How much exercise does a Bloodhound need?

By Tyler Polk, founder of PupnikUpdated September 24, 2026How we calculate

Most adult Bloodhounds need about 60–90 minutes of exercise a day, split into 2 walks, plus a play or training session.

HighEnergy

2–4.5 miDaily distance

ModerateHeat tolerance

ModerateCold tolerance

Get a plan for your Bloodhound's exact age with the walk calculator.

Why Bloodhounds need this much exercise

Bloodhounds have the most famous nose in the dog world. They were bred to follow a scent trail for miles, and they still do it for search teams today.

Bloodhound exercise by age

Life stage	Daily exercise	How to split it
Puppy (2–12 months)	5 min per month of age, per walk	Up to 2 short walks, plus free play
Adult	60–90 min	2 walks, plus a play or training session
Senior (7+ years)	30–70 min	2 to 3 shorter, gentler walks

Bloodhound puppy walk schedule

Age	Per walk	Per day
2 months	about 10 min	up to 20 min
3 months	about 15 min	up to 30 min
4 months	about 20 min	up to 40 min
5 months	about 25 min	up to 50 min
6 months	about 30 min	up to 60 min
8 months	about 40 min	up to 80 min
10 months	about 45 min	up to 90 min
12 months	about 45 min	up to 90 min

Free play doesn't count toward these numbers. Skip jogging and long hikes until growth plates close, around 12–18 months for a large breed.

Best exercise for Bloodhounds

Long sniff walks
Mantrailing and tracking
Hiking on leash
Scent games

Walking tips for Bloodhounds

A Bloodhound on a scent ignores everything else. Always use a leash or secure area.
Mantrailing (scent tracking) is the perfect Bloodhound workout.
Long, sniffy walks tire them out more than fast ones.
Protect growing joints: no forced running or repetitive jumping until growth plates close, around 12 to 18 months.

Bloodhounds in hot and cold weather

Heat: Bloodhounds handle heat about as well as the average dog. That means care above about 75°F (24°C): shade, water, shorter walks, and a pavement check. Above about 82°F (28°C), stick to potty breaks. Check today's heat risk.

Cold: Most healthy adult Bloodhounds are comfortable until it’s well below freezing. Puppies, seniors, and slimmer dogs may appreciate a coat on cold, wet, or windy days. Check today's cold risk.

Bloodhound exercise FAQ

How long should I walk my Bloodhound?

A healthy adult Bloodhound needs about 60–90 minutes of exercise a day, best split into 2 walks, plus a play or training session. Walks, play, and training games all count toward the total.

How far can a Bloodhound walk?

At a normal walking pace, that works out to roughly 2–4.5 miles (3–7 km) a day for a healthy adult. Fit adult Bloodhounds can build up to longer hikes. Increase distance gradually and check paws and joints.

When can a Bloodhound puppy go on long walks or runs?

Wait until growth plates close, around 12–18 months for a large breed like the Bloodhound. Until then, follow the 5-minutes-per-month rule: about 20 minutes per walk at 4 months, up to twice a day, plus free play.

Can Bloodhounds handle hot weather?

About as well as the average dog. That means care above about 75°F (24°C): shade, water, shorter walks, and a pavement check. Above about 82°F (28°C), stick to potty breaks.

Do Bloodhounds need a coat in winter?

Most healthy adults don’t need one until it’s well below freezing. Puppies, seniors, and slimmer dogs may appreciate a coat on cold, wet, or windy days.

Ranges are typical for healthy dogs and rounded on purpose. Individual dogs vary, and your vet's advice comes first. How we calculate.