Buying or Adopting a Bloodhound

Should You Even Get a Dog? Are You Sure?
Important – I've been helping people choose and find dogs for nearly 40 years, and honestly, some people who decide to get a dog are making a big mistake... [read more]

The Truth About Purebred Dogs
Pros and cons... (most people don't know about the cons)

The Truth About Crossbred Dogs
Pros and cons... (don't get taken by breeder hype)

The Truth About Mixed Breed Dogs
Pros and cons... (are mixes inferior to purebreds and crosses?)

Is a Bloodhound the right breed for you?

Bloodhound Review
I'll tell you what's good about 'em, and what's bad about 'em... most honest review you'll ever find

Dog Breed Traits – Which Traits Are Right For You? In this brand new series, I'll help you decide which dog breed traits would best suit you and your family, your home and yard, and your lifestyle, so you can choose the best dog breed for your family.

Are YOU the right owner for a Bloodhound?

Can you provide what this breed needs?

• Someone home most of the day
• Fenced yard (6-8 feet high, not an electronic/underground fence)
• No young children in the household
• No dogs of the same sex in the household
• Restricted exercise when young – until maturity (at least 18 months old), exercise restricted to multiple short (20 minute) walks, fetch games, and playing with other dogs – no forced running (beside a jogger or bicyclist), no long-distance treks, minimal jumping
• Ample exercise after maturity – enough ongoing exercise that your Bloodhound stays slim and is tired enough to sleep contentedly and not get into mischief
• "Mental exercise" – interesting activities that keep the mind stimulated – every Bloodhound owner should get his hound involved in a local tracking club
• An indoor lifestyle, except for exercise and bathroom breaks
• A meat-heavy diet, either homemade or commercial – meat is expensive, so people with less money should opt for a smaller dog
• An owner with enough money to treat the health problems Bloodhounds are prone to (pet health insurance can really help here!)
• An owner who is okay with lots of drooling
• Commitment to provide thorough socialization – introducing your Bloodhound to lots of people and other animals
• Commitment to establish the right Leader-Follower relationship with your Bloodhound, teaching him to listen to you and do what you say

Which sex? What age?

Male Dogs vs. Female Dogs
Which one makes a better pet?

Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
Should you get a young puppy, an older puppy, or an adult dog?

Where can you buy or adopt a Bloodhound?

Bloodhounds are moderately common in the United States. Out of 189 breeds in the American Kennel Club, where 1 is most popular and 189 is least popular, Bloodhounds rank 52nd.

Adopting From Dog Rescue Organizations
Bloodhounds are sometimes available from Dog Rescue groups. Bloodhounds may be turned over to Rescue because they need too much exercise, or because they howl or destroy things, or escape their yard. There might be dominance issues, or just the stubbornness that Bloodhounds are known for. Other Bloodhounds are given up simply because of changed family circumstances, and these dogs may have no behavior problems at all.

Adopting From Public Animal Shelters and Humane Societies
Bloodhounds are occasionally found here, but Bloodhound Rescue groups keep their eyes peeled on shelters and humane societies across the country. On the off chance that a Bloodhound turns up at a shelter, the rescue group typically moves in quickly to take the dog.

Buying From a Dog Breeder
You can buy a Bloodhound from a show breeder, who breeds Bloodhounds to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring.

Or you can buy a Bloodhound from a performance breeder, who emphasizes an energetic, "high drive" temperament for working as a tracking and Search & Rescue dog, often with Law Enforcement. Some breeders are a combination of show/performance, though how they prioritize those two goals can vary greatly.

You might also be able to buy a Bloodhound from people who "just breed pets" or "just had one litter." But should you? Be sure to read the article to learn more about these people.

Here's one difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible breeder – BOTH PARENTS of a Bloodhound puppy should have:

• a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) or PennHip certifying the dog to have normal hips
• a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) certifying the dog to have normal elbows
• a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) or a report from a veterinary cardiologist – dated within the past year – certifying that the dog has had an Advanced Cardiac Exam and has a normal heart

If a seller can't show you those certificates, the puppies are higher risk for health problems. You might choose to accept that risk. But then you need to be willing (and able) to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your Bloodhound ends up with hip and elbow dysplasia.

Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store
Bloodhounds are rarely seen in pet shops, but it's possible. I have plenty to say about buying a puppy from a pet shop!

Which puppy?

Choosing the Right Bloodhound Puppy
How to test the temperament and personality of Bloodhound puppies and pick the best puppy in a litter.

AKC Registered Puppies: Are AKC Papers Important?
Should you buy only an AKC registered Bloodhound puppy? Do AKC papers and pedigrees really matter?