In honor of the All Breeds Project, I thought it would be fun to do a weekly breed spotlight on the blog this year! My goal has always been to celebrate the diversity of dogs, but also to make sure the humans entrusted to care for them are making informed decisions when picking their companion. While you can read descriptions of breeds many places online, I’ve talked to owners to get a true sense of the breeds. It is my hope to share these and make sure every dog is going to a home that can understand and love them, and that they aren’t just being selected by looks alone.

This week, I’m going to spotlight one of the oldest breeds, tracing all the way back to Medieval Europe and also the first breed that I started with photographing - The Bloodhound!

MEET NELLIE!

The Bloodhound

Living with a Bloodhound means learning to slow down and see the world the way they do. Life is guided by scent first, and everything else second. Owners quickly discover that this is not a breed you rush, redirect, or out-logic, you learn instead to understand, respect, and work alongside their instincts. Essentially, you have to work with them and not against them or you’re going to have a really rough time getting along.

Bred for scent work and tracking, the Bloodhound carries an extraordinary sense of purpose that shows up in everyday life. Despite their size (90-100 lbs.) and unmistakable presence, Bloodhounds are known for their gentleness. They tend to be emotionally sensitive, deeply soulful dogs who form quiet but powerful bonds with their people. Many owners speak about their Bloodhound’s ability to feel the room, to mirror emotion, and to bring a calming, grounding energy to the home.

Life with a Bloodhound requires patience and sometimes a sense of humor. Walks are rarely about distance, and plans are often subject to change once a scent is found. But those who love the breed wouldn’t have it any other way. Bloodhound owners don’t choose this breed for convenience or compliance. They choose them for their depth, their devotion, and the quiet connection that grows when you stop trying to lead every moment and instead learn to follow.

To live with a Bloodhound is to accept a slower pace and a deeper connection. Those who choose this breed do so knowing that the reward isn’t obedience, but a soulful partnership rooted in trust and understanding. For the right person, a Bloodhound is not just a pet, but a companion who teaches patience, empathy, and respect for instinct. Understanding what they were bred to do, and allowing space for that, makes all the difference in building a meaningful life together.

Affection Level: High

Friendliness: High

Kid-Friendly: High

Pet-Friendly: High

Exercise Needs: High (and you need a fenced in area)

Playfulness: Moderate

Energy Level: High

Trainability: Moderate

Intelligence: High

Tendency to Bark: High

Amount of Shedding: Super High (no joke, hounds are the worst at leaving themselves behind in the studio)