With a characteristically droopy mouth and eyes, and long ears, the bloodhound is an unmistakable breed in the dog world. Gentle yet determined, Bloodhounds can be stubborn to a fault when they want to. Read all about this interesting breed, from characteristics to price and availability in India.
Is Bloodhound Popular In India?
The characteristic Indian household is apartment-based, and usually has several objects that can be easily ingested by a bloodhound. Bloodhounds need space, and smooth marble flooring is very harmful for their feet. Most of all, bloodhounds are known more for their utility than for their appearance. It is for these reasons that the bloodhound is not popular in India, and is rarely seen in the country. Read on to know more about this interesting breed!
Bloodhound Availability
Acquiring a bloodhound in India is rare, and a difficult process. You won’t always find a Bloodhound at every pet store, even the higher-end ones. Additionally, they are purebreds, which makes them much more expensive. They are not commonly found with Indian breeders.
Bloodhound Price In India
A Bloodhound dog can cost from ₹80,000 to ₹1,50,000.
Also Read: Dog price list in India
Monthly Maintenance Costs For A Bloodhound
The cost that comes with owning a bloodhound depends greatly on your dog. If they are puppies, you will have to get them vaccinated and dewormed which comes to around ₹1,200 for the first month. It also depends on whether you are giving your dog home food or store-bought dog food. However, an approximation would be around ₹5,000 to ₹8,000.
History And Popularity
Bloodhounds are ‘sagaces’, referring to the word ‘sagacious’ that means “having keen discernment and judgement”. Sagaces are a group of dogs that hunt by scent. The bloodhounds are not named because of their ability to track blood, which is a common misconception. There is a long and royal history to these dogs; the breed was first perfected in the 7th century by St. Hubert of Belgium.
Modern day bloodhounds trace lineage to those owned by William the Conqueror. He first brought bloodhounds to England in 1066. They were so well bred that they were a breed owned by several monarchs and aristocrats. Thus, they came to be known as bloodhounds i.e. of aristocratic blood. They are still known as St. Hubert hounds in certain French-speaking parts of Europe, as the monastery of St. Hubert sent a pair of bloodhounds to the French monarch each year for several years.
Today, the bloodhound is the ultimate tracker. No technology can rival these four-legged sniffers. They are the most reliable when it comes to man-hunts and other tracking scenarios. In fact, they are commonly found in police departments across the world due to this ability. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), bloodhounds are so reliable that their tracking evidence is accepted as evidence in legal cases.
Characteristics
Male bloodhounds grow to a height of 25 to 27 inches, with some growing up to 32 inches. They can weigh from 40 to 60 kgs. Females are of slightly smaller build, growing up to 23 to 25 inches. They can weigh 35 to 45 kilograms. Their coats are short and tough to the touch, and can come in black and tan, liver and tan, and red. Their skin is loose and wrinkly, while their faces have folds of skin. Bloodhounds have droopy eyes and ears, and a long droopy mouth.
Moreover, Bloodhounds also have powerful noses. They are known for their exceptional ability to track down scents. Their strong legs enable them to chase down scents for hours, covering long distances before they tire out.
Temperament Of A Bloodhound
Bloodhounds are gentle giants, and very mild mannered. They get along well with people and are companionable, even with children. They are known to be patient and gentle with curious toddlers as well! However, bloodhounds can be very determined and stubborn. They are independent thinkers, often doing as they please with no heed to any commands.
When bloodhounds smell something interesting, they will not stop till they track it down. Bloodhounds can also be loud and expressive, not just barking but also whining, howling, and their characteristic baying.
Lifespan Of A Bloodhound
Like most dogs their size, Bloodhounds have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years.
Are Bloodhounds Hypoallergenic?
Unfortunately, Bloodhounds are not hypoallergenic. They are shedders, and shed their fur quite regularly. Brush the coat of your bloodhound at least once a week, and more often if required. Brushing helps soften the coat and reduce shedding. However, do not expect your bloodhound to stop shedding entirely. There is no remedy or solution for this. If you’re allergic, you’re better off with another breed.
What Is The Average Litter Size Of A Bloodhound?
These big dogs can have an average litter size of about 8 to 10 pups. Some litters have gone up to 15 puppies.
What Is A Bloodhound Like As A Puppy?
Bloodhound puppies are curious, active, and want to bite and eat everything within their reach. The world and all its exciting smells and scents are a lot for bloodhounds to take in and they tend to be excitable. Keep a close eye on your bloodhound pup and ensure you supply it with several chew toys. Be firm about what your puppy can chew and bite to encourage good habits from an early age.
Limit your bloodhound pup’s exercise as you don’t want them getting fatigued. Ensure your puppy gets some socialization with other people and dogs to help them get accustomed to it and develop their social skills. In addition, it is important to introduce your bloodhound pup to grooming and examination when it is a puppy. This lets them get accustomed to it. It is especially important to do this with a bloodhound so that you can examine their ears and clean their faces without too much trouble as adults – both important grooming steps.
