Bloodhound

The Bloodhound is a large scent hound with one of the most sensitive noses of any breed — in French still le chien de Saint-Hubert.

History

It is believed to descend from hounds kept at the Abbey of Saint-Hubert in Belgium, bred first to hunt deer and boar and, since the Middle Ages, to trail people. That tracking ability is so reliable it has long been used in law enforcement.

Temperament

The breed is known for being gentle, patient and affectionate, easy with children and other dogs. It is also famously stubborn and single-minded once a scent takes hold — the independence that trailing work selected for.

Care and training

It needs plenty of exercise and a securely fenced space, since a nose on a trail stops listening, and recall is the hard part of training any scent hound. The loose skin and long ears need regular cleaning, and it drools.

Health

The deep chest makes bloat a serious risk, the long ears invite infection, and the loose facial skin brings eyelid problems; hip dysplasia is also known. These are patterns for the breed rather than a verdict on one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.