What to Know Before Buying a Bloodhound Puppy
Quick answer: Before you buy a Bloodhound puppy, prepare for a large, powerful scent hound (80 to 110+ pounds) with the most legendary nose in dogdom and a will to match. They’re affectionate and gentle but stubborn, droolly, vocal, and prone to following a scent for miles. Lifespan is a relatively short 10 to 12 years, and the breed carries real health risks including bloat. Secure fencing, leashed walks, and a patient owner are must-haves. Buy from a health-testing American Bloodhound Club breeder.
At a Glance
| Group | Hound (AKC) |
| Origin | Belgium, France, and the United Kingdom |
| Height | Males 25–27 in, females 23–25 in |
| Weight | Males 90–110 lbs, females 80–100 lbs |
| Lifespan | 10–12 years (short for the dog’s size) |
| Coat | Short; loose, wrinkled skin |
| Color | Black and tan, liver and tan, or red |
| Temperament | Affectionate, gentle, even-tempered, stubborn, determined |
| Good for | Patient owners with space, secure fencing, and tolerance for drool and roaming |
1. The Greatest Nose, and the Will to Follow It
Bloodhounds track human scent over enormous distances and days-old trails; police forces rely on them for exactly that. In a pet home, that gift means a dog that locks onto a smell and tunes you out completely. Off-leash recall is unreliable, so you need a securely fenced yard (they’ll dig and climb to follow a trail) and leashed walks. Channel the nose with tracking and scent work and the breed shines.
2. Affectionate, Stubborn, and Vocal
The standard describes a noble, dignified, extremely affectionate hound, neither quarrelsome with people nor other dogs. They’re gentle giants and generally good with family. But they are famously stubborn, slow to obey, and they bay loudly. Add the drool and the muddy-faced enthusiasm, and this is a breed you choose with open eyes.
3. Big, Slow-Maturing, and Needs Space
This is a heavy, powerful dog that pulls hard, originally worked in harness, so leash manners and early training matter for your own safety. They need moderate daily exercise and room to stretch out, and they’re not suited to small apartments. Patience-based, reward-driven training works far better than force with this sensitive, willful breed.
4. Health: A Breed That Needs a Careful Breeder
Bloodhounds are prone to bloat (GDV), a deep-chested-breed emergency; feed smaller meals, skip elevated bowls, and many owners discuss preventive gastropexy with their vet. The breed also faces hip and elbow dysplasia, eye issues from those drooping lids (ectropion/entropion), and skin-fold infections that need routine cleaning. Larger is not better; oversized dogs face more of these problems.
5. Finding a Responsible Breeder
Start with the American Bloodhound Club and verify any breeder against the AKC Marketplace. Look for breeders who breed to the standard rather than for exaggerated size, and who show full health clearances. A good breeder will ask about your fencing and your tolerance for drool and noise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Bloodhounds live?
On average 10 to 12 years, which is short for a dog this size. Buying from a health-focused breeder and keeping the dog lean and well cared for gives the best odds.
How much does a Bloodhound puppy cost?
Prices vary by breeder and region, so confirm current figures directly with American Bloodhound Club breeders.
Do Bloodhounds drool a lot?
Yes. Heavy drool is part of the package, along with loose, wrinkled skin and a tendency to fling slobber. It’s a real consideration for tidy households.
Are Bloodhounds good family dogs?
Yes, they’re affectionate and gentle with people, but they’re large, stubborn, and vocal, and need secure fencing and patient training, so they suit prepared owners.
Read the official AKC breed standard
Sources
American Kennel Club – Bloodhound
American Bloodhound Club – Official Standard
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
AKC – Bloat in Dogs
AKC Marketplace