Dog Breed Info: Bloodhound
When people think of the Bloodhound the first image that comes to mind is packs of baying hounds tracking down an escaped convict. But the Bloodhound is so much more than just that.
The exceptional nose these dogs possess sees them used in all sorts of tracking work, from hunting to mountain rescue to finding stolen property. And they’re not just working dogs either, they also make enchanting, affectionate pets.
This is a very old dog breed that is believed to have originated in Belgium, where it was known as the St. Hubert Hound. When the Normans invaded Britain in 1066, they brought these dogs with them and it was here that it acquired its ‘gory’ name. In fact, the name ‘Bloodhound’, has nothing to do with blood at all. It refers to the great lengths that were taken to keep the breed pure ‘blooded’.
The Bloodhound is a big, heavy dog. Males can stand as tall as 27 inches at the withers and weigh up to 110 pounds. The dog’s coat is smooth but loose fittings, with skin folds that are often seen in hounds. The ears are long, and hang down.
Another endearing feature of these dogs is their sad, droopy, ‘hang dog’ facial expression. Three coat colors are acceptable under the breed standard – black and tan, liver and tan. and red.
These gentle, affectionate hound dogs have character and personality to spare. They are extremely loyal and are known to mourn the loss of a human or canine companion.
Despite their somewhat serious expression, Bloodhounds can actually be quite playful, and their gentle nature, makes them excellent with children. They are also very sensitive, and harsh words or treatment will definitely hurt their feelings.
As with most hound breeds, the Bloodhound is bred to be an independent thinker, with the ability to work without constant human supervision. This can make them seem obstinate at times, and makes them difficult to train.
Bloodhounds are extremely persistent trackers and will follow any scent they encounter. Once they get a whiff of an interesting trail, they’re off, and for this reason it is important that they are kept in a well-secured yard or garden and are always walked on a leash.
One downside to Bloodhound ownership is that they tend to be quite messy. They’ll leave puddles of water wherever they drink and they also tend to drool a lot. They are also the champion snorers of the canine world!
They are seasonal shedders, so they require regular brushing, while other grooming tasks include wiping the skin folds with a damp cloth to prevent fungal and bacterial infections. You’ll also have to pay special attention to the ears, as they are a trap for fungi and bacteria.
The Bloodhound is a strong, healthy dog that typically lives 10 to 12 years. They do however suffer from a number of health problems. Like most big dogs they are at risk from hip dysplasia and gastric torsion, while elbow dysplasia, is also know to occur.
Finding good dog names, for a Bloodhound can be a challenge. Your best bet is to use an online dog names database like Puppy Names HQ, which has literally thousands of excellent dog names, including a mega-list of boy dog names.
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