| AKC Group: | Hound |
| A.K.A.: | St. Hubert Hound |
| Functions: | Hunting, Scent Hound, Search and Rescue |
| Year of Origin: | 700s |
| Country of Origin: | Belgium |
| Life Span (yr): | 10 - 12 |
| Colors: | Black and tan, Red, Liver and Tan |
| Height (Inch): | 23 - 27 |
| Weight (lb): | 80 - 110 |
| Size: | Large |
| Hair Length: | Short |
| Energy: |  |
| Playfulness: |  |
| Ease of Training: | |
| Exercise Needed: | |
| Self Protection: |  |
| Grooming: | |
| Shedding: | |
| Watch Dog: | |
| Living Area: | |
Appearance:
The regal appearance of the Bloodhound is characterized by his wise, solemn expression that commands dignity from all who encounter him. He has omniscient eyes that are sunk deep into his skull. His eyes can range in color from a deep hazel to a beautiful gold. His long, long ears are delicate and soft in texture. He has rolls of skin around his head – folds and wrinkles abound – especially on his forehead and along the sides of his head. The Bloodhound has droopy lips and a big darkly colored nose. His tail may wag from time to time – it ends with a point.
Temperament:
The temperament of the Bloodhound is extremely loving. He is not aggressive towards his family or towards other canines. He can be shy and reserved. He is very sensitive and can easily get his feeling hurt if his owner is sharp with him, even while training. The Bloodhound is one of the most gentle and affectionate breeds of dogs, making him a great choice for families with children. His patience is unending – even as children are climbing over him and hugging onto him at all hours. In fact, he loves the extra love. The Bloodhound does have plenty of energy and can be rowdy when he is a puppy.
Health:
There are a few major health problems that are reported in Bloodhounds. Bloat or torsion of the stomach is seen in the breed. Although the reason behind the condition is unknown, if bloat occurs and the stomach becomes twisted, it can be fatal to the Bloodhound in hours. If bloat is suspected, seek a veterinarian’s attention without delay. To prevent bloat, feed the Bloodhound several small bowls of food throughout the day as opposed to one large bowl of food. In addition, Bloodhounds are sensitive to anesthesia used during surgery. They typically do not need the full dose of anesthesia compared to most dogs of their weight. So, it is best to discuss this issue with the dog’s veterinarian prior to surgery.
Maintenance:
The Bloodhound requires an average amount of maintenance. Starting with his coat - it should be brushed once a week to reduce the amount of dead fur and thereby to limit shedding. The folds on his face and neck should be checked for any irritation and cleaned thoroughly. The area around his eyes should be wiped daily. Doing so will remove any debris or evidence of tearing. His ears should be cleaned with an ear cleanser at least once a week, as well. Lastly, it is important to trim his nails every other week. The Bloodhound loves to exercise – he is a scent hound and will follow a trail for hours until he reaches his goal.