Bloodhound
BLUD-hownd
Gentle, Patient, Noble, Stubborn. Originally bred for tracking deer, boar, and later people by scent.
An adult Bloodhound weighs 90-130 lbs (male) or 80-100 lbs (female), needs 1,240-2,380 calories daily, and lives 10-12 yrs. Large breeds need portion control and joint-conscious exercise, especially during growth. The breed's primary health watch is bloat. All numbers below come from AKC breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Bloodhound needs 1,240 to 2,380 calories per day. An average male (110 lbs / 49.9 kg) needs around 1,840 kcal; a female (90 lbs / 40.8 kg) roughly 1,580 kcal. These estimates use the vet-standard RER/MER formula.
Estimate for a typical adult Bloodhound. For puppies, seniors, or specific activity levels, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
Large breeds face a particular set of health challenges related to their size and growth rate. The Bloodhound typically lives 10-12 yrs. The breed's primary health concerns are bloat and hip dysplasia, which responsible breeders screen for before breeding.
Exercise and activity
Moderate; they need daily exercise but aren't hyperactive. Long, scent-rich walks are ideal. Their tracking instinct means they should always be leashed or in a secure area. Hound breeds follow their noses (or eyes) with single-minded determination. Off-leash exercise for a Bloodhound requires a securely fenced area because recall is unreliable when a scent captures their attention. Nose work, tracking games, and long leash walks through interesting environments channel their natural instincts constructively.
Care and traits
Bloodhounds have a short, dense, loose-skinned coat. Origin: Belgium/France.
The Bloodhound's nose is so accurate that their trailing evidence is admissible in court. Those wrinkled folds and long ears need regular cleaning. They drool; a lot. Ear infections are nearly inevitable without consistent weekly cleaning.
Grooming needs are minimal. A weekly brushing to remove loose hair and distribute skin oils is sufficient for most Bloodhounds. Bathing is only needed when the dog is noticeably dirty or smelly.
Training requires patience with the Bloodhound. They are intelligent but may be independent or stubborn about following commands. Keep sessions short, use high-value rewards, and maintain consistency. Harsh corrections backfire with this breed.
Tools for Bloodhound owners
Frequently asked questions
Daily calorie needs for a Bloodhound range from 1240 to 2380 kcal. A 110-pound individual falls near the middle of that range. Growth-phase nutrition matters enormously for large breeds. Puppies need controlled growth to protect developing joints. Active hunting hounds burn significantly more than the resting estimate. Adjust for actual activity level. Use our calorie calculator with your dog's actual weight for a personalized number.
Males typically weigh 90-130 lbs (40.8–59.0 kg). Females run lighter at 80-100 lbs (36.3–45.4 kg). Large breeds carry weight in the midsection and over the ribs. A visible waist from above and a tuck behind the ribs when viewed from the side indicate healthy condition. The best home assessment is the rib test: place your thumbs on the spine and spread your fingers across the ribs. You should feel each rib individually. If you have to press to find them, the dog is carrying extra weight.
The top health priority for Bloodhound owners is awareness of bloat. Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus) is a life-threatening emergency where the stomach fills with gas and can twist. Feed two or three smaller meals rather than one large one, avoid vigorous exercise immediately after eating, and learn the warning signs: restlessness, unproductive retching, and a distended abdomen. Other conditions seen in the breed include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, ear infections. Awareness of these breed tendencies allows for early intervention, which often improves outcomes significantly.
The Bloodhound does well with 30 to 60 minutes of daily activity. Good activities for this breed include scent trails, tracking games, long rural walks. Mental stimulation through training and puzzle toys is as important as physical exercise for this breed. While not as demanding as high-energy breeds, a Bloodhound that gets no exercise will gain weight and may develop behavioral issues.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on AKC standards and veterinary sources. Individual dogs vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your dog. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026