Bloodhound

The AKC recognized Bloodhound is a massive dog, weighing 80-110 pounds and standing 23-27 inches. This hound has wrinkled skin that hangs loose, and in the head and neck area it hangs in deep folds. The purpose of this looseness is that the folds of the skin hold in scent particles which help the dog with tracking. The coat is short and hard with colors including; red or a combination of tawny and red, and tan combined with either black or liver. This breed is easy to groom, just a rub with a rough towel leaves the coat gleaming. Bloodhounds are average shedders.

The Bloodhound is kind and patient, making it a good dog for children. When in the puppy stage, they can be energetic and independent. This breed can be a handful until they mature at the age of two. They need to be socialized while young to avoid becoming timid. This hound typically gets along with other dogs and tends to like most people. The elevated stamina that Bloodhounds possess allows them to stay on a scent for hours. To satisfy this energy level, the dog requires intense physical activity on a daily basis. They should be given a walk of some distance each day. Bloodhounds prefer taking a walk with other dogs along with their human owners. This hound does tend to drool, howl and snore. The American Coonhound is famous for its ability to track a scent for over 100 miles and a scent that is over 100 hours old. They are able to track humans, a rarity in the canine world. Their excellent ability for tracking makes the Bloodhound's evidence admissible in the court of law. For the owner, this means that the dog should never be off the leash unless in a fenced area. The life expectancy for this breed is 10-12 years and they are prone to bloat or may suffer from stomach cramps. Some lines are prone to hip dysplasia.

The Bloodhound is over 1000 years old and was developed by monks in Belgium. This breed has been known by several names, including: Flemish Hound, American Coonhounds, and Bavarian Mountain Hound. This breed is listed in the AKC Hound category.