How much exercise does a Bloodhound need?
Daily exercise minutes, the activities a Bloodhound enjoys and signs of too much or too little.
Around 60 to 90 minutes a day is right for most adults, ideally as long, slow walks where the dog is allowed to sniff. Speed matters less than scent: a 40-minute trail following a family member's path through a park will tire a Bloodhound more than an hour of brisk walking. Mantrailing, a sport where dogs follow a specific person's trail on a long line, suits the breed perfectly and is offered by clubs across Europe and North America.
Keep walks on lead or on a long line in any unfenced space, because a Bloodhound on a fresh trail will not hear you. They tire in heat and should walk in the cooler parts of summer days. Signs of too little exercise include baying, digging and escape attempts; stiffness or lameness after a long outing suggests the session was too much for that dog.
Bloodhound exercise in numbers
Activity ranges are editorial planning estimates. The five-minutes-per-month puppy rule lacks scientific evidence. Adapt activity to the individual and seek advice for pain or exercise difficulty. PDSA puppy exercise guidance.
Editorial activity estimate
60 to 90 min
Puppy activity
Individual plan
adapt to age, health and development
Senior activity
Individual plan
adapt to comfort and ability
Size
giant
40 to 54 kg
Energy level
Playfulness
Handles heat
Handles cold