"I may be droopy, but that doesn’t mean I’m sad!"
Bloodhounds have one of best noses in the business. They’re famous for their ability to track down anything once they put their noses to it, but they’re also famous for liking to do things their own way. Despite their occasional stubbornness, they are very affectionate, even if sometimes they like to show their love with a big, slobbery smooch.
Bloodhounds are gentle and affectionate, but beneath all that droopy skin lies a stubborn personality matched with a high level of intelligence. Bloodhounds can be a challenge, but you just have to make use of your secret weapon: food. Speaking of which, Bloodhounds are prone to focusing on the edible elements in their life. You’ll need to watch what you leave sitting around, otherwise you may be taking your bloodhound to the vet after they've eaten a Barbie or an extra tasty gym sock.
The Bloodhound's short coat is easy to care for and only requires weekly brushing to help reduce shedding. However, their jowly face will require extra attention. You need to keep their wrinkles clean and dry, otherwise they are prone to infection. This means that when your dog is done eating or drinking you’ll want to wipe down their face to help keep them healthy and clean. Bloodhounds also have the classic odor of a hound, which doesn't simply wash off with a bath. Unfortunately, you’ll just have to live with it!
Bloodhounds fit best in places where they have access to a large, fenced-in yard. They are expert escape artists and will follow an interesting scent for a very long way without being able to find their way home, so a secure yard is very important. Bloodhounds don’t necessarily need to live inside the home with you, but they need to be allowed in. They crave human companionship and will be extra destructive when regularly left alone. Bloodhounds generally get along well with children and other pets, especially if they are raised around them.
Bloodhounds crave the opportunity to follow a scent. Of course, you’ve probably seen them in the movies hunting down escaped criminals, which they are great at, but they can also be used as search and rescue dogs. Any activity that combines hanging out with their families and getting outside for a good sniff will make a Bloodhound happy and much more well-behaved back home.