Are Bloodhounds Good With Children?

Bloodhounds are known for their excellent sense of smell and dedicated hunting techniques. They are often used as search and rescue dogs, as well as searching for criminals. Because of their affectionate natures and willingness to please their owners, they are also seen as good family pets.

  1. Temperament

    • For the most part bloodhounds are patient, gentle, and affectionate. They are protective of their home and family and are good with children. Some are so tolerant of kids that they will even allow them to climb on them or pull on their droopy facial skin. When excited, however, they can become energetic and "jumpy," which may make them hard for children to handle. They can also be possessive of items they considered "theirs," such as food and water dishes and toys. They may nip or growl at children that come too close to these items.

    Size

    • Bloodhounds are large dogs. Full-grown males weigh between 90 and 110 pounds and stand at 25 to 27 inches in height at the shoulder. Females are slightly smaller, weighing between 80 and 100 pounds and standing at 23 to 25 inches in height. Children may have difficulties restraining these dogs if they decide to go after a scent or another animal.

    Maturity

    • While bloodhounds mellow when they reach full maturity, they can be very rambunctious when young. Because of their large size, they may harm smaller children by playing too rough with them at this stage. Interactions between kids and bloodhounds under two years of age should be closely monitored for the safety of all.

    Training

    • Bloodhounds can be willful if they are not trained properly. They need commands from someone who is firm but not heavy-handed. They also need to have consistency or they will not necessarily pay attention. Children need to be taught how to work with them in the proper way, and without resorting to screaming, yelling or hitting, since they may not be able to get the dogs to listen to them.