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Breed Browser:
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Bloodhound
BACKGROUND
The Bloodhound is an ancient breed, first taken to England from Normandy by William the Conqueror. The name Bloodhound is not for being "blood thirsty", but from being a hound of pure blood (pure in breeding). They were bred from the Talbot hound and the St Hubert hound, but have been identified as the modern Bloodhound since the Middle Ages.
The Bloodhound has the best nose of any hound and excels at tracking. It is first and foremost a scenting breed and will be persistent in following a trail, no matter for how long. It has been known for a Bloodhound to successfully follow a trail that was more than 72 hours "cold". In America, Bloodhounds are used by the police for manhunts and have been successful in finding missing persons. AVERAGE LIFESPAN
The Bloodhound usually lives up to eight years of age, but it is not uncommon to live to 10 years if given a loving home and the right food BREED PERSONALITY, CHARACTERISTICS & TEMPERAMENT
The Bloodhound is a reserved and sensitive hound. They rely heavily on their scenting abilities, and would rather "smell" you first before introducing themselves, but once they get to know you they are affectionate.
At home, they will let you know when you have visitors with their deep voice, but they are no guard dog. They will only "give voice" when there is a reason, they do not bark just to hear the sound of their own voice. The Bloodhound's characteristic wrinkles and large amount of loose skin can have its drawbacks, they do drool and dribble and will leave "snail trails" throughout the house. COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER PETS
The Bloodhound is a "pack hound" and therefore must get on well with other animals. A Bloodhound does not like to live alone, and if his human companions have to spend time away at work or school, the Bloodhound will need a companion.
They get on well with other animals. It is important that when introducing a small kitten, or puppy to a fully-grown Bloodhound, that you do it gradually. Although the Bloodhound is not aggressive towards other animals, its sheer size can cause problems. If allowed to grow up with other animals or be introduced as a puppy, Bloodhounds enjoy the company of other animals. CARE REQUIREMENTS
Having a short coat, a Bloodhound is low maintenance. A good regular brushing is basically all that is required of the coat. The long ears can give problems with ear mites or fungal infections and need to be cleaned regularly. The ends of the ears should also be cleaned after meals.
They do need regular exercise and they grow quickly in the first 12 months so exercise with caution - as a puppy, Bloodhounds will tire quickly. The Bloodhound is not particularly adept at advanced obedience work, but they should be trained in basic obedience.
Please take note:
The Bloodhound is a scent hound, and as such "the nose rules" and so they will put their nose down and become oblivious to all around them and will follow the scent until its conclusion. This means they have no road sense and should only be allowed to run free in a secured area.
The Bloodhound has very few medical problems, but can be prone to bloat which is a serious condition and requires immediate veterinarian attention. The eyes also need to be checked and well cared for. IDEAL OWNERS
A Bloodhound needs to be part of the family and involved with the family and if included they will make excellent companions. IN CONCLUSION
If you have decided that the Bloodhound, which can be prone to bloat, is the dog for you then contact one of the groups listed below: DECISION TIME
Before making a decision on getting a puppy, here are some articles you might find helpful: CANINE CLUBS
Australian Capital Territory
ACT Canine Association Inc
PO Box 815
Dickson, ACT 2602
Tel: 02 6241 4404
Fax: 02 6241 1129
Email: CONTACT
Website: www.actca.asn.au
(Details correct as of 1/08/04)
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| New South Wales
Royal New South Wales Canine Council Ltd
PO Box 632
St Marys, NSW 1790
Tel: 02 9834 3022 or 1300 728 022 (NSW only)
Fax: 02 9834 3872
Email: CONTACT
Website: www.rnswcc.org.au
(Details current as of 1/08/04)
| Northern Territory
The North Australian Canine Association Inc
PO Box 37521
Winnellie, NT 0821
Tel: 08 8984 3570
Fax: 08 8984 3409
Email: CONTACT
Website: www.users.bigpond.com/naca1/
(Details correct as of 6/08/04)
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| Queensland
Canine Control Council (Queensland)
PO Box 495
Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006
Tel: 07 3252 2661
Fax: 07 3252 3864
Email: CONTACT
Website: www.cccq.org.au
(Details correct as of 1/08/04)
| South Australia
South Australian Canine Association Inc
PO Box 844
Prospect East, SA 5082
Tel: 08 8349 4797
Fax: 08 8262 5751
Email: CONTACT
Website: www.saca.caninenet.com
(Details correct as of 1/08/04)
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| Tasmania
Tasmanian Canine Association Inc
The Rothman Building
PO Box 116
Glenorchy, Tas 7010
Tel: 03 6272 9443
Fax: 03 6273 0844
Email: CONTACT
Website: www.tca.freeservers.com
(Details correct as of 1/08/04)
| Victoria
Victorian Canine Association
Locked Bag K9
Cranbourne, Vic 3977
Tel: 03 9788 2500
Fax: 03 9788 2599
Email: CONTACT
Website: www.vca.org.au
(Details correct as of 1/08/04)
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| Western Australia
Canine Association of Western Australia Inc
PO Box 1404
Canning Vale, WA 6970
Tel: 08 9455 1188
Fax: 08 9455 1190
Email: CONTACT
Website: www.cawa.asn.au
(Details correct as of 1/08/04)
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