Bloodhound: substantial size, folds and an active daily routine
The Bloodhound has a long, rectangular body and abundant, supple skin over the head and neck. Its solemn expression should not obscure the practical work of walking a large hound and maintaining a regular grooming routine.
A balanced outline
The FCI body-length-to-height proportion is 10:9. The standard describes strong bone and substance while cautioning against exaggeration, including excessive skin folds or an overly massive body. Head and neck skin is abundant, supple and thin, hanging in folds.
FCI ideal height is 68 cm for males and 62 cm for females, with a separate tolerance of 4 cm above or below. Weight is about 46–54 kg for males and 40–48 kg for females, with height and weight in balance. These approximate intervals are not maximum weights.
Country-specific size descriptions
The earlier UK description uses adult heights of 66 cm and 61 cm, with usual ranges of 63–69 cm and 58–63 cm. Its mean weights, 41 kg and 36 kg, and examples of higher attained weights have different meanings from the FCI approximate ranges. Use the source and wording when comparing figures, rather than combining them into one target.
Weekly care and daily walking
The FCI coat is short, dense and fairly harsh on the body, with very short, soft hair on the head and ears. AKC care guidance recommends weekly brushing with a medium-bristle brush, rubber grooming tool or hound glove, regular bathing and nail care. The same guide recommends daily ear and skin-fold checks. Check the folds for odour or irritation; when cleaning is needed, it describes a warm, damp cloth followed by thorough drying. Regular tooth brushing is also included.
The UK guide lists more than two hours of exercise, a large house, large garden and country setting. AKC advises long daily walks on a leash, with additional activity in a securely fenced yard. Plan the walks and check the boundaries rather than assuming a garden provides all the activity.
Compare the overall commitment
Black and Tan Coonhounds have a different head outline and a body equal to or slightly longer than high. Grand Bleu de Gascogne have different sex-specific height ranges and blue-mottled coat. Compare room for resting, grooming and transport as well as the exercise plan.
Sources and further reading
Bloodhound at a glance
These earlier UK breed guides are starting points for comparison. Details may have changed, and individual dogs vary.
- Breed group
- Hound
- Size
- Large
- Daily exercise
- More than 2 hours per day
- Grooming frequency
- Once a week
- Coat length
- Short
- Sheds
- Yes
- Suggested home size
- Large house
- Town or country
- Country
- Garden recommendation
- Large garden
- Lifespan
- Under 10 years
FCI breed standard
Standard guidance describes the breed ideal; individual dogs vary.
- Origin
- Belgium
- Group
- 6 - Scent hound and related breeds
- Section
- 1 - Scent hounds. 1.1 Large sized hounds
- Height
- Males: Ideal: 68 cm; Females: Ideal: 62 cm; Tolerance: 4 cm above or below
- Weight
- Males: About 46–54 kg; Females: About 40–48 kg
This is a substantial scent hound with a short weatherproof coat. The standard requires height and weight to be balanced; the 4 cm height tolerance is separate from the ideal.
Official FCI standard (PDF)
Standard effective from 2001-03-13; checked 2026-10-15
