Belgium
Weight
80-110 lb
Height
23-27 in
Lifespan
10-12 yrs
Coat
Smooth Short
The Bloodhound is a large hound breed from Belgium, shaped by following scent or sight with persistence and independence and a friendly, independent temperament.
Official, native, and commonly used variants
Weight
80-110 lb
Height
23-27 in
Lifespan
10-12 yrs
Coat
Smooth Short
At A Glance
A quick read on energy, upkeep, and what day-to-day life with this breed usually feels like.
Energy
Moderate
Barking
Moderate
Drooling
Moderate
Shedding
Moderate
Grooming
3/5
First-time owner
No
The Bloodhound comes from Belgium and belongs to the Hound group, where its background is tied to following scent or sight with persistence and independence. For the Bloodhound, that history is not just decoration; it helps explain the habits owners see around work, rest, people, and daily handling. Expect the Bloodhound to be a large dog with friendly, independent, inquisitive, determined traits, moderate energy, and moderate barking.
In everyday life, the Bloodhound is usually best judged by routine fit. It does best where Bloodhound space and exercise are easy to provide, and its short smooth coat brings moderate shedding with grooming needs rated 3/5. For exercise, the Bloodhound should get about 45 to 60 minutes a day for many healthy adults, built from steady walks, play, and simple enrichment. For the Bloodhound, a predictable mix of walks, play, and rest usually keeps day-to-day behavior more balanced. Training the Bloodhound should stay practical and reward-based, with early socialization around people, dogs, handling, and normal household noise.
The Bloodhound is most likely to suit owners who appreciate friendly temperament and can meet the care pattern consistently. The Dogs Index profile rates the Bloodhound as having balanced family potential with supervision, 3/5 dog sociability, and 3/5 stranger comfort. People considering the Bloodhound should compare related breeds before deciding if the routine feels realistic. Health notes for the Bloodhound should be discussed with a veterinarian and, when buying a puppy, with responsible breeders who screen their lines.
This breed tends to suit homes looking for a friendly, independent, inquisitive companion, with daily rhythms shaped by moderate energy, moderate barking, and moderate drooling.
Coat type
Smooth
Coat length
Short
Shedding
Moderate
Colors
Varies by standard
Bloodhound is usually harder to manage in an apartment, especially when exercise, space, or noise control are limited. Owners of the Bloodhound should plan quiet walking routes, enough decompression time, and training for elevators, hallways, visitors, and nearby dogs.
Bloodhound has a moderate barking profile, so owners should expect some alerting and excitement barking. Teaching the Bloodhound a calm response to door sounds, passing dogs, and visitors is easier than trying to stop barking after it becomes a habit.
Bloodhound learns best from patient, consistent training that rewards the behavior you want. Because the Bloodhound is often friendly, independent, inquisitive, owners should keep rules predictable and practice in real household situations, not only formal sessions.
The Bloodhound's short smooth coat needs steady maintenance rather than neglect-and-fix grooming. For the Bloodhound, brush through friction areas, check ears and nails, and expect moderate shedding to be part of normal household cleanup.
Bloodhound needs about 45 to 60 minutes a day for many healthy adults, built from steady walks, play, and simple enrichment. For the Bloodhound, build activity into most days instead of relying on one big weekend outing, and mix in sniffing, training, or puzzle work so the dog has a mental outlet as well as physical movement.
The Bloodhound's short smooth coat needs steady maintenance rather than neglect-and-fix grooming. For the Bloodhound, brush through friction areas, check ears and nails, and expect moderate shedding to be part of normal household cleanup.
Bloodhound learns best from patient, consistent training that rewards the behavior you want. Because the Bloodhound is often friendly, independent, inquisitive, owners should keep rules predictable and practice in real household situations, not only formal sessions.
Feed Bloodhound a measured diet appropriate for a large dog, its age, and its activity level. For the Bloodhound, keep body condition lean, adjust portions when exercise changes, and ask your veterinarian about diet details if weight, digestion, allergies, or joint stress are concerns.
Energy level
Moderate
Barking level
Moderate
Drooling level
Moderate
Watchdog ability
3/5
Guard dog ability
2/5
Climate tolerance
Common concerns to discuss with your vet and breeder.
Our Shop
Browse practical products for feeding, grooming, cleanup, enrichment, and smoother daily routines.
