Bloodhound history can be traced back more than 1,000 years, one of the oldest hound breeds.  Contrary to what you see in the movies bloodhounds are energetic, lovable, dignified, good natured, goofy, tolerant, affectionate, and they rarely bark. 

The name 'bloodhound' actually means 'blooded hound' or of noble or aristocratic blood.

Before you purchase a bloodhound, please understand that these wonderful creatures were bred for a specific purpose - tracking.  The nose knows!  The bloodhound is the only dog whose evidence is admissible in court.  They are commonly used to track game or by law enforcement, search and rescue teams, and private individuals who enjoy the sport of man-trailing.

Bloodhounds are large.  They can stand over two feet high and weigh more than 100 pounds.  They require exercise, attention, and training.  Without training, a bloodhound or any breed, can be stubborn.  They slobber, eat things they shouldn't and are said to have a 'musty' odor.  On their behalf, though, I must admit that our lab smells a whole lot worse than our hounds!

So why in the world would you want a bloodhound?  If you are a hunter looking for a scent hound to find that deer that ran off, the bloodhound would be right for you.  Bloodhounds are also prized by police departments, search and rescue teams, and private owners who enjoy the sport of man trailing knowing their dog might save a life if needed.

Bloodhounds can make great family pets, but there is a lot to consider before getting one. Due to their large size they will quickly outgrow your average house and need a fenced yard in order to get plenty of exercise. For the right family, the bloodhound can make a wonderful companion.  With their large size they can tolerate rough-housing yet be gentle and tolerant of kids.  Bloodhounds are listed as one of the best dog breeds for families.

For more information about bloodhounds, we suggest you do your research.  "Bloodhounds" by Kim Campbell Thornton is an excellent resource for this noble breed or check out our links page for bloodhound information found on the web.