The Bloodhound is a specific breed of dog, prized for its scent abilities. As a result, it is often utilised in hunting sports such as hunting for deer and wild boar. Their history dates back to the Middle Ages for aiding in tracking down individuals. The legend of this breed is said to hail from the Abbey of Saint Hubert in Belgium.

The inherent tracking instinct of these breeds, combined with their remarkable ability to follow a scent over long distances for many days, make them very reliable tracking scent dogs. For this reason, they are used not only by hunters but by law enforcement as narcotic identifying dogs, by aiding in tracking down escaped prisoners, missing people in rescue operations, as well as finding children and other pets.

The bloodhound is a large dog breed, weighing between 36kg to 72kg with a height of between approximately 58 centimetres and 69 centimetres. Its colour varies from shades of brown to black and mixes of black and brown, and also features reddish hues. There was a far greater variety of colour of the breed in the seventeenth century but as time has moved on the variety of colour has become limited. The bloodhound coat is typically firm and comprising solely of fur.

Their disposition is gentle and industrious whilst on a scent, though this eagerness to pursue a scent can make them very difficult to walk and to walk with. They do make for wonderful family dogs but like all breeds require supervision around children.

Like many purebred dogs, they do have health complications as a result of selective breeding. The bloodhound breed often develops bloating and some experience stomach cramps. They also experience dysplasia, cherry eye and ear infection. It is recommended to provide a well-padded and supportive bed for this breed in order to prevent joint calluses, which are very common.