Bloodhound Prices in 2023: Purchase Cost, Vet Bills, and More!

As sharp as a whip and as brave as a lion, bloodhounds are becoming more and more popular with each passing year. This breed is equally as affectionate as they are independent, and they mesh well with a wide variety of family dynamics for this reason. Those who have chosen to purchase or adopt a bloodhound are in for a real treat. Today, we’ll dive into the cost of bloodhounds in 2023, discuss some potential expenses associated with bringing one home, and provide tips to make this process as smooth as possible.

How Much Does a Bloodhound Puppy Cost?

The cost of a bloodhound puppy will vary depending on a few factors. Your location, the reputation of your breeder, and the pedigree of the dog will all influence the final purchase price. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay between $500 and $1200. Bloodhounds who are bred to be show dogs will fall towards the higher end of the range, and those who are destined to be companion animals will be more affordable.

If these prices are out of your budget, don’t panic. Adoption is always an option, and it helps make the world a better place as well. Visiting your local animal rescue or shelter may prove to be fruitful, as bloodhounds can be found there every so often. This beloved breed goes fast, so be sure to check in frequently to see if any are available. If you’re leaning more toward this option, prices are much lower. Adopting a bloodhound can cost between $50 and $300.

Other Factors That Influence the Purchase Price of a Bloodhound

Those who are seeking a bloodhound with special coloration may have to pay slightly more than those who don’t have a preference. Red bloodhounds are the rarest variation, and finding a breeder for this color may be difficult. The scarcity may influence the final purchase price of your bloodhound. Microchipping is also essential when bringing your bloodhound home. Puppies are very energetic and full of life, and someday, they may become too excited and run out the door. If your puppy becomes lost, someone who finds it can bring it to the vet to scan its microchip. This will help them reunite you with ease. This will cost about $50.

If your bloodhound happens to be the first dog in your home you’ll also need to hit the pet store and get some supplies. Items such as a dog bed, a leash and collar, grooming supplies, toys, and a crate will be essential later on. The cost for this can vary, so it’s best to save an additional $300 just to be safe. Luckily, many of these items will last a long time, and some of these expenses will be one-time only.

Cost of Vaccination and Other Medical Expenses for Bloodhounds

Depending on where you get your bloodhound puppy from, some medical expenses may be covered. If you’re purchasing from a breeder, it is likely that they will pay for the initial round of vaccinations for your puppy. In addition, if you purchase your bloodhound beyond a certain age, they may come neutered or spayed as well, although this is less common. In the event these expenses aren’t covered, you can expect to pay about $50 to $100 for the initial set of shots. Any additional boosters will cost about $40. The price of neutering and spaying varies depending on your location and the specific practice you bring your puppy to. Generally speaking, this procedure will cost between $100 and $300.

Taking your bloodhound for an initial health screening is incredibly important. If you purchase your puppy from a reputable breeder, there may not be as much to worry about. However, if you find your bloodhound at a rescue or shelter, their medical history will not be known. Taking them in for a check-up after you bring them home will give you peace of mind, which is priceless.

Cost of Food and Supplies for a Bloodhound

Bloodhounds are a large dog breed, and adults will weigh between 90 and 110 pounds depending on their gender. That being said, a dog of this size will eat a lot of food. Depending on the kind of diet you want to feed your bloodhound, costs can vary. Bloodhounds will eat about 30 pounds of food per month which will cost about $40. This price does not factor in the cost of wet food or dog treats. However, if you want to feed your bloodhound a specialized diet, costs can rise.

Raw diets have become popular in recent years. The goal is to provide your dog with food that would closely resemble their diet if they were out in the wild. Feeding your bloodhound meat, bones, organs, some vegetables, and nutrient supplements can provide them with many health benefits. Although this option is a bit more pricey, and the monthly cost will be roughly $75 to $125. If your bloodhound has special medical needs, their diet may need to be specialized as well. Prescription diets can be very expensive, and depending on your dog’s needs, they can cost as much as $150 to $200 monthly.

How Much Does It Cost to Insure a Bloodhound

Those who purchase their bloodhound from a reputable breeder will likely be offered a health guarantee. This is a promise from the breeder that their puppies are perfectly healthy to the best of their knowledge, and are not at risk of genetic disease. If your puppy does receive a diagnosis covered by this agreement, you’ll be eligible for a refund. However, these promises don’t last a lifetime. Often, your bloodhound will age out of this around three years of age. When this happens, it’s time to start looking for alternative options. Pet insurance is an excellent contingency plan.

The monthly cost to insure your bloodhound will vary depending on factors like your location, their age and medical history, and the comprehensiveness of the package you purchase. On average, the price will be between $25 and $60. Although some breeders offer health guarantees for their puppies, those who adopt their bloodhound will not have this safety net. In this situation, pet insurance is essential and should be sought out quickly after bringing them home. Having pet insurance will greatly relieve your stress in the event of a medical emergency.

How Much Does It Cost to Train a Bloodhound

Bloodhounds have stubborn streaks, and training them at a young age is important. When bloodhounds are puppies, their brains are like sponges and will absorb new information easily. Despite this, they may be too playful to maintain focus on a training session. If this is the case, keep some treats on hand to motivate their success. This may encourage them to stay engaged with the lesson.

If you find that training your bloodhound is too time-consuming, bringing them to classes is another option. Depending on where you live, the availability of professional dog training schools will vary. Prices range between $35 and $50 per class. It’s recommended to take your puppy to one per week for a few months so their understanding can become solidified.

Final Thoughts

Bloodhounds are even-tempered, gentle giants who can thrive in a variety of households. They get along great with children and other animals and dedicate themselves entirely to their families. It is paramount that you’re sure that you have enough time, energy, and money to provide them with the best quality of life possible before bringing them home. Bloodhounds are hardy dogs who can live for up to 12 years, so welcoming one into your home is a long-term commitment.