Fetch Finder

Breed guide

Bloodhound

The ultimate scent hound, famous for tracking people. Bloodhounds are gentle and affectionate but stubborn and very droopy.

A Bloodhound
Photo: User:Erland22 · CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
SizeLarge
Weight80–110 lb
Lifespan10–12 years
Yearly cost$2,500–$4,500*
👪 Good family dog Usually good with kids, with training and supervision.

At a glance

Energy level
Shedding
Grooming needs
Apartment-friendly
Handles cold
Affectionate / cuddly
Good with kids
Good for first-time owners
Easy to train
Good with other dogs
Good with cats
OK being left alone
Reliable off-leash
Protective / watchdog
Barking
Drooling

Great for

  • Families with space
  • Tracking and nose work
  • Patient owners

Watch out for

  • Big drool and baying
  • Follows its nose and ignores recall
  • Stubborn to train

Daily care

Exercise: About an hour a day on a leash.

Grooming: Weekly brushing; clean wrinkles and ears often.

Cold weather: Handles cold fairly well.

*Yearly cost covers food, routine vet care, preventatives, toys and supplies. It doesn't include the purchase or adoption fee, emergencies or grooming beyond basics.

Gear for a Bloodhound

Some links are affiliate links: if you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Find a Bloodhound near you

We're building a list of trusted Bloodhound rescues, breeders and trainers. Rescues are listed first.

Listings coming soon. In the meantime:

Run a Bloodhound rescue, training or grooming business? Get listed free.

Not sure a Bloodhound is right for you? Take the 3-minute quiz to see which breeds fit your home and lifestyle.

Take the breed quiz

Similar breeds