Labloodhound

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Labloodhound is a large, intelligent breed that is nevertheless loyal and gentle enough to be a good family dog. Descended from the Labrador and the Bloodhound, the labloodhound may show characteristics dominantly of just one breed, or an arbitrary mix of the two.

The Labrador is originally a Newfoundland breed of large dogs used for hunting and retrieving in and around bodies of water. Today, it is one of the most popular breeds, as well-known for its cheerfulness and lively companionship as for its prodigious appetite.

The Bloodhound, sometimes known as St. Hubert's hound or Sleth hound, is actually a scent hound that is renowned for its tracking abilities, so much so that it has become part of regular police searches for missing persons and fleeing criminals. The literature mentions interesting ways of how the breed came by its name, but it is more accurate to say that it has less to do with their scenting abilities than with the fact that their line has been very carefully bred and preserved, and has served as royal packs. Some singularities about the Bloodhound enable it to follow even a cold scent or pick up where a quarry has entered and left a body of water. The markedly larger nasal chambers house some 4 billion olfactory cells (compared to, say, a Labradors' 220 million, or a human's 10 million).

Color

Coat color may be solid, in black, yellow, brown or red. Or it could appear as black on tan, or liver on tan.

Coat

A single coat has straight and wiry fur. An undercoat, if present, would be softer and denser.

Personality

Labloodhounds have a tendency to be assertive and feel the boss of their surroundings. This renders them vulnerable to correction, although in turn, their sensitivity makes them respond very well to gentleness and attention. Puppies and young adults are usually very frisky and may require extended walks or activity to expend extra energy. Their temperament and faithfulness to their owner, however, make them ideal family dogs, although being large dogs, they need to be watched around very young children, as they can unintentionally knock them down. Labloodhounds can have a deep bay, and give voice in the presence of strangers. This makes them ideal watch dogs.

Care

A single coat can be brushed once every other week, but a double coat will increase shedding and will require more care. Bathing once a month or as necessary will be sufficient.

Training

Labloodhounds can exhibit great patience when trained for and given a task. Younger ones might need a firm, consistent hand. Socialization and exposure while still young ensure that the dog does not grow up timid.

Activity

Labloodhounds will thrive best in wide spaces or homes with big backyards. Unleashed walking will allow them to give vent to their tracking instincts and indulge their general curiosity about their surroundings. Daily exercise is recommended, to keep their spirits up and their weight down. To avoid bloat, activity must be done at least an hour from or after mealtimes.