How Big Does a Bloodhound Get? Average Weight & Growth Chart

How Big Do Bloodhounds Get? An Expert Guide to Bloodhound Size and Growth

Have you fallen in love with the wrinkly face, droopy ears and soulful eyes of a bloodhound? You‘re not alone! These gentle giants are adored for their unique appearance and easy-going temperament. But before you bring home a bloodhound puppy, it‘s important to understand just how big they can get.

As a veterinarian and bloodhound enthusiast, I‘ve put together this comprehensive guide to bloodhound size and growth. Whether you‘re simply curious or actively preparing to raise a bloodhound puppy, you‘ll find all the information you need below. Let‘s dive in!

Bloodhound Breed Overview
The bloodhound is an ancient breed, believed to have originated over 1,000 years ago when St. Hubert hounds were brought to England from France. They were refined by medieval monks to create the superior scent hound we know today.

A bloodhound‘s most defining feature is, of course, that big nose. With 300 million scent receptors compared to a human‘s mere 5 million, the bloodhound‘s sense of smell is unrivaled. Their long, droopy ears and wrinkled skin help trap scent particles. Bloodhounds can follow a scent trail for miles over any terrain.

This keen sense of smell has made bloodhounds invaluable in tracking people, from lost children to criminal fugitives, for centuries. In their downtime, bloodhounds are loyal, affectionate companions who get along well with kids and other dogs. However, that nose can lead them into mischief, so training and secure fencing are a must!

Bloodhounds have a short, dense coat that is usually black and tan, liver and tan, or red. Some bloodhounds have flashes of white on the chest, feet or tail tip. Weekly brushing and regular ear cleaning will keep their coat and skin healthy. Expect some slobber too – bloodhounds are known for being a bit drooly.

So just how big do these majestic hounds get? Let‘s take a look at the typical size ranges for adult bloodhounds.

Bloodhound Size
According to the American Kennel Club‘s breed standard, a full-grown male bloodhound stands 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 90 to 130 pounds. Females are only slightly smaller, at 23 to 25 inches tall and 80 to 120 pounds. A bloodhound‘s length (from chest to rump) is greater than their height, giving them a rectangular outline.

Of course, some bloodhounds may fall outside these ranges. In general, male bloodhounds are larger and heavier than females. Genetics, diet and overall health all play a role in an individual hound‘s size. Later in this article, we‘ll explore those factors in depth.

While they are officially categorized as a large breed based on height, bloodhounds are really more of a giant breed when you consider their heavyweight. For context, bloodhounds typically weigh more than German shepherds, Rottweilers and many other breeds considered "large." Only a few breeds, like mastiffs and Great Danes, consistently outweigh bloodhounds.

So what does this mean for living with a bloodhound? First, you‘ll need plenty of space. Bloodhounds do best in homes with a securely fenced yard where they can sniff and roam to their heart‘s content. Apartment life is usually not ideal, unless you can commit to multiple long walks each day.

Bloodhounds also need an owner who can handle their size and strength. Obedience training is a must to maintain control on walks. A sturdy harness and leash are also wise investments, as bloodhounds have been known to slip out of collars when they catch an interesting scent.

Raising a bloodhound from puppyhood takes a patient, consistent approach. These dogs mature slowly, both physically and mentally. Which brings us to our next topic – bloodhound puppy development.

Bloodhound Puppy Growth and Development
Like most large and giant breeds, bloodhounds take longer to reach their full adult size than smaller dogs. Most bloodhounds are close to their adult height by one year old, but will continue adding weight and filling out until 18-24 months.

Here is a rough timeline of bloodhound puppy development:

Birth to 2 weeks: Neonatal period. Puppies are fully reliant on their mother for warmth, nutrition and waste elimination. Eyes and ears are closed.

2 to 4 weeks: Transitional period. Eyes and ears open, teeth start coming in. Puppies begin to crawl and then walk.

4 to 12 weeks: Socialization period. Puppies are weaned off their mother and learn basic social skills through play and exploration. This is the ideal time to start housetraining and introducing new experiences. Most bloodhounds go to their forever homes around 8 weeks old.

3 to 6 months: Rapid growth period. Bloodhound puppies seem to grow larger every day during this time. Regular vet check-ups are important to monitor development. Continue socialization and basic obedience training.

