Are Bloodhounds easy to train?

Bloodhounds have low trainability. They are known for being gentle, patient, noble. They require an experienced handler who understands independent breeds.

Are Bloodhounds good with children?

Bloodhounds have high compatibility with children. As with any breed, supervision and proper introductions are recommended.

How much exercise does a Bloodhound need?

Bloodhounds have moderate energy levels. 1-2 hours daily. Loves long walks with plenty of sniffing time. Nose work and tracking activities are ideal.

How long do Bloodhounds live?

The average lifespan of a Bloodhound is 10-12 years with proper care, nutrition, and regular veterinary check-ups.

Hound group · Belgium/France

Bloodhound

Also called Sleuth Hound, St. Hubert Hound, Chien de Saint-Hubert.

What makes them remarkable

Its tracking reputation goes back to hounds bred by monks at the Saint-Hubert monastery in Belgium.

Gentle
Patient
Noble
Affectionate
Stubborn

Get the app 1-to-1 training

AI-generated illustration

Size: Large
Weight: 36 to 50 kg80 to 110 lb
Lives: 10 to 12 years
Energy: Moderate
Trains: Low
Barks: High

Training

Training a Bloodhound

Hound breeds. Recall is the whole game. Build it on a long line before you trust it, and never punish a slow return.

The nose wins
Start here
Their nose rules everything. Train indoors and in dull places first, and accept that once they catch a scent, you come second.
Lead Training Early
These powerful dogs will drag you if they catch a scent. Establish lead manners before they reach full size.
Patience is Essential
Bloodhounds are not stubborn out of defiance but because their nose overrides everything. Use high-value treats and keep sessions short.

The app turns this into five to fifteen minutes a day.

Add your Bloodhound and it builds the plan around their age, where they came from and what they already know, one step at a time.

Download on theApp Store

Free to start. iPhone. No card needed.

At home

Living with one

Bred to hunt by scent or sight, often far from the handler. Independent, with a nose or eyes that override you.

Gets on with

ChildrenHigh
Other dogsHigh
StrangersModerate
CatsModerate

Breed averages. Early socialisation and the individual dog matter more.

Exercise: 1-2 hours daily. Loves long walks with plenty of sniffing time. Nose work and tracking activities are ideal.
Grooming: Moderate maintenance. Weekly brushing, regular ear cleaning, and frequent wrinkle cleaning. Drool management is constant.
Drool: Very High
Coat: Short, DenseBlack and Tan, Liver and Tan, Red
In a flat: Needs more space than a flat gives.

Health

Things to ask a breeder or vet about

Bloat (GDV)
Severe
Deep-chested breed highly prone to gastric torsion; preventive gastropexy recommended
Hip Dysplasia
Moderate
Common in large breeds, causes mobility issues over time
Ear Infections
Moderate
Long, pendulous ears trap moisture and debris, requiring frequent cleaning

Where they come from

History

Bred by monks at the Saint-Hubert Monastery in Belgium over 1,000 years ago. Their scenting ability is so accurate that their tracking results are admissible as evidence in courts of law.