I have had Bloodhounds since 1975 and now serve as Breed Referral Advisor for the Northeast to answer questions and steer inquirers to responsible breeders. The questions and comments I have fielded are the basis for this article, which I hope will be useful to people in other breeds as well.

In the first place, why a Bloodhound? They are affectionate, comical, and charismatic, all wrinkles, droopy ears, and big feet. They are also big, clumsy, sloppy, independent, and stubborn. They require exercise and a large securely fenced area. Adults need to be fed twice daily with fresh water always available. Although they have a short coat, religious care is needed for eyes, ears, toe nails, and all that skin. Bloodhounds want the company of their people, not isolation in a kennel. On the down side, their lifespan is 8-10 years, main causes of death being bloat, accidents, and cancer.

In the second place, why a puppy? Bloodhound puppies grow astronomically, and the cute, cuddly baby becomes a huge slobbery weapon of mass destruction, a danger to himself and your property. If you work eight hours plus a commute, someone needs to come in during the day to tend to the pup. They need quality food served several times a day, fresh water always available, and inoculations, protection against parasites, and regular vet care. You absolutely must let Bloodhounds know you are boss. Puppies are so cute that owners sometimes find it difficult to discipline them. Many Bloodhounds are touchy about the necessary weekly nail cutting–you must win that battle! Many are food possessive and should be given privacy to eat in peace.

How do you learn about Bloodhounds and good Bloodhound breeders? For information, start with the American Bloodhound Club website: www.americanbloodhoundclub.org. The best book is The New Complete Bloodhound by Brey and Reed, available online from Amazon.com. To see the real thing, look for a dog show near you and try to visit kennels where you can see adult hounds and talk with their owners. In fact, you could consider adopting an adult dog.

If you decide on a Bloodhound, your best bet is to contact a breeder who is a member of the American Bloodhound Club and has signed its code of ethics. Those who are truly dedicated to the breed will belong to this network. The ABC website (www.americanbloodhoundclub.org) will list the Breed Referral Advisor for your area, who will direct you to responsible breeders, and is your avenue to other useful information. Your goal is to find your forever dog and not have to subject yourself or the dog to the trauma of displacement and the problem of finding a new home.

Searching for a purebred dog is like working your way through a minefield of backyard breeders, commercial breeders, and–let us hope–experienced, responsible, and dedicated breeders. Beware of the bargain puppy or adult. The dog who is cheaper in the beginning may not be cheaper in the long run as it costs big bucks to maintain dogs in a healthy condition and bigger bucks to produce healthy puppies. The breeder you want has experience in the breed, knows the Breed Standard (the official AKC description of the breed), and screens for hereditary problems prevalent in the breed. A good breeder knows how to evaluate his or her puppies for trailing ability, show potential, and temperament suitable for a family companion and can match the dog to the right owner. You must understand that breeders cannot guarantee that your puppy will be problem free because there are no perfect dogs, just as there are no perfect people. Because breeding, whelping, and raising puppies is so demanding, the breeder you want to deal with will probably not have puppies available at all times, much less the exact age you want, both sexes, and all three colors.

The right breeders will ask you a barrage of questions, perhaps in the form of a questionnaire because they want to place dogs in the right home, whether show dogs, breeding stock, working dogs, or healthy and good tempered companions. The right breeders will welcome progress reports, pictures, and questions.

When the right breeder entrusts you with a puppy or adult, expect a contract, a pedigree, registration papers, a health certificate, written documentation about hip, elbow, and heart certifications for both sire and dam, a record of worming and inoculations, care and feeding instructions. If you have no interest in breeding and plan to spay or neuter, are buying a dog with limited registration, or are buying a dog that has been spayed or neutered, you are still entitled to all the certification paperwork available for the puppy or adult you are adding to your family.

I suggest that you also explore breed rescue organizations. Many a promising Bloodhound ends up needing a new home for any of a variety of reasons. Like a good breeder, a good rescue director can accurately evaluate hounds and match them up with the right new owner. What’s in it for you? A good dog, less expense, and the satisfaction of rescuing a Bloodhound in need. If you buy an adult, you can see what you are getting in terms of size, type, and temperament. Also you may miss some of the challenges of puppyhood, such as housebreaking and regarding the whole world as a chew toy.

Check out the following breed rescue groups: https://www.americanbloodhoundclub.org/bloodhound-rescue/

Be patient, do your research, and look for a breeder or rescue director who is willing to be a mentor and will take the dog back at any point in his or her lifetime.

Anne L. Legge, 261 Fox Meadow Lane, Winchester, VA 22602, annelegge@comcast.net, 540-327-4260
©Anne Legge
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