Bloodhound characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | 32% of breeds |
| Energy level | Medium | — |
| Trainability | Medium | 48% of breeds |
| Friendliness | Very High | 22% of breeds |
| Good with children | Very High | — |
| Grooming needs | Low | 24% of breeds |
| Shedding | Medium | 40% of breeds |
| Barking | High | 17% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Low | 24% of breeds |
| Adaptability | Medium | 41% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 11 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Bloodhound right for you?
The Bloodhound is a large dog that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with access to a yard. In terms of temperament, it is famously gentle and patient with children and is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly. Day to day, the Bloodhound wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Bloodhound wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. With medium energy and medium athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Bloodhound to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Bloodhound needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first. Be aware this is also a breed that drools noticeably.
Temperament and training
The Bloodhound is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions and is a vocal breed that sounds the alarm readily. It handles a normal workday on its own with gradual preparation, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Bloodhound
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Bloodhound genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Drooling: Very high — the Bloodhound drools more than almost any breed we score — expect cloth on hand and marks on your walls. Only 3% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Barking: High — the Bloodhound is more vocal than most breeds. Only 17% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Friendliness: Very high — the Bloodhound is among the most sociable breeds we score. Only 22% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Bloodhound actually costs you
| Exercise | About an hour a day of walking and play suits it. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Occasional brushing is enough. |
| Time alone | Manages a normal working day if it is properly exercised and left something to do. |
| Noise | More vocal than most; worth factoring into flat living. |
Where the Bloodhound fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Poor fit | high barking combined with medium energy is the combination flats punish most. |
| Families with young children | Good fit | Very high child tolerance, and sociable with people generally. |
| First-time owners | Depends | Manageable for a committed beginner who takes training seriously from week one. |
| Homes with cats | Good fit | Low prey drive makes cohabitation straightforward in most cases. |
| Long working days | Depends | Medium independence, so time alone is less of a problem than for many breeds. |
| Allergy households | Depends | No low-allergen coat recorded, though shedding is not extreme. |
Guides the Bloodhound is ranked in
The Bloodhound earns a place on 1 of our lifestyle shortlists:
Perfect for
- Search and rescue
- Tracking enthusiasts
- Patient families
- Large properties
Things to consider
- Extreme drooling
- Strong tracking drive
- Can be stubborn
Not sure which breed is right for you?
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Bloodhound good with children?
- Yes — the Bloodhound is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the Bloodhound shed a lot?
- The Bloodhound has medium shedding.
- How much exercise does the Bloodhound need?
- With medium energy, the Bloodhound needs moderate daily exercise such as a good walk or two.
- How long does the Bloodhound live?
- The Bloodhound typically lives around 11 years.
- Can the Bloodhound live in an apartment?
- The Bloodhound is a larger breed and does better in a home with more space, though it can adapt with enough daily exercise.
- Is the Bloodhound easy to train?
- The Bloodhound is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Bloodhound be left alone during the day?
- The Bloodhound handles a normal workday on its own with gradual preparation. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.