Bloodhound

Their loose lips hang in deep pendulous flews, and saliva collects there instead of staying in the mouth. When the dog shakes its head, drinks or smells food, that saliva is released, often in long strings. It is normal for the breed and cannot be trained away. Owners keep towels handy, wipe the lips after drinking and choose wipe-clean surfaces near the water bowl.

Only in a securely fenced area. A Bloodhound that picks up a scent becomes absorbed in following it and can cover several kilometers, crossing roads without noticing traffic. Even well-trained individuals rarely respond to recall once trailing. A 10 meter long line clipped to a harness gives freedom to sniff in open spaces while keeping your dog safe.

Yes. Police and search teams in several countries use Bloodhounds to follow a specific missing or wanted person from a scent article. Their trailing results have been accepted in court in the United States. Today many handlers train the breed for mantrailing, finding lost children, older people with dementia and hikers, sometimes following trails that are more than a day old.

They bark less than many breeds, but they bay, a deep, drawn-out howl that carries a long distance. Baying often happens when the dog finds an interesting scent, hears sirens or is left alone and bored. Neighbors in close housing may notice it. Plenty of scent-based exercise and gradually building up time alone reduce baying caused by boredom.

Generally, yes. They are tolerant and affectionate with family members, including children. Size is the main concern: a playful 45 kg adolescent can knock over a toddler without meaning to, and the swinging tail sits at a small child's face height. They suit families with children over about six who can learn to stay calm around a big, clumsy dog.