Are you thinking of getting a new family dog? Bloodhounds have that endearing quality and definitely have been made famous in movies such as “Sweet Home Alabama” and children’s movies like “Cat’s and Dogs,” but do you want one in your home? Take it from a bloodhound parent, you need to seriously consider a few things before you bring “Bubba” home to your family.
The top thing to know about a Bloodhound is they are not lazy. Most people have the mental picture of an old hound laying on a front porch. This couldn’t be more wrong. Bloodhounds are a large size breed and need constant exercise. Bloodhounds can reach 125 pounds and when standing on their hind legs, can reach heights of up to 6 feet. They need to run, jump and sniff. Which brings up the second piece of knowledge you need to know.
Bloodhounds are natural trackers. They will follow any scent that is picked up by their powerful nose. No fence or boundary is safe once a bloodhound is on the scent. This breed of dog are excellent diggers and can crank out a hole of 2 foot depth within 5 minutes. You must be diligent at training and consistently reinforce your method. You might think they have learned the electric fence or not to tunnel out of the yard, but within a few weeks they will have forgotten. The good thing is a bloodhound can always find his way home. Whether he chooses to or not is up to him.
Bloodhounds are excellent with children of any age. They are a loyal breed. Sometimes they tend to attach themselves to one family member as the dominant leader, but a bloodhound will put up with almost anything to be included in the family or the game. They love to play and seem to know their strength. Children flock to these types of dogs just due to appearance alone. As long as you feel safe with their large size, there really isn’t a better breed for families than the bloodhound.
Bloodhounds can be prone to eye problems and ear issues. A large percentage of bloodhounds will need an “eye lift.” Basically there is extra skin on the eyelid and it rolls into the eye. This can cause blindness and surgery is the only option. Usually the surgery is successful and the problem is solved. Also the ears on a bloodhound need to constantly be cleaned inside and out. This is not a big issue, but it is maintenance that you might not have with another breed.
Bloodhounds slobber, a lot. Need I say more?
Due to their size, most things are in reach for a Bloodhound. Your counters, sinks and closets will not be safe. Once again, training is extremely important so your dog doesn’t get ahold of anything that can hurt him or make him sick. This also means to expect a few broken items. Their tails alone can wipe out any tabletop in your home.
Bloodhounds have a very loud howl or baying sound. They are “talkers.” Your hound will greet you and everyone in your neighborhood with their booming version of hello. Bloodhounds tend to only bark or howl when there is a legitimate reason, like a scent they picked up or someone approaching them. Everyone will know who’s dog it is as well. No blaming the neighbors dog for barking too much.
This leads to the watchdog question. Are they a good watchdog? Yes and no. Yes, since they will sound an alert when anyone comes to your property. No, since they will lick and kiss the intruder. Usually sound is enough to warn off a potential intruder, but just know your bloodhound will probably not fall in the category of an attack dog.
If you like snuggling up to a 100 pound dog, the bloodhound is the pet for you. Expect him to try to join you in bed at night and not be too easy to get off. They love to make themselves at home on the furniture or take up your whole sofa. Again, the training theme comes into play. Bloodhounds, and other hounds in general, tend to be surprisingly stubborn. They will test your patience like a screaming two year old child.
Bloodhounds are physically beautiful dogs. There are virtually no grooming issues, with the exception of cleaning the ears. A trip to the groomer every couple of months or so is all it takes to maintain their coat. Shedding is basically non-existent.
This information should help you to determine if the Bloodhound is the pet for you. They are a magnificent breed and if trained properly, and re-trained again and again, they are a fabulous pet. It takes a special person to own a bloodhound and treat him properly. If you are that person, you will have the pure pleasure of owning the best dog you’ve ever had.
