Bloodhound: The Legendary Scent Tracker

Overview

• AKC Height: 23–27 inches
• AKC Weight: 80–110 pounds
• Colors: Black and Tan, Liver and Tan, Red
• Life Expectancy: 10–12 years
• Group: Hound Group

🐾 Quick Facts About the Bloodhound

• Energy Level: Moderate to High — Bloodhounds enjoy long walks, scent work, and outdoor adventures.
• Grooming Needs: Low to Moderate — Their short coat is easy to maintain, though regular ear and skin-fold care is important.
• Good With Kids: Yes — Bloodhounds are generally gentle, affectionate, and patient with families and children.
• Trainability: Moderate — Intelligent but highly scent-driven and independent, they respond best to patient and reward-based training.
• Barking Level: High — Bloodhounds are naturally vocal and may bay loudly while tracking or alerting.

History & Origin

The Bloodhound is one of the oldest and most respected scent hound breeds in the world, with origins tracing back more than a thousand years to medieval Europe. Early ancestors of the breed were developed by monks at the Abbey of Saint-Hubert in present-day Belgium, where carefully maintained breeding programs focused on producing exceptional tracking dogs with remarkable scenting ability and endurance. These dogs became known throughout Europe for their unmatched ability to follow human and animal scent trails over long distances.

The name “Bloodhound” is believed to come from the term “blooded hound,” referring to the breed’s carefully maintained noble bloodlines rather than any aggressive traits. Over time, the breed became highly valued by hunters and nobility throughout France and England for tracking deer, boar, and other game across difficult terrain. Its extraordinary scenting ability eventually also made it useful for tracking missing persons and fugitives.

The Bloodhound’s distinctive physical features all contributed to its effectiveness as a scent-tracking dog. Its long ears help stir and trap scent particles near the nose, while loose facial skin and wrinkles assist in directing scent toward the nostrils during tracking. Combined with a powerful nose and incredible persistence, these characteristics allowed the breed to become one of the most accurate scent-tracking dogs ever developed.

By the 1800s, Bloodhounds were increasingly used in law enforcement and search-and-rescue work because of their remarkable tracking reliability. Courts in some countries even accepted Bloodhound tracking evidence due to the breed’s reputation for accuracy. Modern Bloodhounds continue to serve in police work, search-and-rescue operations, and scent detection around the world.

Many traits seen in modern Bloodhounds still reflect centuries of selective breeding for tracking work. Their powerful nose, determination, endurance, and independent nature are deeply connected to their historic purpose. Beneath the breed’s gentle expression and calm demeanor remains one of the most extraordinary scent-tracking dogs ever created.

Physical Characteristics

The Bloodhound is a large scent hound renowned worldwide for its extraordinary tracking ability, loose wrinkled skin, long ears, and powerful nose. Originally developed in medieval Europe for trailing deer and later refined for tracking people and game, the Bloodhound possesses one of the most advanced scenting abilities of any dog breed. Its physical structure was specifically designed to maximize scent collection and endurance over long distances and difficult terrain.

This breed has a large, muscular frame with heavy bone structure, a deep chest, strong shoulders, and substantial body mass that support stamina and steady movement during extended tracking work. The Bloodhound should appear powerful and noble rather than bulky or clumsy. Despite its size, the breed is capable of impressive endurance and determination while following scent trails.

One of the breed’s most recognizable features is its loose skin and facial wrinkling. The folds around the head and neck help trap scent particles near the nose while tracking. The Bloodhound’s extremely long ears also play a functional role by sweeping scent upward from the ground toward the nose during movement.

The head is large and deeply set with loose skin, long facial folds, and dark deeply expressive eyes that create the breed’s famous solemn and somewhat droopy expression. Their powerful muzzle houses one of the most sensitive scenting systems in the canine world.

The coat is short, dense, and weather-resistant, providing protection during outdoor tracking work while remaining relatively easy to maintain. Common coat colors include black and tan, liver and tan, and red.

The Bloodhound’s tail is carried high when active and helps balance the dog during movement over rough terrain. The breed moves with long, steady, ground-covering strides that reflect endurance and scent-trailing efficiency rather than speed.

Overall, the Bloodhound projects power, determination, scenting capability, endurance, and unmistakable tracking-dog functionality beneath its loose skin and noble appearance.

For a broader comparison of how this breed’s size compares to others, see our Dog Size & Weight Guide.

