Bloodhounds are large powerful dogs that appear much tougher than they actually are. Their loose skin looks like it is oversized for their bodies. They have long muzzles and drooping ears and rather sorrowful looking expressions. For their size, Bloodhounds have very powerful shoulders and backs and make good work dogs. Their coats are dense and short and vary in color. Some of the colors that can be found include solid red, tawny, tan with black, and tan with liver. Sometimes, Male dogs are generally 25-27 inches (63-69 cm) tall and weigh 90-110 pounds (41-50 kg). Female dogs are generally 23-25 inches (58-63 cm) tall and weigh 80-100 pounds (36-45 kg). The life expectancy of these dogs is about 10-12 years.

Shy, gentle, loyal, affectionate, and sensitive are all terms that can be used to describe the temperament of Bloodhounds. They are very devoted and loving toward their owners and get along well with other people and dogs as well. Bloodhounds are particularly gentle and lovable around children and make great family pets and companions. Their good nature will allow them to be patient with children and they rarely show any vicious tendencies. These dogs love attention but care should be taken that children do not injure these dogs or agitate them by playing too rough or for too long of a time period. Because Bloodhounds tend to be timid and reserved they do not make good watchdogs and at times their mournful howls may irritate the neighbors.
 Bloodhounds are energetic dogs that can be boisterous and independent. They need firm and consistent training from gentle hands. These dogs may be willful but patience and consistency may yield success. When male dogs go through puberty at 1-2 years they can be quite a handful and most have minds of their own.

Grooming is minimal to maintain the smooth shorthaired coats of Bloodhounds. Regular brushing and careful cleaning of their long ears is sufficient. To add gleam to the coat you may choose to rub it occasionally with a rough towel or chamois. Bloodhounds are known for their distinctive “doggie odor” which some people find offensive but bathing should be kept to a minimum. These dogs shed moderately.

Bloodhounds can be prone to bloat which is a condition that involves the gastro-intestinal system. They may also be prone to having hip dysplasia. By providing these dogs with soft and padded beds to sleep on one may be able to prevent these dogs from getting calluses on their joints.
 Plenty of vigorous exercise is need to keep Bloodhounds healthy and fit. It is advisable that these dogs eat two or three small meals each day instead of one larger meal and exercise should not directly follow a meal. These dogs have immense stamina and can walk for hours on end and if they pick up an interesting scent along the way you may be in for a marathon walk. Some Bloodhounds have been known to track a scents that are days old and stick with their hunt for miles and miles. It is very important to have these dogs on a leash while walking them so they do not wander off in search of something they find more interesting.

The history of Bloodhounds can be traced back over 1,000 years to 18th century Belgium where the monks of St. Hubert perfected this breed. It was also known as the Flemish Hound. Bloodhounds are most noted for their unique ability to track almost any scent and stay with it through extensive hunts. These dogs thrive on the hunt rather than the kill. Today, these dogs are often used to track criminals, fugitives, lost children and other missing persons.