Ever noticed how a Bloodhound doesn’t walk so much as patrol with drama? Those droopy jowls, big paws, and saggy skin tell you one thing: this dog was built for tracking. But behind that noble, powerful silhouette is a heart that often beats gently.
Wondering if this scent-obsessed hound could fit your world? Try the Which Dog Breed Is Best for Me? Quiz before you commit.
Great Names for a Bloodhound
You’ll want a name that honours their heft, their scent prowess, or their medieval hound heritage. Here are four themed ideas:
Great & dignified: Noble, Baron, Majestic, Regent, Duchess, Sovereign
Earth & scent nods: Scent, Tracker, Terra, Drift, Prowl, Trail
Quirky & fun: Drool, Sloping, Snuffle, Wrinkle, Echo, Gavel
Heritage & classic: Hubert, St. Hubert, Arden, Laurent, Brough, Arden
Still undecided? Let the Dog Name Generator at CrazyDogs.club spark the perfect match.
Exercise
Don’t be fooled by the slow walk. Once a Bloodhound catches a scent, they’ll rocket. They need long, sniff-heavy sessions, not just a trot around the block. Give them dull walks, and that nose gets bored.
What they need:
- 2 hours+ of walking daily, ideally in places with natural smells
- Off-lead roaming in fully secure terrain (once recall is dependable)
- Scent trials, tracking games, nose puzzles
- Alternate routes constantly, so new scents abound
Pickles’ Aside: They’ll disappear behind a hedge in 0.5 seconds once a scent trail calls.
Working Dog Warning
This is a working hound. Under-exercise or lack of scent outlets means frustration, wandering, or unwanted digging.
Temperament
Beneath the tracking machine is a soft-hearted giant. Bloodhounds are often described as gentle, dignified, and calm. But make no mistake: they have opinions, stubbornness, and a strong sense of self.
You’ll commonly see:
- Loyal and affectionate towards family
- Reserved or slow to trust strangers
- Gentle, mellow mood most of the time
- Independent-minded when on scent
“I owned a couple many years ago … found them to be gentle, sweet natured … you could forget obedience when their nose was down.”
“They most certainly can have nasty streaks … training is difficult.”
When they’re relaxed, they’re soft companions. When scenting, they’re relentless.
Training
Training a Bloodhound is less about “do this now” and more about creating habits, trust, and direction. They obey best when they choose to, not when forced.
Tips for training:
- Start socialisation from puppyhood
- Use reward-based methods: sniff games, praise, treats
- Keep sessions short, focussed, scent-integrated
- Build solid recall, leave-it, impulse work
Pickles’ Aside: They’ll pretend not to hear unless the treat is extra good.
Need backup? The World’s First AI Dog Trainer can help tailor scent-friendly, stepwise training paths.
Stubborn Streak Warning
They’ll pause mid-command if a scent hits. You need consistency and structure — otherwise they’ll chase shadows.
Strangers & Watchdog Potential
Bloodhounds don’t generally bark at every visitor. They observe first, then decide. But loud voices, unexpected entrances, or strange scents might prompt vocal alerts.
- Likely to bark odd warnings
- Usually calm, dignified once meeting
- Early socialisation helps stop overreaction
Other Animals
With the right introductions, many Bloodhounds live well among other dogs and pets. But prey drive and size need guidance.
- Introduce slowly and neutrally
- Supervise early interactions
- Respect small animals and avoid forcing contact
Grooming
Despite their size, Bloodhounds are fairly low-maintenance. Their coat is short; the chore lies in wrinkles, ears, and drool zones.
Routine care includes:
- Weekly brushing to remove loose hairs
- Cleaning skin folds, especially around the face and neck
- Regular ear checks and cleaning (loose ears breed moisture)
- Occasional baths, with gentle products
- Dental, nails, coat upkeep
Pickles’ Aside: You’ll carry tissues and wipes. Always.
Grooming Commitment Warning
Those saggy jowls and skin folds invite infections if ignored. Regular cleaning is essential.
Health
Bloodhounds are majestic but come with their share of health watch points. Be realistic, some things expect work.
Risks to watch:
- Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia (joint issues)
- Gastric dilatation & volvulus (bloat)
- Eye disorders (ectropion, entropion)
- Skin infections (fold and ear infections)
- Ear problems (moisture in long ears)
Bloodhounds are prone to eye, elbow, hip issues, and skin fold problems.
They are affectionate but may be stubborn.
Always ask breeders for health clearances and consult our Best in Breeder Guide before choosing a line.
Cost of Ownership
A dog this size isn’t low-budget. Here’s a ballpark for UK owners:
- Puppy price: ~ £1,500–£2,500 (health-tested lines)
- Insurance: £70–£150+/month (giant breed risks)
- Food: ~ £60–£120/month (big appetite)
- Grooming / care: ~ £20–£50/month
- Vet & health costs: £300–£800/year (screening, surgeries, treatment)
Famous Owners & Moments
- Bloodhounds have served law enforcement and search & rescue operations worldwide due to their unmatched scenting ability.
- In UK hound circles, the clean-boot hunting tradition (trailing a human scent) is historic.
- They’re often considered the ultimate “trail dog” in fiction and real-life tracking cases.
Myth-Busting
| Myth | Truth |
|---|---|
| “They’re lazy.” | Not true — when off-scent, they can appear calm, but their stamina is excellent. |
| “They drool everywhere.” | They do drool. Expect it. It’s part of the gig. |
| “They obey well always.” | They obey when they choose to — scent can override commands. |
FAQs
Do Bloodhounds make good family dogs?
Often yes, especially with older children. Their gentle nature wins affection, but their size and scent-driven focus require care and boundaries.
How vocal are they?
They can bay, bark, or howl — especially when tracking or stimulated by scent.
Are they easy to train?
They’re smart, but independent. Scent, patience, consistent reward = success.
How much exercise do they need?
About 2+ hours daily with scent work, walks, mental challenges.
Thinking of Bringing One Home?
Inviting a Bloodhound into your life is like welcoming a living legend of scent. You’ll have a dog whose nose might out-think every fence, a companion whose softness in downtime contrasts vast tracking energy, and a presence that commands respect. But it’s not for the faint of heart. You’ll commit to cleaning folds, tolerating drool, guarding gates, and ensuring your home is escape-proof. Training won’t be linear, scent may call, and you’ll need resilience.
Vet costs, joint care, ear care — expect them. Yet for those who match pace, the reward is a loyal, powerful tracker, a gentle guard, a dramatic presence — a dog you’ll never take for granted. Start wisely with our New Puppy Paw-rent Planner, and memorialise that noble face with a Custom Cartoon Pet Portrait.
Breed Stats
- Size: Large / giant
- Weight: ~41–55 kg (varies by lines)
- Height: ~58–69 cm at shoulder Purina+2wisdompanel.com+2
- Lifespan: ~10–12 years Purina+2wisdompanel.com+2
- Best Trait: Unmatched scent tracking, gentle heart
- Challenging Trait: Health burdens, sheer size, drooling & maintenance