Bloodhound

The Bloodhound breed may have been developed during the 11th century by Belgian monks, although they are not found in literature until the mid 14th century. The actual origin of the Bloodhound breed is unknown, but the breed's heritage has been traced back to England as far back as the 1300s.

Fast Facts

1. Weight: 80-150 lbs
2. Height: About 25 inches
3. Prone to gastrointestinal illnesses
4. Top cause of death: Bloat
5. Lifespan: 7-9 years
6. Colors: black and tan, liver and tan, red
7. Bloodhounds use their wrinkles to collect the scent while tracking
8. Bred to hunt boar and deer, but now are most frequently used for search and rescue, tracking dogs, or cadaver dogs

The Nose Knows

Bloodhounds have an exceptional sense of smell, able to follow a scent over reasonably long distances for up to several days. This ability is attributed to the Bloodhound's many scent receptors and large nasal chambers. They are able to detect a scent off of only a few human skin cells.

Bloodhounds in Culture

The Bloodhound has long been represented in literature and film, especially in animation. Pluto, Huckleberry Hound and McGruff the Crime Dog are all Bloodhounds. The hound's ability to track is frequently associated with characters involved in law enforcement.

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