Bloodhound Health is our priority
Overall Breed Health
Our breed surveys show the biggest causes of death in bloodhounds are Cancer and Gastric Torsion (Bloat). Both these issues are experienced in all breeds, especially the larger ones.
Skin Conditions
Some skin issues can occur in bloodhounds e.g. Atopic Dermatitis and Eczema, although incidences have been reduced significantly in recent years by careful breeding coupled with modern treatments.
Musculoskeletal (Hip/Elbow Dysplasia)
Although there are some incidences of bad hips and elbows, the bloodhound is generally sounder than many other breeds in these areas, although we need much more information, as the data collected is from a small number of hounds. We actively encourage breeders and owners to participate in the hip and elbow scoring schemes.
Eyes
Bloodhounds can suffer from multi ocular eye issues, mainly related to the eyelid shape, although almost none of them have a genetic test, the KC have now recommended basic BVA eye testing of all breeding stock.
Heart
Heart issues have been seen in the breed, but with the ease of availability of BVA heart testing schemes, its now a simple test that breeders can undertake to ensure they only breed from unaffected hounds.
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COI The current COI (Coefficient of Inbreeding) in bloodhounds, according to the Kennel Club data is 10.00%
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This is meant as a realistic overview of bloodhound health and aims to point out some of the health concerns that have arisen over the years. Much work has been undertaken by the breed clubs and joint health group over a long period of time to improve bloodhound health
. The facts point to the bloodhound being healthier than perceived in some quarters, and a truly dual-purpose breed in terms of there being no division between the working and showing types, as encountered in many other breeds, and you should be able to enjoy life with your hounds for many years
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We are pleased to confirm that The Kennel Club is reclassifying the Bloodhound as a Category 2 breed, effective from 1st January 2025.
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Please see the announcement below from The kennel Club 2024
"This decision reflects the tremendous progress made by the Bloodhound community, while also considering the broader genetic diversity and other challenges facing the breed. Your dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed, and we commend the efforts of the community in reaching this important milestone.
This reclassification means, as of 1st January 2025, Best of Breed winners at General and Group Championship Shows will not be required to undergo a veterinary check before entering the group competition. Additionally, dogs will not need to pass a veterinary health check for their Champion title to be confirmed.
However, we would like to highlight that the reclassification process involved an in-depth evaluation of the new Category 3 criteria.
Although the Bloodhound will move to Category 2, we must advise continued vigilance. The review noted areas that require improvement, particularly the low uptake of conformation-related health testing, specifically for hip and elbow dysplasia. Additionally, concerns regarding temperament were also highlighted. We strongly encourage the breed to continue to make progress in these areas to ensure we see further advancements in the breed’s overall health and welfare. "
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We have our own General Health Assessment and Eye Testing Schemes and hold clinics for both conducted by experts in these fields.
Bloodhound Health Award Scheme: Hounds that have successfully passed through the eye testing and general health schemes may be eligible for Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum awards.
Periodic Health Surveys are undertaken. More details on the Health Award Scheme can be found here
We actively participated in the Animal Health Trust Give a Dog a Genome project.
Karlton Index Breed Health Awards 2013: We were proud to receive the award for the breed making the biggest progress based on data collected between 2011 & 2013. This recognised the health initiatives undertaken by the breed clubs.
Also, In 2008, due to the low population of bloodhounds in the UK, the two breed clubs commissioned the Animal Health Trust to conduct a Population Analysis of the breed. The Report, published in December 2009, showed how well bloodhound Breeders had maintained genetic diversity within a numerically small bred over the last thirty years.