Good Diet For A Bloodhound
A Bloodhound is a heavy eater, and needs high-quality dog food. Whatever the diet, it has to be appropriate to your dog’s age. Bloodhounds can just as easily become overweight, so be careful of how generous you are with their meals. They are messy when they eat and their ears tend to get in the way. We recommend laying out a few newspapers and tying their ears back lightly.
Because of their wide chests, bloodhounds can get bloated. Avoid giving your bloodhound large amounts of water after a heavy meal, exercising it immediately before or after a meal, and stressing it out.
Health Concerns With Bloodhounds
On the whole, bloodhounds are healthy dogs. Nonetheless, there are certain ailments you need to watch out for to ensure your bloodhound is as healthy as possible.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a condition where the thigh bone doesn’t properly fit into the hp joint. It can be inherited. Dogs will show signs of discomfort, particularly limping and lameness in one or both hind legs.
Elbow Dysplasia
This is a condition common to large dogs. Joint laxity in the front legs at the elbow can lead to pain, and even lameness.
Fold Dermatitis
As mentioned, bloodhounds have loose skin that bunches up into folds particularly on the face. Trapped moisture between the folds, kept unclean, can lead to fold dermatitis. This is a skin condition. Constantly cleaning your dog thoroughly between the folds is essential to prevent this.
Bloating
Commonly ailing large and deep-chested dogs, bloating can be life-threatening. Ensure your dog isn’t eating one large meal a day, exercising before or after a meal, or drinking too much water right after a heavy meal. Visible symptoms include excessive drooling, retching, inactivity with a rapid heart rate, and a distended abdomen.
Bloodhounds can come with expensive vet visits that sometimes include surgery for removal of something they have ingested. Be very careful of your stuff around a bloodhound, especially small objects. They are notorious for eating just about anything and everything which can prove dangerous. Their long ears should be regularly checked and cleaned lightly to avoid infections. Give them regular baths to avoid odor, and regularly brush their teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bloodhound
How much does a Bloodhound puppy cost?
A Bloodhound dog can cost from ₹80,000 to ₹1,50,000. That’s a lot of dough!
Are Bloodhounds lazy?
No Bloodhounds are not lazy; in fact, most Bloodhounds are very intelligent and need a lot of mental stimulation to keep their minds occupied. They can even become destructive if they feel bored or neglected, so it’s important for family members who own them to engage them in activities that always make the dog feel happy and satisfied.
Why are Bloodhounds so expensive?
The answer to this question is two-fold. The first factor that affects the price of a Bloodhound, whether it be purchasing from breeders or adoption centers like rescues and shelters, is its breeding stock (parents). Secondly, location plays an integral role in how much you will spend for your canine companion, depending upon what state you choose to buy one.
Are Bloodhounds smart?
A Bloodhound is extremely smart, and it posses an extraordinary sense of smell. This combination of intelligence and olfaction makes a Bloodhound an effective animal for locating missing people or animals. However, it can take time to train a Bloodhound in how to find a particular scent.
Can Bloodhounds swim?
Bloodhounds are not the best swimmers. They typically remain on the surface of the water or keep their head above water, but they can swim around a bit- so long as you’ve got an extra set of hands to hold them tight to make sure they don’t sink. Bloodhounds have been known to drown in shallow water, which is why it’s doubly important for them to be kept away from any bodies of water that might present a real danger.
Are Bloodhounds easy to train?
The Bloodhound’s intelligence and hunting capabilities make them seem like an easy breed to train, but they are quite difficult. Bloodhounds require patience during training because of their stubborn nature.
How long until Bloodhound is fully grown?
A Bloodhound can be a wonderful dog, but it is also one of the most difficult breeds. They take much longer than other dogs to mature, and it will not be until at least their second-year-old before they reach full maturity.
Are Bloodhounds good guard dogs?
Do not think that Bloodhounds are reliable guard dogs. They’re more like the kind of dog you call over for a pat on the head and then leave them in peace to go about their day while still being nearby. They bark when someone comes near your house but don’t always alert the authorities or act as watchdogs themselves!
Can Bloodhounds be aggressive?
Yes, but not at all times. A more likely scenario is that the hound will playfully nip or bark when excited to see you and want your attention. These super-energetic dogs are the friends of all, and they’re known for their gentle nature. They love to play with people, children, and other pets alike!
Are Bloodhounds loud?
Bloodhounds are known for their loud baying. The distinct, sharp bark may be one reason why they’re so good at hunting down prey in big spaces like forests and swamps. They make an excellent pet if you don’t mind having some noise around!
Are Bloodhounds good pets?
Bloodhounds are awesome pets! They’re affectionate, stubborn, and strong. However, you should also know that they can be aggressive with other male dogs, so it’s a good idea to socialize them when they’re young.
Do Bloodhounds get cold?
Yes, Bloodhounds have thin coats that let them cool off in summers, but these dogs don’t do well when it comes to colder climates.
Do Bloodhounds sleep a lot?
Bloodhound dogs are loyal companions that love to lounge around the house. However, they need their daily walks and should not be left sleeping all day long- it will keep them healthy longer!
How much do Bloodhounds eat?
