If you watched the Nation Dog Show on Thanksgiving Day, you
know that the Bloodhound was awarded Best in Show. Here's a look into this noble breed.
Bloodhounds are a large hound that hunts with its sense of
smell. Bloodhounds belong to the hound
group, of course, and is one of the oldest breeds to hunt by scent. This breed appeared in Europe before the
Crusades, and has been established in
Many people think of Bloodhounds as police tracking
dogs. Bloodhounds were first used in law
enforcement in
Bloodhounds are large dogs, standing 23-27 inches at the shoulders, and weighing in at 85-115 pounds. The Bloodhound is affectionate, a gentle giant, but firm and strong willed when following a scent. They require an owner who is kind but firm when it comes to obedience. Bloodhounds come with a lot of energy and a great need for exercise. This is not an apartment couch potato breed! They require daily exercise, be it runs, walks, or throwing a ball in the yard.
The coat of the bloodhound is short and dense, requiring minimal grooming. Combing to remove the dead hair will help this average shedder. The long ears, however, make them prone to ear infections. Weekly cleaning of the ears (as well as after any baths or swims) will help minimize ear infections. Any skin folds, especially around the face, will also need cleaned regularly.
The Bloodhound's life span is 10-12 years, however it's important to note that the most common malady for the breed is bloat. Bloat (Gastric Dilatation Volvulus or GDV) refers to the buildup of gas in the stomach. This can lead to the stomach flipping on itself, or torsion. Bloat with or without torsion is a life threatening medical emergency, and seconds count. Bloat is the leading cause of death in Bloodhounds. Other health concerns include cherry eye, entropian (eyelids turn inwards) and hip dysplasia.
For more information about the Bloodhound, visit www.akc.org.
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