Temperament & Personality

The Bloodhound is known for being gentle, affectionate, patient, and highly scent-driven. Despite its imposing size and serious working heritage, the breed is often calm and good-natured with family members and generally possesses a kind and emotionally sensitive personality.

With family members, Bloodhounds are usually loving, loyal, and emotionally connected. Many enjoy companionship and prefer remaining near their people throughout the day. Their patient nature often makes them especially gentle with children when properly supervised and socialized.

The breed is generally friendly and sociable with people, including strangers. Bloodhounds are not typically aggressive or naturally suspicious dogs, although their size and deep voice alone can make them imposing.

Like many scent hounds, the Bloodhound is highly independent and strongly driven by scent. Once engaged with an interesting smell, the breed can become remarkably determined and difficult to distract. Their nose frequently overrides commands or environmental distractions during tracking.

Bloodhounds are also known for their deep baying voice. Many vocalize through loud barking, baying, or howling, particularly when excited or following scent trails. Their voice historically helped handlers locate them during tracking work over long distances.

Although generally gentle, Bloodhounds can also be stubborn and somewhat independent in training situations. They were bred to follow scent trails persistently without relying on constant human direction, and that independent thinking remains an important part of the breed’s temperament today.

Because of their scent-driven nature and emotional sensitivity, Bloodhounds often do best with patient owners who understand hound behavior and provide calm consistency rather than forceful correction.

The breed usually gets along relatively well with other dogs due to its pack-working background and often enjoys companionship and social interaction.

In the right home, the Bloodhound becomes an affectionate, entertaining, and deeply devoted companion with extraordinary scenting ability and gentle family temperament.

For a broader overview of personality differences between breed groups, visit our Dog Breed Temperament Guide.

Exercise & Training

The Bloodhound is a moderately active but highly scent-driven breed that requires regular exercise and substantial mental stimulation to remain healthy and emotionally balanced. Although often calm indoors after activity, the breed possesses impressive endurance and determination developed through generations of long-distance tracking work.

Daily walks, outdoor exploration, scent games, and opportunities for controlled tracking activities are important for maintaining both physical and emotional well-being. Bloodhounds especially thrive when allowed to use their powerful nose in productive ways.

Mental stimulation is extremely important because scent work is deeply fulfilling for this breed. Tracking games, scent puzzles, trailing exercises, and exploratory walks provide valuable outlets for natural instincts and help prevent boredom.

Training a Bloodhound requires patience, consistency, and realistic expectations. While intelligent, the breed is highly independent and strongly motivated by scent rather than immediate obedience. Positive reinforcement methods using praise, food rewards, and encouragement generally produce the best results.

Harsh correction or repetitive drilling often leads to stubbornness or reduced cooperation. Bloodhounds typically respond better to calm leadership and engaging training sessions that maintain interest and motivation.

Recall training can be particularly difficult because the breed instinctively follows scent trails once engaged. Secure fencing and leash management are extremely important because many Bloodhounds will ignore commands when focused on tracking.

Early socialization helps encourage confidence and stable behavior around different people, environments, sounds, and animals. Puppies should receive controlled positive exposure to a wide variety of experiences during development.

Because Bloodhounds are large dogs with substantial body weight, maintaining healthy physical condition through moderate exercise and proper nutrition is especially important for long-term joint health.

The breed generally thrives best with owners who appreciate scent-hound behavior and can provide both companionship and mentally enriching activities.

For owners who enjoy patient, affectionate, and highly scent-oriented dogs, the Bloodhound can become an exceptionally rewarding and loyal companion.

Learn more on our Dog Training Page.

Grooming & Coat Care

The Bloodhound’s short dense coat is relatively low-maintenance, but the breed does require consistent skin, ear, and wrinkle care because of its loose skin and heavy facial folds.

Weekly brushing is generally sufficient to remove loose hair, distribute natural oils, and maintain healthy skin and coat condition. Rubber grooming mitts and soft bristle brushes work especially well for maintaining the breed’s smooth coat.

Although the coat itself is easy to care for, the Bloodhound’s loose skin folds require regular attention. Wrinkles around the face and neck should be cleaned and dried routinely to help prevent moisture buildup, irritation, odor, or skin infections.

The breed’s extremely long hanging ears also require especially careful maintenance. Reduced airflow inside the ears may trap moisture, wax, or debris and increase the risk of ear infections. Regular ear cleaning and inspection are essential for maintaining ear health.

Bloodhounds may drool considerably, particularly after eating, drinking, or exercise. Owners often need to clean facial folds and surrounding areas regularly to maintain hygiene and comfort.

