The Bloodhound is one of the oldest and most famous dog breeds in the world. Its history goes back to the Middle Ages, when these dogs were bred in monasteries in Belgium and France. Their main task was to track people and animals by scent. Later, Bloodhounds spread to Great Britain, where the breed was improved, giving it modern features. These dogs became a symbol of an impeccable sense of smell, they were used to search for criminals, missing people and even in court trials as evidentiary “witnesses” due to the reliability of their search abilities.
This is a large and strong breed: adult males reach 40-54 kg, females – 36-48 kg. The height at the withers is 58-69 cm. The body is elongated, strong, with a deep rib cage. The muzzle is long, with folds of skin forming a characteristic expression, and the long ears almost touch the ground.
The character of the Bloodhound
A calm, balanced and very loyal dog. It is gentle with children, gets along well with other animals, has an affectionate and patient character. At the same time, its hunting instinct and indefatigable inquisitiveness make it prone to “odor travel”. If the dog senses an interesting groin path, he may forget all commands and follow, so it is important for owners to take care of safety and walk only on a leash.
Bloodhounds are quite stubborn and independent. They are not always eager to please the owner, but they have good intelligence and are perfectly trainable if positive reinforcement methods are used. They have a powerful voice: their bark is low, loud and distinctive, and can be heard from afar.
Care and housing
Although the Bloodhound seems huge and venerable, he is not too fastidious in care. Its short coat does not require complicated procedures – regular brushing and wiping with a damp glove is enough. However, because of the folds of skin on the muzzle and neck, it is necessary to keep clean: they should be wiped regularly to avoid irritations and inflammations. This breed also tends to salivate profusely and owners will have to get used to wipes in the house.
The ears of the Bloodhound require special attention. They are long, hang down and almost cover the ear canal, which creates a risk of infections. They need to be checked and cleaned frequently. The eyes can also suffer from irritations, so preventive care and timely vet checkups are a must.
As for activity, Bloodhounds need plenty of movement. This is not a “couch” dog – daily long walks, outdoor games, and training of the sense of smell are the key to its harmonious development.
Bloodhound grooming in the salon
Despite its short coat, the Bloodhound benefits from regular visits to a professional salon. A groomer can thoroughly clean the skin folds, perform hygiene treatments for ears, eyes and claws, and give the coat a spa treatment to keep it shiny and looking healthy. Additional treatments like bathing with therapeutic shampoos will help maintain cleanliness and prevent the unpleasant odor that owners of this breed sometimes experience.
V.O.G DOG SALON in Kiev employs specialists who know the peculiarities of caring for large breeds and pay special attention to every nuance: from sensitive folds to the correct selection of cosmetics.
Conclusion
The Bloodhound is affectionate, poised, and loyal, but also requires a responsible attitude, regular grooming, and exercise. This breed is ideal for those who are ready to devote time to walks, care and sincere love for their four-legged friend.
