Bloodhound

The Bloodhound descends from the St Hubert hounds bred by Belgian monks over a thousand years ago, brought to England after the Norman Conquest and refined into the world's premier tracking dog. The name refers to blooded, aristocratic breeding rather than anything grisly. Its nose is so reliable that trails it has followed have been accepted as evidence in courts, which is more than most detectives manage.

Bloodhounds are gentle and affectionate, easy-going within the family and generally good with children when introduced calmly. They can be sensitive and a little reserved with strangers, so early, consistent socialisation grows a confident, relaxed adult.

The working instinct means the nose regularly outranks the recall, which makes training a patient, reward-based project. They are stubborn once locked onto a scent rather than difficult by nature, and they dislike long hours alone, tending towards distress and a very carrying voice.

A large, deep-chested breed with real bloat risk does best on two or three measured meals a day, fed at a slower pace with rest either side of exercise. Judge portions by their waistline, because spare weight loads joints already carrying a big frame. Two hands on the ribs tell you more than any chart.

A diet with controlled fat and calories suits most adults, with joint support for the size and skin support for those heavy folds. Puppies belong on a large-breed growth formula fed to keep them lean, because slow, steady growth is what protects the hips and elbows.

Every dog is different — weight, age and activity all shift what a Bloodhound needs. The Food Finder turns these breed tendencies into a shortlist matched to your dog’s age, size, budget and needs.