Bathing is generally needed occasionally unless the dog becomes especially dirty during outdoor activity or tracking work. Thorough drying of skin folds and ears after bathing is important to help prevent irritation or infection.

Routine grooming should also include nail trimming, dental care, and inspection of the skin and paws for cuts, debris, or parasites after outdoor exploration.

Because of the breed’s large size, loose skin, and active scenting behavior, consistent hygiene and skin care are especially important for long-term comfort and health.

With regular grooming and wrinkle maintenance, the Bloodhound maintains its noble appearance, healthy skin condition, and functional scent-hound capabilities while remaining comfortable and well cared for.

Learn more on our Dog Grooming Page.

Health Overview

The Bloodhound is a powerful, gentle, and highly scent-driven tracking breed known for its unmatched sense of smell, loose wrinkled skin, and calm, affectionate temperament. Originally developed for tracking people and game over long distances, the Bloodhound is generally considered a hardy and capable working breed, but like many giant and large-breed dogs, it can still be prone to several important inherited and structural health concerns. Understanding common Bloodhound health problems and recommended breeder health testing can help puppy buyers make more informed decisions when selecting a healthy puppy. Because this breed combines a large body structure, deep chest, loose skin, long ears, and substantial physical strength, maintaining healthy joints, skin condition, ear health, cardiovascular wellness, and proper body weight is especially important throughout the dog’s life.

Health issues sometimes seen in Bloodhounds may include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat), entropion, ectropion, ear infections, skin fold infections, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, and obesity-related joint stress. Some individuals may also develop orthopedic strain or arthritis later in life due to the breed’s heavy body structure and years of physical activity. Because the Bloodhound’s loose skin and long hanging ears can trap moisture and debris, chronic skin irritation and ear infections may become recurring concerns if preventive care is neglected. Like many deep-chested breeds, the Bloodhound may also be vulnerable to gastric torsion, a potentially life-threatening emergency requiring immediate veterinary treatment. While not every Bloodhound will develop these conditions, understanding the breed’s health tendencies allows owners to make better long-term decisions regarding breeding, grooming, exercise, nutrition, and preventive veterinary care.

Health Testing & Responsible Breeding

Responsible Bloodhound breeders should perform appropriate health screenings before breeding in order to reduce the likelihood of inherited conditions being passed to future generations. Many puppy buyers are encouraged to ask about health testing, but they are often unsure which evaluations are most important for this breed. In the Bloodhound, careful attention to orthopedic, eye, skin, and overall structural health is especially valuable.

Buyers should ask whether the sire and dam have completed OFA hip and elbow evaluations and ophthalmologist-performed eye examinations. Responsible breeders may also discuss skin health, orthopedic longevity, thyroid disease, epilepsy concerns, and overall working soundness within their bloodlines. Some breeders may additionally monitor for eye abnormalities such as entropion and ectropion, which can affect long-term comfort and eye health.

At this time, Bloodhound breeder health testing relies primarily on veterinary evaluations, orthopedic screening, eye certification, and long-term pedigree knowledge rather than a large number of breed-specific DNA panels alone. However, responsible breeders should still be willing to openly discuss inherited health concerns within their breeding program and explain the purpose of any testing they perform. Ethical breeders understand that preserving the Bloodhound involves much more than maintaining scenting ability or appearance — it also includes protecting healthy movement, stable temperament, skin health, and long-term wellness.

Before Bloodhound puppies are placed into new homes, they should receive a complete veterinary wellness examination that evaluates the heart, eyes, ears, skin condition, joints, bite alignment, parasite status, overall structure, and general physical development. Because giant-breed puppies grow rapidly and place significant stress on developing bones and joints, proper nutrition and carefully managed exercise during puppyhood are especially important. Puppies should also leave with age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming records, feeding guidance, and recommendations for safe exercise, grooming, and socialization during development.

A responsible Bloodhound breeder should willingly provide documentation of completed health clearances and openly discuss inherited health concerns affecting the breed. Puppy buyers should be cautious of breeders who avoid health discussions, refuse to provide testing information, or claim their dogs are completely free of health problems. Ethical breeding focuses on reducing inherited risk through careful selection, health screening, pedigree knowledge, and lifelong breeder support rather than making unrealistic promises.

Preventive Care & Long-Term Wellness

Maintaining healthy body condition is especially important for the Bloodhound because excess weight places additional strain on the hips, elbows, knees, spine, and cardiovascular system. Although naturally large and powerful, Bloodhounds should remain lean and properly conditioned rather than overweight. Balanced nutrition, controlled growth during puppyhood, and regular moderate exercise all help support long-term orthopedic health and mobility.

