Bloodhounds

Bloodhounds got their name from the term “blooded hound,” which means a hound of a pure blood. This breed is very ancient, so its exact origin is not known for sure. Supposedly, the Bloodhound was developed by British monks around the 7th century. Several hounds were crossbred to create this breed. Excellent sense of smell made the Bloodhound the favorite hunting dog of the royalty and nobility. In the 18th-19th centuries, the popularity of the Bloodhound declined, because the game area in Europe decreased greatly. The breed was preserved by the breeders for its unique scenting ability and intelligence. Nowadays, Bloodhounds are almost never used for hunting, but they make excellent trackers and family companions.

Bloodhounds are able to detect and follow a scent trail left several days ago. The best Bloodhounds need only a few skin cells to detect the scent of a person. The nasal chambers in this breed are larger than in most other dogs. The large pendent ears of the Bloodhound help prevent wind from scattering the smell. These dogs are usually used as solitary trackers, but not in packs. They don’t give voice when on trail, like most other scent hounds.

Bloodhounds are not the easiest dogs to own. Though they are very intelligent and friendly, they have a mind of their own and are not eager to please the owner. Training a Bloodhound puppy is a challenge even for an experienced dog owner. Bloodhounds are high-maintenance dogs. They eat much, slobber, and shed. Though they can live outdoors, they need human attention and communication. Bloodhounds don’t respond to drill and dull exercises; training sessions should be interesting and stimulating.

Like all purebreds, Bloodhounds are prone to a number of specific health disorders. Some bloodlines suffer from gastrointestinal problems (bloat or torsion,) cancer, eye, ear, and skin disorders. The average longevity of the breed is only 6-7 years. The oldest recorded Bloodhound died at 12. When considering this breed as a family companion, think twice if you would be able to afford vet assistance, if necessary. Poor health is the main reason for surrendering Bloodhounds to rescues.