Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally around 10 to 12 years, which is consistent for a large to very large dog. Well-managed growth, controlled weight and regular veterinary follow-up help preserve its mobility and comfort over the years.
Build
A robust breed?
The breed is hardy and capable of working for a long time, notably on track, but it is not free from fragilities. Its skin, its ears, its eyes and its joints deserve constant attention, in particular in heavy subjects or those insufficiently maintained.
Watch points
What to watch for
Regular monitoring helps limit the impact of the most common problems in the breed. Hygiene of the skin folds, checking the drooping ears, weight management, and attention paid to the eyes and locomotion are essential throughout the dog's life.
Entropion : The eyelid margin rolls inward and irritates the cornea, which may require prompt veterinary care.
Ectropion : The lower eyelid is too lax, exposing the eye to irritation, conjunctivitis, and chronic discomfort.
Hip dysplasia : As in other large dogs, poor joint congruence can lead to lameness, pain, and osteoarthritis.
Skin fold dermatitis : Moisture and friction in skin folds promote redness, bad odors, and infections if hygiene is insufficient.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus : The risk exists in giant, deep-chested dogs and requires splitting meals and avoiding exertion just before and after eating.
Otitis : Its long, drooping ears retain moisture and can promote inflammation of the ear canal.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Thanks to its dense coat, the Chien de Saint Hubert generally tolerates cool weather and humidity better than high heat. In summer, outings should be preferred during mild hours, shade should be ensured, and intense exertion should be avoided in hot weather.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
This breed shows a tendency to gain weight and must stay slim to spare its joints. An adjusted ration, regular weigh-ins and well-controlled treats are particularly important in this large dog that is readily greedy.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Inspect and clean the ears every week.
- Dry and monitor the skin folds to prevent irritation.
- Consult promptly in case of a red, watery, or painful eye.
- Maintain regular activity without joint overload during growth.
Vaccination
Bloodhound vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Bloodhound? Like all dogs, the Bloodhound receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for Bloodhound is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on its lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All pets |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughLifestyle-based Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisLifestyle-based Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseLifestyle-based Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisLifestyle-based Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Bloodhound vaccine boosters are annual for leptospirosis and rabies; for distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your dog’s actual risk.
Which boosters for your Bloodhound?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Bloodhound
Ophthalmological follow-up, an orthopedic examination, and monitoring of the skin and ears are recommended. In breeding dogs as in young adults, hip evaluation and attention paid to the eyelids help to detect early the problems most relevant to the breed.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
