QUESTIONS
1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)
I was a breeder/exhibitor for 19 years.
We lost our last Bloodhound 12 months ago at the age of 9 + years old.
2. Where and why was the breed first developed?
Best to have a read here. http://www.bloodhoundclub.co.uk/history/
3. How common is it in Australia?
[/b]Sadly the breed seems even rarer than it was 19 years ago when I first began.
There are very few breeders nowadays here in Oz and bloodlines had been very closely related in the past.
The few select breeders around today, although are spread far & wide throughout the country, are doing their best in importing fresh blood by importing dogs or frozen semen.
These breeders are still actively involved in conformation showing. [/b]
4. What is the average lifespan?
As per most giant breeds, the average life span is said to be between 8-10 years however as with other giant breeds, things like cancer & bloat can take young dogs.
I am pleased to mention that I have had one male live past 12 years old but sadly it is still never long enough.
The average I have had in the past has been 8 1/2 to 11 years old
5. What is the general temperament/personality?
A Bloodhound should be a very energetic, happy-go-lucky hound.
They can at times be aloof with strangers but on the whole, have outgoing, friendly temperaments.
6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?
Adults do require a lot of excercise. They are not like Duke in the Beverly Hillbillies, in fact, you would only see a Bloodhound sleeping on the porch once he/she has run themselves ragged.
They are on the go a lot of the day.
7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?
Yes & no...as a past breeder, I would always welcome & recommend people come & meet our hounds to see if they could cope with such an outgoing dog.
Many of the past enquiries wanted a "Duke" but I would rather put people off purchasing a puppy than have the poor puppy need to come back to me a few weeks later due to the new owners unable to cope.
8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?
Ha ha ha....watch out..Bloodhounds can become bored in a very short period of time & if left alone in the backyard while the owners are at work all day, may come home to find the washing pulled off the line & dragged all over the yard, a couple of 6 foot holes to China, all the plants chewed to confetti & a neighbour who may wish to strangle you due to the constant baying ( Bloodhounds bay, they do not really bark as such).
I always recommend company, whether it be another Bloodhound, another breed or someone at home for at least some of the day
9. How much grooming is required?
Not an awful lot. A good brush once a week is fine although, when spring or early summer arrives, Bloodhounds do shed some coat & a good rake brush can eliminate most of this.
Ears are the main things to keep watch on as with any breeds with the low set ears.
Due to limited air circulating within the canal, canker can build up & ear infections can take hold.
A wipe out with a good ear cleaner once a week or when needed, is recommended.
10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?
Yes, the Bloodhound can be boisterous, so basic early trainingis a MUST !!!
11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?
Breeders are now hip & elbow scoring their breeding stock & generally I am unaware of any worrisome problems.
Like some breeds with the heavy eye lids, Bloodhounds can have entropian but this is not a life threatening illness & can be fixed with surgery. A vet can diagnose this from an early age.
12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)
A breeder should always offer on going support & advice.
Like buying any dog, have a list of questions in which you would like to know. Read as much about the breed as possible and talk to as many of the breeders as you can.
On a last note: The breed is comical, so a good sense of humour is needed. Their daily antics can make you laugh non stop. They are good companions with other breeds but can be a bit "testy" at dinner time with other dogs around. Bloodhounds LOVE their food, so feeding separately is recommended.
The most important things of all is know your dog & if ever in doubt, ring the breeder or your vet.
