Origin and History

The Bloodhound, known as le chien de Saint-Hubert in French, originated in Belgium and is believed to be descended from hounds kept at the Abbey of Saint-Hubert. Its history dates back to around AD 1000, when monks at the monastery bred the St. Hubert Hound, which later became the Bloodhound. This breed has been used for hunting deer, wild boar, rabbits, and for tracking people since the Middle Ages.

According to legend, the monks of the Abbey of St. Hubert annually sent several pairs of black hounds as gifts to the King of France, starting around 1200. Despite being initially less favored in the royal pack, the Bloodhound's reputation grew, and it became known for its tracking abilities. The breed has since been used by police and law enforcement worldwide for tracking fugitives, missing people, and lost pets.

During the 19th century, the Bloodhound's popularity increased with the rise of dog shows. However, numbers remained low in Britain, and the breed nearly became extinct during the Second World War. Since then, the gene pool has been replenished with imports from America, where Bloodhounds have been more widely used in tracking lost people and criminals.

Appearance

The Bloodhound is a large scent hound, weighing between 36 to 72 kg (80 to 160 lbs) and standing at 58 to 70 cm (23 to 27 inches) tall at the withers. Larger dogs are preferred by conformation judges, and the breed's skeletal structure is unusually large, with most of its weight concentrated in its bones, which are very thick for their length.

The coat is hard and composed of fur alone, without admixture of hair, and is typical for a scent hound. Acceptable colors include black, liver, and red, with white often appearing on the chest and sometimes on the feet. The Bloodhound's distinctive features include its long drooping ears, loose skin, and pendulous jowls, which contribute to its noble, dignified expression.

The large, long pendent ears serve to prevent wind from scattering nearby skin cells while the dog's nose is on the ground. The folds of wrinkled flesh under the lips and neck, known as the shawl, catch stray scent particles, reinforcing the scent in the dog's memory and nose. However, there is debate about the functional nature of these long ears and loose skin.

Temperament

The Bloodhound is known for its gentle nature and is tireless when following a scent. However, its strong tracking instinct can make it willful and somewhat difficult to obedience train and handle on a leash. Despite this, Bloodhounds are affectionate and even-tempered with humans, making them excellent family pets.

According to the AKC standard, the Bloodhound has a high level of friendliness, with a medium energy level and moderate shedding. Its trainability is rated as medium, and it is considered adaptable, although not highly. The breed is not hypoallergenic, and its adaptability and affection level are not rated by the AKC.

Bloodhounds are alert and devoted, often displaying a strong bond with their owners. Their friendly disposition and gentle nature make them suitable for households with children, although they may be too large for some living situations.

Color Types

Up to the 17th century, Bloodhounds were of all colors, but modern times have seen the color range become more restricted. Common colors include black and tan, liver and tan, and red. White is not uncommon on the chest and sometimes on the feet.

Genetically, the main types are determined by two genes. One gene produces an alternation between black and brown (liver), with the black allele producing black nose, eye rims, and paw pads, and a saddle if present. The other allele suppresses black pigment and is recessive, producing liver-colored features.

The second gene determines the coat pattern, which can produce animals with no saddle, saddle-marking, or a blanket or full-coated pattern. A study in 1969 proposed five alleles in the pattern-marking gene, but more modern research attributes the variation to three different alleles of the agouti gene.

Health and Lifespan

Bloodhounds are prone to certain health issues, including gastrointestinal ailments such as gastric dilatation volvulus (bloat), eye, skin, and ear ailments, and a tendency to overheat quickly due to their thick coat. Owners should be aware of the signs of bloat, as it is the most common illness and leading cause of death in the breed.

A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 9.3 years for Bloodhounds, compared to an average of 12.7 years for purebreds and 12 years for crossbreeds. In a 2004 Kennel Club survey, the most common cause of death was gastric dilatation volvulus at 34%, followed by cancer at 27%.

The AKC standard has remained largely unchanged since 1896, with the primary changes being the renaming of certain colors. The British KC has made more considerable changes, including requirements for eye shape and loose skin, reflecting a response to concerns about the health and well-being of the breed.

Breed Standard

The Bloodhound's breed standard, established in 1896, has not seen significant alterations. The primary changes have been the renaming of certain colors, with 'black and tan', 'red and tan', and 'tawny' being renamed as 'black and tan', 'liver and tan', and 'red', respectively.

The British KC has made more considerable changes, including requirements for eye shape and loose skin, responding to concerns about the health and well-being of the breed. The most recent revision to the breed standard was in 2008-9.

The large, long pendent ears and loose skin are considered distinctive features of the Bloodhound, but their functional nature is debated. Some believe these features help the dog catch scent particles, while others view them as a potential disadvantage.

Buying a Bloodhound

Here is a practical checklist to help potential owners:

• Research the breed's origin and history to understand its temperament and working abilities.
• Understand the breed's health issues, including gastrointestinal problems, eye, skin, and ear ailments, and the risk of bloat.
• Ensure that the Bloodhound's size and energy level are suitable for your living situation and lifestyle.
• Look for a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of the dogs.
• Be prepared for the cost of responsible pet ownership, including veterinary care, grooming, and food.

Understanding the Bloodhound's unique characteristics and needs will help ensure a happy and healthy relationship with this remarkable breed.