Bloodhound

The Bloodhound is a large scent hound breed known for its exceptional tracking ability, especially in following human scent over long distances and old trails.

The Bloodhound is a large scent hound breed famous for its extraordinary ability to track human scent over long distances and old trails. It is an ancient breed with origins linked to hounds bred at the Abbey of Saint-Hubert in present-day Belgium.

What it is

The Bloodhound is a large, heavy hound with a short, dense coat, long ears, and loose facial skin. Common colours include black and tan, liver and tan, and red. They typically stand 23–27 inches tall and weigh 80–110 pounds. The breed is known for its gentle, placid, and affectionate temperament, though it can be stubborn.

Why it matters

Bloodhounds are among the best-known scent-tracking dog breeds, valued for their powerful sense of smell and methodical trailing style. They are used in modern police work, search-and-rescue, and tracking missing people or animals. In Canada, they are relevant through their use in police tracking and as a recognized breed in canine organizations.

Key details

Originally bred for hunting deer, wild boar, and rabbits, Bloodhounds later became known for tracking people. Their development is closely tied to the St. Hubert hounds of medieval Europe. Today, they are also kept as companion animals, but require substantial exercise and training due to their size and energy.