Bloodhound
Description
The Bloodhound is a powerful dog that stands over more ground than is usual with hounds of other breeds. Bloodhound’s skin is thin to the touch and extremely lose. Bloodhound is powerful, yet graceful. The Bloodhound is good with children and other animals with his gentle nature. He has a tenancy to drool, but is otherwise a very clean dog. He has an outstanding ability as a scent hound, superior to other hounds, which has made him very useful in police investigations.
Size of Male: Height: 25-27 inches Weight: 90-110 pounds
Size of Female: Height: 23-25 inches Weight: 80-100 pounds
Temperament
The Bloodhound is a kind, patient, noble, mild-mannered and lovable dog. Bloodhound are gentle, affectionate and excellent with children. The Bloodhound is a true companion with a good-nature. These dogs are so good-natured that they will lie there and meekly let children clamber all over them. This breed loves all the attention they receive from children. Very energetic outdoors and boisterous when young, determined and independent. It needs firm, but gentle training. This breed tends to lean towards willfulness. The new owner of a Bloodhound will need to have plenty of patience and possesses great tactics for training to succeed. The most important consideration is to be consistent – these dogs know fully well how successfully they can get around with a pathetic look and make use of it to get their own way. Do not expect too much by way of obedience from this dog – they are naturally gentle animals but they do have minds of their own and will often make their own decisions rather than following your orders. Males go through puberty in-between the age of 1 and 2 years. They can be quite a handful at that time, but after age 2, with the proper training, stimulation and consistency, they are wonderful dogs. Some Bloodhounds can be timid. Sensitive, gentle and shy, a Bloodhound becomes devoted to its master and gets along well with people. It is rarely vicious, although they can be aggressive with dogs of the same sex. Bloodhounds have a tendency to howl, snore, and drool a lot. 90% of Bloodhounds cannot even be walked off leash. They flee, and when they get on a scent, instinct drives them to find the end of the trail.
Living Conditions
The Bloodhound will do ok in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. Bloodhounds are relatively inactive indoors and do best with at least an average-sized yard. It is important to remember to always keep it on a leash though to ensure that it does not wander off and get lost
Upkeep
As a hunting hound, the Bloodhound needs a good deal of daily exercise. Bloodhound were bred to trail through any hardship, and once hooked on a trail it cannot be called off. Bloodhound thus must be exercised in a safe area. The Bloodhound drools a lot, so its facial wrinkles require daily cleaning; the ear tips drag in food and must also be kept clean. The ear canals also need regular cleaning for good health. Coat care is minimal, requiring only occasional brushing or wiping. Bloodhound can live outside in temperate climates if they are given plenty of shelter and soft, warm bedding. Most do best as indoor and outdoor dogs, a little here and a little there; note, however, that this is not the breed for people obsessed with cleanliness in the house!
Health
Major concerns: entropion, gastric torsion, otitis external, ectropion, skin-fold dermatitis, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Minor concerns: Hypothyroidism
Life expectancy: 7 – 10 years