Bloodhound Dog Breed: History, Traits, and Care in India

Did you know this fun fact that the sense of smell of Bloodhounds is so accurate that their tracking evidence is even accepted in some courts as proof? Yes, Bloodhounds have the most powerful sense of smell of any dog breed. Their noses have about 300 million scent receptors as compared to a human’s 5 million.

But if you think “Bloodhound” means violent or dangerous, you are wrong. The phrase “blooded hound,” means a dog of pure breed or good lineage.

If you are a proud parent of this pure breed or are planning to be one, remember to buy dog insurance from Bajaj General Insurance to protect your dog. Pet insurance covers accidents from day one, hospitalisations, theft and stray cover, and more.

History of the Bloodhound

Do you know that William the Conqueror, who was the first Norman King of England, brought hounds from Europe to England? Before being brought to England, these dogs were bred by monks at the Saint-Hubert Monastery in Belgium. The monks trained them to hunt and track animals.

During the Middle Ages, kings, queens, and noble families used Bloodhounds to track deer and wild boar. Their sense of smell made them very valuable for hunting.

Later, police and law enforcement agencies started using Bloodhounds. They discovered that these dogs could follow a human scent for miles and even for several days after the person had passed by.

Today, Bloodhounds are used in many ways. They help in search-and-rescue missions to find missing people and track criminals or lost individuals. And many families keep Bloodhounds as loyal and loving pets.

Physical Traits of the Bloodhound

Bloodhounds have a very distinctive look; one that dog lovers never forget.

Size and Build

Bloodhounds are large dogs with strong, muscular bodies. They can walk or run for long distances while following a scent.

• Height: Male Bloodhounds are about 25 to 27 inches tall. Female Bloodhounds are smaller, around 23 to 25 inches.
• Weight: They weigh between 80 to 110 pounds.

Head and Face

The Bloodhound’s head is long and strong with loose skin. The loose skin around their face and neck helps trap scent particles from the air.

• Ears: Bloodhounds have long, droopy ears which help sweep scents from the ground towards their nose.
• Eyes: Their eyes are deep-set and usually brown. They may look sad or droopy, but this does not affect their alertness.
• Nose: The Bloodhound has one of the best noses in the dog world. Their nose is big and moist, which makes it excellent at picking up scents and they can detect smells that humans cannot notice.

Skin and Wrinkles

Bloodhounds have loose, soft skin around their face, neck, and shoulders. The wrinkles and folds of their skin trap scent particles.

Coat

Bloodhounds have short, dense hair. Their coat is smooth and lies close to their body, which protects them from weather and rough terrain.

The colour of Bloodhounds is black and tan, liver and tan, or red.

Tail

Their tail is long and tapers at the end. Bloodhounds often carry their tail upright while tracking.

Paws and Legs

Bloodhounds have strong, sturdy legs, and large paws. Their paws are slightly webbed; this makes it easy for them to walk through muddy or wet areas while tracking.

Temperament and Behaviour

Overall when you look at a Bloodhound, you will notice a dog that is strong and serious, but in spite of such looks, the dog is gentle and loves cuddles. They do not get angry easily and can handle quiet family life. They stay close to the family who pets them and are great companions.

Care Requirements for Bloodhounds in India

In India, Bloodhounds need extra care because of the climate and living conditions. Bloodhounds have loose skin and thick blood flow, which makes them prone to overheating. Since India’s climate is hot and humid, they can easily suffer from heatstroke. Therefore, it is necessary to keep them in shaded or cool areas.

Nutrition and diet

Feed high-quality protein-rich food to these dogs for building strong muscles, but do not overfeed them as they may become overweight.

Grooming

Bloodhounds have short coats, but they still need care. Brush their coat once or twice a week and bathe them with a gentle dog shampoo, when necessary, because excessive bathing will dry their skin. Clean their floppy ears regularly as they may trap dirt and moisture. Also, wipe the facial wrinkles so that fungal infections can be avoided.

Exercise

Bloodhounds are energetic dogs that need daily physical activity, so take them for daily walks. Play scent games to use their natural tracking instincts, but do not take them in the hot sun as the dogs are sensitive to high temperatures.

Training

While training a Bloodhound, you need to be patient, as even though the dog is smart, it is independent-minded. So begin training them when they are a puppy, as puppies learn faster. Reward good behaviour with treats and consistently maintain the training sessions.

Health care

Hip dysplasia is a common joint problem in Bloodhounds because of their large size and rapid growth. Their hip joints may not develop perfectly. To avoid such problems, ensure to maintain their healthy weight and do not over-exercise puppies.

Do not overfeed them at once as it may cause bloating. Bloodhounds may be affected by entropion and ectropion because of their loose, wrinkled skin around the eyes. In these conditions, their eyelids roll inwards or outwards causing dryness and irritation. To avoid this, regularly keep the eye area clean and wipe debris.

Conclusion

Bloodhounds are loving, loyal, and intelligent dogs with an amazing sense of smell. But they need extra care in India because of the hot and humid climate. With proper love, care, and attention, your dog can be loyal, fun, and a companion for your family.

To ensure you provide them with the necessary care, do not forget to purchase dog insurance from Bajaj General Insurance.

FAQs

1. What is the lifespan of a Bloodhound?

With proper care, good diet, and exercise, Bloodhounds live for 10–12 years.

2. Do Bloodhounds adapt well to Indian weather?

India’s climate being hot and humid, Bloodhounds can adapt to the weather if they are provided with cool shelter, ample water, and exercise during cooler hours.

3. Are Bloodhounds good with children?

Yes, Bloodhounds are gentle and patient. But since they are large in size, stay with your young kids if your dog is around.

4. How much exercise does a Bloodhound need?

Bloodhounds need moderate exercise of at least 1–2 hours daily activity, including walks and scent-based play.

5. Why should I buy dog insurance for my Bloodhound?

Large breeds like Bloodhounds have specific health risks. When you buy a pet insurance policy from Bajaj General Insurance, you can provide them with quality care without financial strain.

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***Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.