Routine ear care and skin maintenance are also extremely important for this breed. The Bloodhound’s long hanging ears and loose facial skin can trap moisture, dirt, and bacteria more easily than tighter-coated breeds. Regular ear cleaning and monitoring of skin folds may help reduce the risk of chronic infections, irritation, odor, or hot spots.

Because the Bloodhound is highly scent-driven and naturally determined when following odors, mental stimulation and scent-based activities are also important for emotional wellness. Tracking games, scent work, long walks, and supervised outdoor exploration help satisfy the breed’s natural instincts while supporting physical and mental health.

Because the Bloodhound is a deep-chested breed, owners should also learn the warning signs of bloat and gastric torsion, including abdominal swelling, pacing, drooling, unsuccessful vomiting attempts, and sudden distress. Immediate emergency veterinary treatment is critical if these symptoms occur. Some owners discuss preventive gastropexy surgery with their veterinarian, particularly if another abdominal procedure is already planned.

Routine veterinary examinations throughout adulthood and senior years remain important for monitoring joint stability, eye health, skin condition, thyroid function, mobility, cardiovascular wellness, and overall quality of life. Early detection of developing health concerns often allows for more successful long-term management and improved outcomes.

Lifespan & Senior Bloodhound Care

The Bloodhound often lives approximately 10 to 12 years when responsibly bred and properly cared for. Senior Bloodhounds may gradually develop arthritis, reduced stamina, hearing decline, vision changes, muscle loss, or decreased mobility as they age. Some older dogs may also become more prone to stiffness after exercise or chronic skin and ear issues during the senior years.

As Bloodhounds enter their senior years, many owners focus on maintaining moderate low-impact exercise, healthy weight management, joint support, supportive bedding, regular skin and ear care, and routine wellness monitoring. Because the breed is naturally affectionate and emotionally connected to its family, continued companionship and gentle interaction remain especially important throughout life.

With attentive care, preventive veterinary support, responsible breeding, and a healthy lifestyle, many Bloodhounds continue to thrive as loyal, affectionate, and highly capable companions throughout their lives.

Is the Bloodhound Dog Breed Right for You?

The Bloodhound is a gentle, determined, and highly scent-driven tracking breed known for its exceptional nose, affectionate personality, and impressive tracking ability. Originally developed for scent trailing over long distances, the Bloodhound thrives when given regular exercise, companionship, and opportunities to use its natural instincts.

While loving and easygoing with family members, the Bloodhound is not the ideal fit for every household. Here’s a quick overview to help you decide:

✔ Ideal for:

• Active owners who enjoy outdoor activities and scent-based work
• Families seeking a gentle and affectionate giant-breed companion
• Homes with secure fenced areas for safe exercise
• Owners willing to manage grooming, drooling, and ear care
• People interested in tracking, scent work, or working hounds

❌ Not Ideal for:

• People wanting a highly obedient off-leash companion
• Homes unable to provide regular exercise and structure
• Owners unprepared for drooling, ear care, and grooming maintenance
• People seeking a low-maintenance or highly independent breed
• Homes where the dog will frequently be left alone for long periods

Where to Find a Bloodhound

If you’re interested in bringing a dog of this breed into your home, consider adopting from a rescue organization or finding a reputable breeder.

Find a Reliable Rescue:

Read our page about how to adopt from a reliable dog rescue.

Find reliable rescues through our Dog Rescue Directory.

Find a Responsible Breeder:

Read our information page about buying a healthy puppy from a responsible breeder.

Find responsible breeders through our Dog Breeders Directory.

Puppy Considerations

Bloodhound puppies are curious, affectionate, and highly scent-oriented from an early age. Early socialization and positive reinforcement training are important to help puppies develop confidence, emotional stability, and good manners.

Because these puppies mature into very large and determined adults, early leash training and consistent structure are especially important. Their natural scenting instincts become increasingly strong as they grow older.

Puppies benefit from:

• Early socialization with people, dogs, sounds, and environments
• Positive reinforcement training and consistent routines
• Controlled exercise appropriate for giant-breed development
• Scent games, tracking exercises, and mentally stimulating activities
• Regular handling for grooming, ear cleaning, and veterinary care

Because Bloodhound puppies grow rapidly, owners should work closely with their veterinarian regarding nutrition, growth management, and safe activity levels during development.