6 to 12 months: Adolescence. Growth begins to slow and bloodhounds reach sexual maturity. This is the most challenging period for training, as puppies test boundaries. Spaying/neutering often takes place during this time.

12 to 24 months: Young adulthood. Growth tapers off as bloodhounds reach their mature size. Continue reinforcing training and good behaviors. Transition from puppy to adult dog food.

Here is a size chart showing the average height and weight of bloodhounds at different ages*:

Age Male Height Male Weight Female Height Female Weight
Birth N/A 1 lb N/A 0.5 lb
1 month 6-8" 5-8 lbs 5-7" 4-7 lbs
2 months 10-12" 18-25 lbs 8-10" 15-22 lbs
3 months 14-16" 30-40 lbs 12-14" 25-35 lbs
4 months 17-20" 40-55 lbs 15-18" 35-50 lbs
5 months 20-23" 50-65 lbs 18-21" 45-60 lbs
6 months 22-25" 60-75 lbs 20-23" 55-70 lbs
8 months 24-26" 70-90 lbs 22-24" 65-85 lbs
10 months 25-27" 80-100 lbs 23-25" 75-95 lbs
12 months 25-27" 85-115 lbs 23-25" 80-105 lbs
18 months 25-27" 90-130 lbs 23-25" 80-120 lbs

*These numbers are averages and will vary by individual. Always consult with your veterinarian about your bloodhound‘s ideal size and growth rate.

As you can see, bloodhounds do most of their growing in the first year, but continue to add some size into the second year of life. It‘s important not to overfeed bloodhound puppies in an attempt to accelerate growth, as this can lead to skeletal abnormalities and other health issues. Slow, steady growth is ideal for bloodhounds to develop properly.

Factors Affecting Bloodhound Size
While bloodhounds are genetically programmed to be large dogs, a few key factors can influence their final adult size:

Parentage – A bloodhound puppy‘s parents are the best predictors of their full grown size. If possible, meet the puppy‘s parents or ask the breeder for their height/weight.

Sex – Male bloodhounds are almost always larger than females, both in height and weight. If you have a male puppy, expect him to reach the higher end of the size spectrum.

Diet – Feeding a high-quality, veterinarian-recommended puppy food in the proper amounts is crucial for a bloodhound‘s healthy development. Overfeeding can accelerate growth and cause orthopedic problems.

Health – Parasites, illnesses, or chronic conditions can all impact a puppy‘s growth. Regular veterinary care and prompt treatment of any health issues will give your bloodhound the best chance of reaching their full size potential.

Spay/Neuter Status – There is some evidence that spaying or neutering a dog, especially early in life, can impact their final size. Studies have found that dogs altered before maturity tend to be slightly taller than those who remain intact. Your vet can advise you on the best time to spay or neuter your bloodhound.

While these factors may nudge a bloodhound‘s size up or down slightly, remember that this is a giant breed through and through. Even a small female bloodhound will likely weigh 80 pounds or more. Be prepared for a big dog and all that entails!

Keeping Your Bloodhound at a Healthy Weight
Bloodhounds are known for their voracious appetites. Add in those soulful "feed me" eyes and it can be hard to resist overfeeding your hound. But maintaining a lean, healthy weight is critical for your bloodhound‘s lifelong health.

Obesity is a major problem for many bloodhounds. Excess weight puts strain on their joints, heart, and other organs. It can worsen pre-existing conditions like hip or elbow dysplasia. And it can ultimately shorten your bloodhound‘s lifespan.

So how can you keep your bloodhound fit and trim? It starts with feeding a nutritious, balanced diet. Choose a dog food that is appropriate for your bloodhound‘s life stage – puppy, adult, or senior. Puppy foods in particular should be formulated for large breed growth.

Your veterinarian or the food manufacturer can recommend how much to feed based on your dog‘s age and weight. Avoid free-feeding (leaving food out all the time) as this can lead to overconsumption. Instead, stick to scheduled meals, usually twice a day for adult dogs.

Treats should be given sparingly, no more than 10% of your dog‘s daily caloric intake. Opt for healthy, low-calorie options like cut-up veggies or small bits of lean meat. And don‘t forget to account for treats when measuring out meals.

Of course, exercise is the other key piece of the weight management puzzle. Bloodhounds may have a reputation for being lazy, but they still need daily activity to stay fit. Aim for at least 30-60 minutes of moderate exercise each day, like brisk walking, hiking, or playing in the yard.

