How Much Does A Bloodhound Dog Cost?

Last Updated on May 14, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

With their strong tracking instincts and droopy features, Bloodhounds make for loyal and lovable pets. However, despite their gentle nature, Bloodhounds require extensive care and preparation from owners.

All costs must be carefully considered before deciding if one of these large hounds is the right fit for your budget and lifestyle. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the expenses of welcoming one of these sweet-faced pups into your home.

We’ll provide typical price ranges for purchasing or adopting a Bloodhound, outline initial vet fees and supply costs, break down ongoing monthly and annual expenses for food, healthcare, training and more, and give budgeting tips for affording a Bloodhound’s extensive needs.

With this information, you can make an informed choice based on your financial readiness before bringing home one of these noble hounds.

How Much Does A Bloodhound Dog Cost?

A Bloodhound dog costs from $500 to $4,000, just for the purchase and adoption fees, while the lifetime expenses exceed $20,000, meaning that owning a Bloodhound is a serious financial commitment. The starting point for Bloodhound ownership is either purchasing a puppy from a breeder or adopting an adult dog. Typical costs are:

Purchasing a Puppy

• Pet quality from a breeder – $800 to $1,200
• Show quality from a top breeder – $1,500 to $4,000

Factors impacting price are the puppy’s bloodline, the breeder’s reputation, and location.

Adopting an Adult Bloodhound

• From a shelter or rescue – $150 to $500
• May be mixed breed or purebred

Puppies allow for early training and socialization but require more time initially. Adult dogs often come already housebroken and with established temperaments. Either way, be sure to thoroughly research sources.

According to the Dogbreedslist website, the average cost of a Bloodhound puppy from a reputable breeder in the US ranges from $700 to $1,200, with some top-quality Bloodhound puppies priced as high as $2,000 and upward. The price of a Bloodhound puppy can vary based on factors such as the pup’s age, sex, quality, pedigree, and the breeder’s location.

Hepper notes that Bloodhound puppy price ranges from $500 to $2,500 or more. Initial setup and supplies typically cost between $100 and $500 or more. Medications and vet visits can range from $20 to $100 or more per month, resulting in a total monthly cost of $75 to $200 or more.

SpiritDog Training states that the average price for a Bloodhound puppy is $450 to $1,200, with an average of $750. First-year expenses can amount to up to $3,000, while the annual cost after the first year is approximately $1,800.

Initial Vet Care and Supplies

Once you bring home your new Bloodhound, initial expenses will include:

Medical Needs

• Spaying/neutering – $100 to $500
• Microchipping – $25 to $50
• Vaccinations – $75 to $200
• Deworming – $25 to $100
• Initial exam & diagnostic tests – $200 to $400

Essential Supplies

• Crate – $75 to $300
• Dog bed – $25 to $200
• Bowls – $10 to $50
• Collar & leash – $25 to $100
• ID tag – $10 to $20
• Dog food – $25 to $50 to start

Total initial costs often range from $800 to $2,000. Having an emergency vet fund of $1,000 to $5,000 is strongly advised as well.

Monthly and Annual Care Costs

Caring for a Bloodhound has many ongoing expenses:

Quality Food

• Dry kibble – $50 to $100 per month
• Treats – $20 to $40 per month

A high protein, grain-free diet supports joint health.

Veterinary Needs

• Annual exam & vaccines – $200 to $500
• Heartworm & flea prevention – $150 to $300 per year
• Pain management or allergy medications if needed – $50 to $200 per month

Bloodwork may be recommended periodically to monitor health.

Grooming

• Bathing every 1-2 months – $40 to $100 per bath
• Nail trims & ear cleaning – $40 per month

Most grooming can be done at home.

Training & Exercise

• Obedience classes – $150 to $500 for puppy and advanced training
• Interactive toys – $15 to $40 per toy
• Walks, playtime, enrichment – 30min to 2 hours daily

You might also like our articles about the cost of Norwegian Elkhounds, Pharaoh Hounds, or Basset Hounds.

Lifetime training helps ensure good behavior.

Annual costs for food, basic healthcare, grooming and supplies typically total $1,500 to $4,000. Potential emergencies or major illnesses increase this further.

Long-Term Healthcare Considerations

Some conditions to budget for over a Bloodhound’s 8–10-year lifespan include:

• Ear infections – $200 to $500 per infection
• Joint dysplasia – $2,000 to $4,000 if surgery needed
• Cancer – $3,000+ for treatment
• Allergies or digestive issues – $1,500+ per year for specialty foods and medications

As seniors, extra veterinary care, medications, supplements and mobility aids may be necessary.

Purchasing pet insurance can provide peace of mind by capping expenses for covered conditions. Premium pet insurances average $30 to $150 monthly.

Tips for Affording a Bloodhound

There are a number of ways to save money when budgeting for a Bloodhound’s expenses and make pet care more affordable. One tip is to adopt a mixed breed or adult dog instead of purchasing a purebred puppy, which can save significantly on the initial costs.

You can also save by buying food and supplies in bulk when they go on sale, splitting large bags of kibble with friends, or using auto-delivery subscriptions for routine items like flea medications to get discounts. Using preventative veterinary care like vaccines, dental cleanings, and heartworm prevention will help avoid costly illnesses down the road.

Consider signing up for pet insurance while dogs are still young and healthy, as this can cap expenses later in life for emergencies, injuries, or chronic conditions.

Investing in training classes early on results in a better-behaved dog that won’t destroy items and require expensive replacements.

You can also save on grooming by bathing and brushing your Bloodhound at home between professional grooms.

Checking local shelters, rescues, training clubs and veterinary clinics for lower cost services available in your community can uncover great savings opportunities as well. With some savvy shopping and preventative planning, caring for a Bloodhound can be made more affordable long-term.

Conclusion

In total, the average lifetime cost of owning a Bloodhound ranges from $15,000 to $30,000, with the biggest expenses being food, healthcare, training, and initial purchase or adoption fees. While Bloodhounds make wonderful, loyal pets, they require significant time, effort and financial commitment from owners.

Carefully considering if your budget can handle the long-term costs involved allows you to make a well-informed decision before welcoming one of these sweet hounds into your home and heart.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to look for when buying a Bloodhound?

When purchasing a Bloodhound puppy, be sure to buy from a responsible breeder. Look for health clearances on the parents, a clean breeding facility, and a commitment to breed standards. Visit several times to interact with puppies and parents. Also ensure you can afford the purchase price and lifetime care costs.

How much does a Bloodhound need to eat?

The average adult Bloodhound needs 1,100 to 1,700 calories per day split into two or three meals of high-quality dry kibble. They should have access to fresh water at all times. Feeding a large breed dog formula supports joint health. Expect to spend $50 to $100 per month on food.

How many types of Bloodhounds are there?

There are not different types of Bloodhounds. The AKC recognizes just one Bloodhound breed which originated in Europe as hunting dogs able to track scents over long distances. Some breeders may market unusual color patterns, but there is just one true Bloodhound breed. Their most distinctive feature is the long, wrinkly face helping capture scents.