Living With a Bloodhound

Living with a Bloodhound is often rewarding for owners who appreciate gentle, affectionate, and scent-driven dogs. These dogs generally form strong bonds with their families and often enjoy being involved in outdoor activities and daily routines.

The Bloodhound requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to remain healthy and emotionally balanced. Many enjoy scent work, tracking games, hiking, long walks, and opportunities to safely explore outdoor environments.

This breed generally does best in homes where it receives companionship, structure, and opportunities to use its natural scenting abilities. Without enough engagement or exercise, boredom may lead to stubborn behavior, excessive vocalization, or destructive habits.

Although affectionate and calm with family members, Bloodhounds may naturally follow scents without hesitation. Secure fencing and leash safety are extremely important because scent hounds can become highly focused once they pick up an interesting trail.

Feeding a balanced, high-quality diet and maintaining a healthy weight are important for supporting joint health, mobility, muscle condition, and long-term wellness. Routine veterinary care, grooming, exercise, ear care, skin maintenance, and companionship all contribute to helping the breed thrive.

Final Thoughts…

The Bloodhound is a gentle, determined, and highly capable tracking breed that thrives with owners who appreciate the instincts and personality of traditional scent hounds. Their remarkable nose, affectionate nature, and loyal temperament make them unforgettable companions in the right homes.

With proper exercise, socialization, preventive care, training, and companionship, the Bloodhound can become a deeply devoted and highly rewarding lifelong companion.

Are you considering adding a Bloodhound to your family?

🐶 Bloodhound FAQs

How long do Bloodhounds live?

Bloodhounds typically have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. With proper nutrition, regular veterinary care, and careful weight management, many live healthy lives. Because they are a large breed with heavy bones, joint health and maintaining a healthy weight are especially important.

What is the Bloodhound temperament like?

Bloodhounds are known for being gentle, patient, and determined. They are affectionate with their families and generally good-natured, but when following a scent they can become very focused and independent. Their calm demeanor at home contrasts with their intense tracking drive outdoors.

Are Bloodhounds good family dogs?

Yes, Bloodhounds can make good family dogs in the right household. They are typically tolerant and gentle with children and enjoy companionship. Due to their size and strength, supervision around young children is recommended, and they do best in homes that can provide space and daily exercise.

Do Bloodhounds shed a lot?

Bloodhounds are moderate shedders. Their short, dense coat is fairly easy to maintain with weekly brushing. Regular ear cleaning is especially important due to their long, floppy ears, which can be prone to infections if not properly cared for.

Are Bloodhounds easy to train?

Bloodhounds are intelligent but can be very independent, especially when their nose is engaged. Training requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Early training and socialization are essential, particularly for leash manners and recall.

🐕 Related Breeds You Might Like

If you’re interested in the Bloodhound, you may also enjoy learning about these similar scent hound breeds:

• Basset Hound – A lower-energy scent hound with a gentle temperament and strong tracking instincts.

• Black and Tan Coonhound – An athletic scent hound known for determination, endurance, and a friendly nature.

• English Foxhound – A classic pack hound valued for stamina, sociability, and excellent scenting ability.

🐾 Lisa’s Picks for Bloodhounds

As someone who has worked with dogs for over 50 years—including more than 20 years helping with housebreaking and everyday care—I’m often asked for product recommendations. I’ve found that a few simple items can make a big difference in a dog’s comfort and daily routine.

If you have a Bloodhound or are planning to bring one into your home, these products and tips can help support your journey together.

🛏️ 1. Dog Beds

👉 My Tip:  Waterproof Bed Protection (My Personal Favorite Trick)

One thing I personally do is use twin-size waterproof mattress covers over larger dog beds. They’re easy to wash, protect the bed beneath, and save money long-term—especially helpful for puppies, seniors, or heavy shedders. You can find different colors and patterns that fit your decor.

For tiny dog beds, you can use waterproof pillow covers that fit over the beds to protect them and save money long-term.

I use the same idea around the house, too. Washable, waterproof couch covers are a simple way to protect furniture from dirt, shedding, and accidents—especially helpful with puppies, seniors, or dogs that love the couch.

* Orthopedic Foam Dog Beds:
A high-quality orthopedic bed is one of the best investments you can make for your dog. I recommend these for every breed, once they are out of the chewing stage, especially as they age. They provide joint support, improve comfort, and help dogs truly rest.