If you‘re unsure whether your bloodhound is at a healthy weight, try this simple test. Run your hands along their sides – you should be able to feel their ribs under a thin layer of fat. When viewed from above, your bloodhound should have a visible waist behind their ribcage. From the side, their abdomen should tuck up towards their hindquarters.

If you suspect your bloodhound is overweight, don‘t start a weight loss program without consulting your vet first. Rapid weight loss can be dangerous, especially for giant breed dogs. Your vet can rule out any underlying health conditions and recommend a safe, gradual weight reduction plan.

Tracking Your Bloodhound‘s Growth
Especially when they‘re young, it can be helpful (and fun!) to keep track of your bloodhound‘s growth over time. You‘ll be amazed at how fast they sprout up. Plus, having a growth record can help you and your vet identify any potential issues early on.

The easiest way to track your bloodhound puppy‘s growth is to weigh them regularly. If you have a small kitchen scale, you can weigh your puppy at home until they outgrow it. Simply weigh yourself first, then weigh yourself while holding the puppy and subtract the difference.

For larger puppies and adults, your vet‘s office likely has a walk-on scale that can accommodate big dogs. Try to get a weight at every vet visit, or at least once a month while your puppy is growing rapidly. Keep a chart or spreadsheet of the numbers so you can easily spot trends over time.

You can also measure your bloodhound‘s height at the shoulder (called the withers) and their length from chest to rump. Use a soft measuring tape or a yardstick/meter stick held vertically. Aim for a level, firm surface like a patio or garage floor, and have your hound stand squarely. It can help to have a partner distract them with a treat while you measure.

Height and length are a bit trickier to track regularly at home, as your bloodhound may not always cooperate with standing still! But even occasional measurements can give you a sense of how your puppy is growing. Just don‘t get too caught up in the exact numbers – as long as your puppy is happy, healthy, and steadily growing, they‘re right on track.

Busting Bloodhound Myths
There are a few persistent myths and misconceptions about bloodhound size and growth that are worth addressing. Do any of these sound familiar?

Myth 1: Bloodhounds are so big they need a huge house and yard.
While bloodhounds certainly appreciate having space to roam, they are adaptable dogs that can thrive in many living situations. A securely fenced yard is ideal, but bloodhounds can also do well in smaller homes or apartments if they get enough daily exercise and enrichment.

Myth 2: Bloodhounds don‘t need much exercise because they‘re lazy.
Sure, adult bloodhounds may spend a good chunk of their day snoozing on the couch. But don‘t let that fool you – these dogs still need regular physical activity to stay mentally stimulated and at a healthy weight. Bloodhounds especially enjoy long "sniffy walks" where they can follow their nose.

Myth 3: You can tell how big a bloodhound will get by looking at their paws.
While it‘s true that large-breed puppies often have oversized or "clumsy" looking paws, paw size is not a reliable indicator of adult height or weight. The best predictor is still the size of a puppy‘s parents.

Myth 4: Male bloodhounds make better working/tracking dogs than females.
Both male and female bloodhounds can excel at scent work. Temperament, training, and individual ability matter far more than sex when it comes to a dog‘s tracking skills. And for family pets, both males and females make equally loving companions.

Myth 5: It‘s impossible to keep a bloodhound at a healthy weight.
While bloodhounds are certainly food-motivated, it‘s a myth that obesity is inevitable in this breed. With proper diet, portion control, and exercise, bloodhounds can maintain a lean physique well into their senior years.

The Truth About Bloodhounds
Here‘s the bottom line: bloodhounds are big, strong, and yes, sometimes stubborn dogs that require an experienced, committed owner. Raising a bloodhound from puppyhood takes patience, consistency, and a sense of humor.

But for those up to the challenge, bloodhounds reward their people with unwavering loyalty, goofy antics, and sloppy kisses. They greet each day with joy and enthusiasm, even if that enthusiasm gets a little drooly.

No matter their exact size, bloodhounds are gentle giants with an incredible sense of smell and an even bigger heart. They are truly special dogs that leave a huge mark (and maybe a trail of drool) on all who are lucky enough to love them.

I hope this guide has given you a thorough understanding of bloodhound size, growth, and all that goes into raising one of these majestic hounds. While caring for a giant breed dog is a big responsibility, bloodhounds have a way of making every moment worth it.