Bloodhound Dog Breed

Please consider adopting a dog, cat or any other pet from one of the hundreds of rescue sites.  Anyone can use these honest websites to acquire a pet for their family.  I mention only two for your consideration.  “RED” stands for rescue every dog and you can click on:  http://www.rescueeverydog.org  or another reputable site is:  http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com  My special thank you to The American Kennel Club, wikipedia, http://wwwbloodhounds.org  and http://www.dogbreedinfo.com

Bloodhound picture courtesy wikipedia

Many more of the Bloodhound dogs are available for adoption than other breeds for reasons way beyond their control.  It has been discovered by many rescue organizations that Bloodhounds have a greater need to find new homes because the  pet owners let the dog out for a run.  With the extremely keen sense of smell, the animals seem to be endlessly searching for that scent, sometimes never returning to the rightful owner.

The Bloodhound is a very large, powerful and complex animal with some habits people do not take into consideration when bringing this breed into their home as a pet.  The slobbering this dog creates, can be unpleasant for some pet lovers who take the puppy home because he is so cute, not realizing as he grows out of puppy hood, the slobbering gets more and he is no longer that cute little pup.  The dog is then put up for adoption as a grown, full size dog.  This happens a lot with dogs that outgrow their loving home life.

Because the Bloodhound is a huge and strong dog,  pet lovers should study all material before considering this breed for a pet.  The Bloodhound needs to have a lot of exercise to maintain the wellness of the muscular structure this dog possesses.  Just because they are a big breed does not say they need or should be treated roughly.  This is a sensitive and gentle, highly intelligent dog breed desiring and accepting care along with proper  and good treatment.

The exquisite tracking instinct the Bloodhound is bred with, will sometimes side track them if not on a leash or secured well with a strong and adequate fence.  Several rescue sites that I researched stated many dogs were roaming free because they were not cared for properly with strong or smart confinement means.  Coupled with the aforementioned strength and intelligence you can add the tracking need that is built in, encouraging this dog to follow the nose to  a dog situation they feel compelled to pursue.  The nose of the Bloodhound is very different than most other breeds.  The nasal chambers measure larger, creating the ability to own the scenting ability they have.

Another very real consideration for truly searching out if this dog breed is for you, is that they have extremely short lifespans living  6 to 8 years.  A very common bloat condition seems to be over 1/3 % of the reason for death of this breed, however feeding small meals three times a day is better than one big one, helping this condition to be minimized.  Cancer is a close, just over 1/4 % of all Bloodhound deaths.

While these statements are cited to you for consideration, the Bloodhound has so much to offer the person who will love this pet for what and who he is giving a bloodhound a loving home.

A  Bloodhound is also called Chiende Saint-Hubert, St. Hubert Hound and Sleuth hound.  Some of those names will support your suspicion of the country of origin being  Belgium/ France or England/ Scotland. Their tenacious and tirelessness tracking have brought them from hunting deer, wild boar to assisting law enforcement.  The world recognizes the Bloodhound as a superior breed to help with escaped prisoner location, missing persons as well as missing animals.  Devotion and endurance might be considered the middle names for this dog because they will cover many miles and spend days on the trails they need to be traveling to reach their goal.

Weight ranges from 80 to 160 pounds and stand 23 to 32 inches tall.  Their stature commands admiration, which conformation judges look for in breed competition show dogs.

Colors of the Bloodhound are liver and tan, red as well as black and tan.  The coat is hard and contains fur with no hair.  Grooming is some weekly, minimal brushing.  Ears are long and pendulous yet they remain at the side of the head when the dogs nose is to the ground.  The ears placement is to prevent the breezes from dispersing what the dog is tracking.

One very distinct trait is the bay of the  noble Bloodhound. They have some tendencies to snore and howl too.

Temperament of the Bloodhound is a bit stubborn in that they are focused on duty rather than pet owners requests.  Their obedience training is successful with owner determination and patience. Their gentleness and mild character must be something for family members to be aware that with just a miss guided  dog gait, a toddler might fall with one unintentional  motion.  Extremely well behaved around children of all ages, pet owners need to know this breed will take whatever children dish out, so be aware you child does not hurt him.  Good natured and affectionate,  Bloodhounds are valued pets.