* Tough Dog Beds for Dogs That Chew:
If your dog tends to chew or destroy their bedding, a standard plush bed may not last long. In these cases, I recommend tough, chew-resistant dog beds made with reinforced materials.
These are designed to hold up better against digging, scratching, and chewing, and can save you from constantly replacing beds. While no bed is completely indestructible, choosing a more durable option can make a big difference.

* Puppies need Simple Washable Bedding:
For young puppies that are still learning house training, I often suggest starting with simple, washable blankets instead of an expensive dog bed.
Thick towels, fleece throws, or washable pads work very well during this stage. They’re easy to clean, quick to replace, and help protect your main dog beds until your puppy is more reliable. Once house training is more consistent, you can transition to a more permanent, supportive bed.

✂️ 2. Proper Grooming Tools for the Bloodhound Coat

Bloodhounds have a short, dense coat that is fairly easy to maintain, but regular grooming helps keep it healthy and looking its best.

A bristle brush or rubber grooming brush works well to remove loose hair and keep the coat clean, while a grooming mitt can help distribute natural oils and maintain a healthy shine. A metal comb can be used lightly for detail work if needed.

Bloodhounds are moderate shedders, and regular brushing helps control loose hair. It’s also important to pay special attention to their loose skin folds and long ears, keeping them clean and dry to help maintain good skin health.

Regular brushing:

• Helps prevent mats
• Reduces shedding
• Keeps the coat healthy

🦴 3. Treats (Great for All Dogs)

• Jerky Treats for Dogs: Almost all dogs love soft, easy-to-break NATURAL jerky treats. They’re perfect for rewarding good behavior without overfeeding. Soft jerky treats provide protein and are easy to chew.
  
  
• Tiny Treats for Small Dogs
  For small dogs, I recommend using very tiny, NATURAL training treats that are soft and easy to chew. This lets you reward often without overfeeding.

• Stronger Chew Treats for Larger Dogs
  Dogs that enjoy a more robust chewing experience will benefit from stronger chew treats. Some larger dogs may still go through them quickly, while others will take more time—so it often depends on the individual dog.

👉 My Tip: Check Ingredient Labels

I always recommend checking the ingredient label when choosing treats at the store. Dogs don’t need added sugar or artificial ingredients, and some treats can upset their stomach or cause diarrhea. Look for all-natural ingredient labels, and single ingredient or few ingredient labels are preferred.

It’s important to note that even among the same breed, some dogs enjoy chewing more than others, and many have preferences for certain types of chews. If you notice bleeding gums during chewing, it’s a good idea to have your dog examined by a veterinarian to rule out any dental issues.

🧠 4. Enrichment Toys for Mental Stimulation

Bloodhounds are inquisitive, so giving them something to do is important.

An enrichment toy can help:

• Prevent boredom
• Reduce unwanted behaviors
• Keep their mind engaged

When choosing an enrichment toy, think about your dog’s personality and needs. Some dogs love puzzle toys and mental challenges, while others are happier with something they can chew or carry around.

🐕 5. Safe, Comfortable Harness, Collar & Leash

From my experience, choosing the right walking gear can make a big difference in both safety and control. Some harnesses and collars are designed to help prevent dogs from slipping out, which is especially important for strong or easily startled dogs, and those are the types I personally recommend for safety.

Harness: A quality, comfortable properly fitted harness can make walks more comfortable and easier to manage—especially for dogs that tend to pull or get excited outdoors. If you have a dog that tries to wiggle out of their harness, search for an “escape proof” harness that has an extra strap towards the back.

Collar: I use and prefer safety martingale collars, as they can help prevent dogs from backing out of their collar while still being more gentle than traditional collars when used correctly.

Leash: Choose a lightweight leash for small dogs and a sturdier, heavier leash for larger dogs to ensure good control. Nylon leashes are strong and long-lasting. Some leashes also include a comfortable padded handle.

👉 My Tip: Avoid Retractable Leashes

I don’t recommend retractable leashes, as they can break and tangle easily and create safety issues and tripping hazards.

💡 Lisa’s Tip:

You don’t need a lot of products to care for a dog well… just the right ones. Focus on comfort, consistency, and routine, and you’ll make life easier for both you and your dog.

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Learn more about responsible dog ownership, dog health and daily care:

• Dog Rescue: Adopt a Dog Only From Reliable Rescues
• Choosing a Healthy Puppy from a Dog Breeder
• Healthy Diets
• Bathing, Ear, Teeth and Nail Care
• Senior Dog Guide
• Browse all dog breeds in our complete alphabetical dog breeds directory.