The Bloodhound is a large breed of dogs from Belgium. Although the Bloodhound is still used for hunting, it is also becoming increasingly popular as a family dog thanks to its friendly and eager to learn nature. However, a Bloodhound is only conditionally suitable for housing and should, if possible, have a house with its own garden.
The ancestors of the Bloodhound were presumably already used by the Gauls and Celts as running dogs for hunting in the second century. Later they were bred by monks in the Belgian Saint-Hubert monastery. For this reason, the Bloodhound is partly still called Hubertus dog today.
The breed got its today common name after it came to England in the 11th century. Even if the meaning of this name is not clearly clarified, it probably refers to the Bloodhound's outstanding ability to follow blood trails from injured game.
The Bloodhound is considered the ancestor of many other Bracken breeds. Apart from this, however, he is still a popular hunting dog himself and is known not least for his excellent sense of smell.
The Bloodhound has an average life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. Male dogs reach a shoulder height of 64 to 72 centimetres and a weight of 46 to 54 kilograms. Females become somewhat smaller with a height of 58 to 66 centimetres and a weight between 40 and 48 kilograms.
The Bloodhound has a muscular physique without appearing overly massive. His upright gait as well as his rather slow movements help the Bloodhound to make a noble appearance.
His slender, high head is characterized by characteristic wrinkles on the forehead and cheeks. The Bloodhound's lips hang down strikingly. This also applies to the skin on his neck, which has developed more and more over time through targeted breeding.
Further typical characteristics of the Bloodhound are his long, thin ears as well as his long neck. The latter allows him to easily lower his nose to the ground when walking.
The coat of the Bloodhound is short and smooth. It has a silky sheen and, according to the breed standard, may be either liver-coloured and tan, black and tan or solid red.
The Bloodhound is characterized by a friendly and gentle nature. He is regarded as eager to learn and eager to work. Although he is basically well educated, he always remains a little reserved and stubborn.
Nevertheless, the Bloodhound builds a close relationship with its owner. In his upbringing, excessive harshness should be avoided. Because the Bloodhound reacts very sensitively to praise as well as to punishment.
Under normal circumstances the Bloodhound gets along very well with other dogs and generally proves to be quite uncomplicated in this respect.
If you manage to treat your Bloodhound with respect and accept the occasional stubbornness of the four-legged friend, you can be sure of a loyal and pleasant companion in everyday life.
Due to its eagerness to work, the Bloodhound is not only suitable for hunting, but also proves to be a powerful service or rescue dog. Apart from that, he is also a friendly family dog, but his demands should not be underestimated.
For although the Bloodhound may appear very calm at first sight, he has a distinct urge to move, which must be satisfied in everyday life. Owners should therefore always make sure that their Bloodhound is challenged sufficiently and that they offer him enough exercise.
In spite of his basically uncomplicated nature, keeping the Bloodhound as a family dog requires a certain amount of time. In addition there is a quite strong hunting instinct, which must be taken into account when going for a walk.
If you want to offer your Bloodhound a species-appropriate activity, tracking and mantrailing is the right choice. There the Bloodhound can use its outstanding sense of smell and its pronounced finder will.
The Bloodhound is considered a robust and efficient working dog. Unfortunately, however, he also has an increased tendency to some typical breed diseases.
In addition, owners should know that the Bloodhound eats very gladly and quickly. One consequence of this is that dogs tend to be slightly overweight. On the other hand, snarling also means that the risk of a life-threatening stomach twist is particularly high for Bloodhounds.
A species-appropriate feeding is of vital importance for the health and well-being of the Bloodhound. To avoid overweight, it is important to adjust the amount of food to the actual needs of the four-legged friend.
We recommend feeding the Bloodhound with our cold pressed dry food without cereals. Thanks to the gentle cold-pressing process, the croquettes in the stomach swell less, so that the probability of your dog's stomach turning can be reduced.
Bellfor's special nutritional concept supports the healthy development of your Bloodhound from an early age.