Bloodhounds . . . Frequently asked Questions:
1. How big do
bloodhounds grow?
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The
AKC standards say that the mean average height of adult dogs is 26 inches, and
adult bitches 24 inches. The mean average weight of adult dogs is 90
pounds, and of adult bitches 80 pounds. This is probably pretty close for
bitches, although for males it is perhaps a trifle conservative as 27 inch dogs
can attain the weight of 120 pounds and still be in good condition. What
ever way you look at it, bloodhounds are considered a large breed.
2. Do they have
particular health problems?
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Bloat - One of the main
killers of bloodhounds is bloat or gastric torsion. Put very simply, the
stomach of an affected animal fills with gas and twist until both ends are
sealed. When this happens there is no way that the gas can escape and a
painful death follows. The exact causes of bloat are unknown, but what is
sure is that immediate surgery is the only cure. While this problem is
rarely encountered, foreknowledge of it and its symptoms and treatment will
provide protection for your animal.
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Dysplasia - Hip dysplasia in
another health problem present in bloodhounds and many other large dog
breeds. In hip dysplasia, loose ligaments allow the head of the femur to
work out of its socket. The signs of lameness often first appear around
four months of age when rapid growth takes place. Dysplastic pups grow
progressively worse with age. Puppies from dysplastic parents are twice
as likely to develop dysplasia as those from non-dysplastic parents.
However, it is still possible for parents with normal hips to produce
dysplastic pups. Our hounds are hip tested. Pandora has a Penn Hip score of
100%.
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At Boxford Bloodhounds we provide a complete health guarantee
against any genetic defect on our Show Quality Puppies
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3. How long do
Bloodhounds live?
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There
seems to be dome difference of opinion on this one, but it would seem that
bloodhounds that are well cared for will live at least as long as any of the
other large breeds. Ten to twelve years would be a very good age, with
anything over twelve being exceptional.
4. Will my Bloodhound
lie on my front porch all day?
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Ours
won't and yours won’t either. They are extremely active, have incredible
stamina, and if left unattended are quite capable of following an interesting
scent into the next county. They enjoy exercise. All our adult dogs
take it in turns to accompany me on my mountain bike for three miles each
morning. After this they get free running exercise in a two acre enclosure.
The object of two thousand years of selective breeding was not the production
of a canine couch potato, but a working companion.
5. Are they good with
kids?
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Generally
speaking, Bloodhounds are good with children. They love people! The
only problem might be when 120 pounds of boisterous hound decides to get
playful.
6. Can they be
trained?
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Bloodhounds
can be trained to a high level of obedience. Indeed all pups should
receive at least a basic grounding in obedience so that they can become well
behaved canine companions instead of flop eared hooligans. Just remember
that although highly intelligent (the Romans thought them wise), they are not
Border Collies and repetitive heel work, sits and downs, will not send them
into rapture. Bloodhounds have an independent nature which is necessary
if they are to unravel trails on their own. This independence can be
channeled but they should be persuaded to do things, not forced.
