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Bloodhound

At a Glance

Built for Tracking. The finest nose in the dog world. Wounded game recovery, man-trailing, and long-distance scent work.
From Belgium and France. One of the oldest scent hound breeds in existence.
Temperament Gentle, stubborn, single-minded on a track. Affectionate and calm at home.
Coat Short, dense, loose-skinned. Black and tan, liver and tan, or red. Low maintenance.
Size 80–110 lbs
Live with Calm and gentle indoors. Drools. Vocal. Needs space and regular exercise.
Best for Deer trackers, wounded game recovery, hunters who need the most capable nose available.
Famous for The most accurate nose of any dog breed. Used by law enforcement worldwide for tracking humans. Unmatched on a cold trail.

Origin

The Bloodhound is one of the oldest scent hound breeds in recorded history, with roots tracing to medieval Belgium and the monastery of Saint-Hubert, where monks bred scent hounds for the nobility as far back as the 7th century. These St. Hubert Hounds were brought to England by William the Conqueror in 1066 and refined over centuries into the breed we know today.

The name "Bloodhound" does not refer to a taste for blood — it refers to the breed's status as a "blooded" hound, meaning one of pure and noble lineage. The breed's scenting ability is so exceptional that its trailing evidence has been admitted in courts of law. No other dog breed has that distinction.

Original Purpose

Built to follow a scent trail over any distance, across any terrain, regardless of how old the track is. Originally used to trail deer and other large game for European nobility. Later used extensively for tracking humans — a role it still fills for law enforcement agencies worldwide. In the hunting world today, the Bloodhound is the premier breed for wounded deer recovery and big game tracking.

Hunting Style

The Bloodhound works with its nose to the ground, following a scent trail with absolute focus and determination. It does not point, flush, or retrieve — it tracks. It can follow a trail that is hours or days old, through water, across pavement, and through terrain that would defeat any other breed. On wounded deer it is without equal. It works slowly and methodically, and it does not give up.

Temperament

Gentle, affectionate, and profoundly stubborn. The Bloodhound is one of the most good-natured large breeds in existence — it is patient, calm, and genuinely kind with people and other animals. It is not an aggressive dog. It is not a guard dog. It is a tracking dog, and when it is on a track, nothing else exists.

That single-mindedness is the defining trait. A Bloodhound on a scent is not listening to you. It is not coming when called. It is following the track to its conclusion. This is not disobedience — it is the breed doing exactly what it was built to do. Understanding that distinction is essential before you commit to one.

Coat Type

Short, dense, and loose — the Bloodhound's famously wrinkled skin and pendulous ears are functional, not decorative. The loose facial skin and long ears help funnel scent toward the nose. Colors include black and tan, liver and tan, and red. Minimal coat grooming required, but the skin folds and ears need regular cleaning to prevent infection. The Bloodhound drools — significantly and enthusiastically. Plan accordingly.

Trainability

Highly capable but requires patience. The Bloodhound is intelligent and learns quickly when motivated, but its independence and scent drive mean it will prioritize the track over any command once its nose is engaged. Obedience training is essential and should start early — a 100 lb dog that doesn't respond to basic commands is a management problem.

For tracking work, the Bloodhound's instincts are extraordinary and largely self-directing. The training work is in building control, developing the dog's confidence on aged tracks, and teaching it to work on a long lead — the standard method for serious tracking work.

What It's Actually Like to Live and Hunt with a Bloodhound

Deer tracking with a Bloodhound is a humbling experience. You put the dog on a blood trail — or even just a footprint — and it goes to work. It doesn't hurry. It doesn't get distracted. It follows the scent with a patience and precision that no other breed can match. Hours later, it finds the deer. Every time.

At home the Bloodhound is a gentle giant. It is calm, affectionate, and good with everyone. It is also large, drooly, and vocal — the bay carries, and the drool goes everywhere. These are not small considerations. But for hunters who need the finest tracking nose available, no other breed comes close.

The Bloodhound is also an escape artist. Its nose will lead it through, under, or over any fence that stands between it and an interesting scent. A secure, tall fence is non-negotiable.

Family Compatibility

Excellent family dog for the right household. The Bloodhound is gentle, patient, and genuinely good with children and other animals. Its size, drool, and voice are the practical considerations. It does best with space, regular exercise, and tracking work to keep its mind engaged. Families who hunt and can provide an outlet for its tracking drive will get the most out of the breed.

Common Misconceptions

"Bloodhounds are only for law enforcement."
The Bloodhound's tracking ability is just as valuable in the hunting world. Wounded deer recovery is one of the most practical applications — a Bloodhound can find a deer that every other method has failed to recover. In states where it is legal, it is the most effective tool available for this purpose.

"They're too slow to be useful hunting dogs."
The Bloodhound is not built for speed — it is built for accuracy on aged, difficult tracks. That is a completely different and equally valuable skill set. For the specific job it was bred to do, nothing is faster at finding the answer.

Best For

  • Wounded deer recovery and big game tracking
  • Hunters who want the most capable tracking nose available
  • Hunters who work in areas with high deer wounding rates
  • Those interested in tracking as a discipline in its own right
  • Experienced dog owners who can manage a large, independent breed

Registry & Organizations

Related Breeds

Bavarian Mountain Hound · Hanoverian Scenthound · Black and Tan Coonhound · Plott Hound

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