Bloodhounds eat between 4-5 cups of food per day, and they can eat twice as much if that’s all they have. They can be quite picky about what types of food they’re given, though.
Do Bloodhounds like to cuddle?
Most love snuggling up next to their family, but some will be more cuddly than others. As a hound breed, they’re bred to interact with people and other dogs, so it’s no surprise if they enjoy affection from time to time!
What are Bloodhounds good for?
Bloodhounds have been used for many purposes over the years. Originally, they were employed to track deer and other game animals. But, by the 16th century, Bloodhounds also began tracking people as well! So today, their utility has grown significantly with assistance from law enforcement organizations and search-and-rescue missions alike.
Are Bloodhounds healthy?
The Bloodhound breed has common conditions like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat, which can be managed with routine check-ups from an experienced veterinarian.
Are Bloodhounds clingy?
Very much so. In contrast to other hound breeds such as the basset hound, the Bloodhound can be described as having a “clingy” disposition. Bloodhounds are stubborn by nature and very slow learners, requiring constant supervision from their owners if they are not being worked. They don’t make good dogs for families with children or those who live alone because they crave interaction and attention (which is difficult to provide when you’re busy).
How do I stop my Bloodhound from smelling?
The odor of a Bloodhound is thought to be caused by the unique scent glands found near the dog’s head, which produce sweat similar to human skin. Treat the smell with special shampoos and also clean their beds thoroughly. Since dogs don’t sweat as humans do, their odors are usually not coming from moisture on their skin but rather from moisture between the toes, which can lead to body odor. In addition, excessive hair (from shedding) can cause itchy bumps that bacteria accumulate in.
Why is a Bloodhound called a Bloodhound?
Bloodhounds are called Bloodhound because of their pure and honorable heritage. In the 1800s, they were used to track down escaped slaves.
Do Bloodhound dogs shed?
Sadly, Bloodhounds are not hypoallergenic. They shed their fur very often. It is essential to brush your Bloodhound at least once a week to keep him looking soft and stop shedding too much hair around the house.
How do you tell if my dog is a Bloodhound?
A Bloodhound is a dog with deep-set eyes and wrinkles around its face. Most Bloodhounds have black or tan fur, but some can come in other colors like brown. This breed of dog has an amazing sense of smell that allows them to find whatever they are looking for, even from miles away.
Why shouldn’t you buy a Bloodhound?
Most trainers recommend against getting a Bloodhound since they are very slow to mature, and their tendency to chew on anything makes them more difficult than other breeds of dogs.
Are Bloodhounds dumb?
Bloodhounds are not dumb; the learning process just seems to take them a bit longer than other breeds. However, they are smart enough so that you will not lose them easily.
Are Bloodhounds still used?
Bloodhounds are dogs that have been used in the past to help law enforcement find people who are missing. Bloodhounds are still one of the most reliable tools available to law enforcement agencies.
How far away can a Bloodhound smell?
Bloodhounds have a better sense of smell than other dogs, so they’re able to follow a scent trail that is nearly 130 miles long! That’s quite impressive.
What is the best dog food for Bloodhounds?
There is a general consensus that the best food for Bloodhounds would be one that is low-fat (under 8% fat), high protein (> 24%), grain-free (< 3% carbs) with “no chicken” listed as an ingredient.
Do Bloodhounds play fetch?
Dogs are such social creatures; it’s important to keep them engaged. Dogs need exercise and mental stimulation in order to be in their happiest state! One of the best ways for your dog is playing fetch with a ball (or other toys).
Are Bloodhounds cute?
You bet they are! They’re probably the most gentle and lovable breeds growing up as puppies. Despite their massive frames, these puppies are sweet and calm companions when young, making them great family pets.
Are Bloodhounds picky eaters?
Bloodhounds are picky eaters, which can make life difficult for their owners. They have to worry about their pup’s food intake because they get tired of eating the same kibble every day and refuse it whenever possible; this is normal in puppy growth stages but may be a problem if left unattended too long or not at all! Bloodhound pups go through many different phases–from infancy into adulthood-and during these periods, we need to give them more variety than just one type of dog food. This could become troublesome when trying to keep up with feeding that changes from stage to until; eventually, our Bloodhound becomes an adult who won’t want anything except his favorite treat once he rejects regular meals altogether.
Things To Take Note Of
Bloodhounds may be affectionate and gentle, but they are not obedient dogs and do as they please. Training should start from a young age, with firm yet gentle and persuasive tactics. Bloodhounds follow their nose, and must always be leashed. Be attentive when taking them out on walks to avoid them eating things up.
As adolescents, bloodhounds can be clumsy and a little too curious for their own good. Additionally, they need daily exercise. The exercise must be maintained even as adults, as they do not tire easily and require some daily brisk movement. Bloodhounds are also excessive droolers. Be prepared for the mess, and clean up their mouths when the buildup gets excessive to prevent infections.
Conclusion
Bloodhounds can be difficult, due to the level of attention they demand. At the same time, they make for wonderful family dogs and are lovable companions. In the hands of the right family devoted to the caretaking of the dog, a Bloodhound can be a perfect fit.
