening to you. This is especially true during puppyhood (up until about 24 months) when a bloodhound is particularly obstinate. Consistent socialization, including daily pack walks, is also recommended.

Best Animal/Owner Match: It may or may not be a good idea to bring a bloodhound into a household with small children. On the one hand, the breed is kind and gentle. The Dog Breed Info Center goes so far as to claim that bloodhounds are "so good-natured that they will lie there and meekly let children clamber all over them." On the other hand, the breed's size makes it rather clumsy, which could possibly end up injuring the little ones. For potential bloodhound owners, an even temper and a mindful eye are critical. The American Bloodhound Club says that, overall, the best kind of owner has "a sense of humor as good as your bloodhound's." The impatient need not apply.

What Bloodhound Owners Say: "An absolute love," says Paw Nation Facebook friend Mary Russell Willis of St. George, Ga., of her bloodhound. "Tess is about the sweetest dog we have ever had. "

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