Bloodhound
Males: 46-54 kg, Females: 40-48 kg
Males: 63-69 cm, Females: 58-63 cm
7-10 years
Belgium
About the Bloodhound
The Bloodhound is a noble and ancient scent hound, possessing a sense of smell so accurate it is admissible in many courts of law as evidence. Characterised by their deeply furrowed skin, long pendulous ears, and soulful expression, they are large, powerful dogs built for endurance rather than speed. They are the ultimate 'trailers,' capable of following a cold scent for many miles over several days. In a domestic setting, the Bloodhound is famously mild-mannered and devoted to their family. They are known for their 'gentle giant' persona, though they retain a significant level of independence and a deep-seated instinct to follow their nose. While they are affectionate, they are not traditionally 'obedient' dogs, often requiring a patient owner who understands that a scent trail will always take priority over a recall command.
Breed Standard
Key characteristics from the breed standard
In the show ring, the Bloodhound should command attention through a unique combination of solemnity and power. The breed standard emphasises the abundance of loose skin which should hang in deep folds, particularly around the head and neck. Movement is essential: they should display a 'rolling' gait that is both elastic and free, covering ground with minimal effort. Their expression must be one of majestic gravity, with the haw (inner eyelid) showing slightly to enhance their melancholic look.
Bred For
Scent tracking, specifically trailing human beings by their scent over long distances and through varied terrain.
Temperament
Affectionate, docile, and gentle at home, but exceptionally determined, stubborn, and independent when following a scent trail.
Health Conditions Reported in the Breed
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Exercise Needs
Moderate to high. While not a high-speed sprinter, the Bloodhound has immense endurance and requires daily long walks or hiking, preferably with scent-work opportunities. They must remain on-lead as they will follow a scent to the point of exhaustion or danger.
Grooming Needs
Moderate. Requires daily cleaning of facial skin folds and ears to prevent infection. The coat needs weekly brushing with a rubber mitt, and regular nail trimming is essential due to their weight.
Living Suitability
Requires a large, securely fenced yard. can adapt to apartment living living due to their size, vocal baying, and need for outdoor space. Fencing must be robust as they will push through or dig under boundaries if they catch a scent.
Good with Kids
Excellent. They are known for being very tolerant and patient with children, though their size means they can accidentally knock over toddlers.
Good with Other Pets
Generally good with other dogs and household pets, though they may be indifferent to them. Their focus is primarily on scent rather than social hierarchy.
Trainability
Moderate difficulty. They are highly intelligent but incredibly independent and stubborn. They respond best to positive reinforcement and scent-based rewards, but they will never be perfectly reliable off-lead.
Coat & Colours
Short and hard-textured, providing weather resistance.. Black and Tan, Liver and Tan, and Red.
Exercise needs vary by age, fitness, health, weather and individual temperament. Consult your veterinarian for an exercise plan appropriate for your dog.
Things to Consider
Every breed has its quirks — here's what to know
Prospective owners should be prepared for the 'Hound Smell'—a distinct, oily odour natural to the breed's skin, which can be managed but not eliminated. Slobber and drool are significant; Bloodhounds are predisposed to 'slinging' drool with a shake of the head, so keeping a 'slobber cloth' nearby is a lifestyle requirement. They are also more likely to experience Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat), a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists—owners must be vigilant for signs and consider a gastropexy. Their ears are prone to chronic infections due to their length and lack of airflow, requiring weekly cleaning. Vocalisation is another factor: they don't bark so much as 'bay,' a loud, resonant sound that carries for kilometres. Finally, they are scent-driven escape artists; if they pick up a trail, they will follow it through fences and across roads without regard for safety. This doesn't mean they aren't wonderful companions, but they require a committed owner who appreciates their unique, single-minded nature.
Feeding Guide for Your Bloodhound
Healthy Weight
40-54 kg
Daily Feeding Amount (general starting estimate)
900-1600 grams
For an adult Bloodhound, feed a balanced raw diet consisting of approximately 2-3% of their ideal body weight daily. Some owners use smaller divided meals and avoid strenuous activity immediately around feeding. These steps cannot guarantee prevention of gastric dilatation-volvulus. Seek urgent veterinary care if bloat is suspected. For an average 45kg dog, this equates to roughly 900g to 1,350g of fresh food per day, ensuring a mix of muscle meat, edible bone, and organ meats.
Feeding quantities are general starting estimates only. Individual needs vary with body condition, weight trends, age, health and activity. Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition — consult a veterinarian for individualised dietary guidance.
Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition. Seek veterinary or qualified canine nutrition guidance for individualised dietary advice. Raw feeding, specific proteins or fresh foods should not be presented as preventing, treating or managing breed health conditions without veterinary diagnosis and supervision.
Majestik's Recommended Feeding Approach
Breed Diet Notes
Some owners use smaller divided meals and avoid strenuous activity immediately around feeding. These steps cannot guarantee prevention of gastric dilatation-volvulus. Seek urgent veterinary care if bloat is suspected. A fresh, raw-food diet with balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratios is ideal for maintaining muscle mass and joint integrity.
A varied raw diet including Majestik's premium Beef or Kangaroo as primary protein sources for lean muscle maintenance. Include lamb or chicken frames for raw meaty bones to support joint health. Approximately 10% organ meats (liver/kidney) and a small portion of pureed green vegetables for fibre. Bloodhounds are more likely to develop digestive sensitivities and bloat on high-carbohydrate kibble; many thrive on a species-appropriate fresh diet that is naturally lower in volume but higher in nutrient density. Some owners use smaller divided meals and avoid strenuous activity immediately around feeding. These steps cannot guarantee prevention of gastric dilatation-volvulus. Seek urgent veterinary care if bloat is suspected.
These are general breed-level notes only. The appropriate food and serving amount depend on the individual dog's age, health, body condition, activity and tolerance.
Majestik Recommendation
Majestik BARF meals follow our practical 70/10/10/10 approach: approximately 70% quality meat and protein ingredients, 10% edible bone, 10% vegetables and 10% offal. This gives customers a convenient fresh-food option without needing to source and portion every ingredient themselves.
Our Beef, Lamb and Roo BARF meals provide convenient fresh-food options, with suitable proteins chosen or rotated according to the individual dog.
Suitable for different needs
- Healthy adult: Majestik adult Beef, Lamb or Roo BARF meal.
- Puppy: Majestik Premium Puppy.
- Senior: Majestik Senior Blend.
- Working or highly active dog: Suitable Majestik adult meal with quantity adjusted to workload and body condition.
- Protein trial: One Majestik protein at a time.
This is a practical starting recommendation for healthy dogs. Individual needs vary with age, health, body condition and activity.
Bloodhound Feeding Calculator
Personalised raw and cooked feeding recommendations based on your dog's profile
Ideal — Ribs palpable without excess fat. Visible waist. Abdominal tuck present.
Have a question about your Bloodhound? Dog Health AI
Why Majestik?
Fresh, raw pet food made with integrity in South Australia
Australian Made
Made in Two Wells, South Australia
Freshly Prepared
Real meat, organs, bone & wholefood ingredients
No Fillers
No cheap fillers or artificial preservatives
Family Owned
Locally owned and operated
Local Delivery
Delivery across Adelaide & selected areas
Secure Checkout
Secure payment via Shopify checkout
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Breed Records & Facts
Average Litter Size
8-10 puppies
Bloodhound Owner Feedback
Real experiences and tips from Bloodhound owners
Other Large Breeds
References & Sources
Breed information verified against recognised breed authorities and veterinary evidence.
