because i just love them so much and i know they are awesome with kids and gentle dogs, but since they are a tracking breed, how would he or she get along with my two cats? my cats are both indoor cats and front declawed so couldnt really protect themselves. should this be a concern ?
2006-08-31 02:36:53 · 14 answers · asked by crazytown 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
i think you should get a puppy bloodhound because if they grow up with the cats they'll be friends
2006-08-31 02:39:18 · answer #1 · answered by someone 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everyone's given excellent advice.
I have a bloodhound mix and a coonhound, as well as two cats. They aren't the best of friends or anything, but they aren't a danger to eachother. The dogs are crated when we aren't home to supervise, so the cats can have full run of the house without having to deal with the dogs.
Bloodhounds are also very sensitive, emotionally. If you scold them harshly, they will pout and sulk. They aren't a breed who only wants to please you, whatever it takes. They are independent and have their own agendas. Training them takes a positive attitude, lots of rewards, and patience. Yelling at them will only make them resent you.
Bloodhounds should NEVER be off-leash unless in a very securely fenced area. ~NEVER.~ Most of the scent hounds that are in rescue situations right now are there because they went stray. They become deaf and blind when on a track and not only won't hear you calling, they won't even know where they are once they've found the end of the trail. They will be totally oblivious to cars and may follow a track right across a busy road.
Having said all that, I love my hounds. Owning a hound is different from owning a retreiving or herding breed (the most popular breeds are retrievers so when people think "dog" they often think of retriever traits), but I wouldn't have it any other way.
There are many bloodhounds in pounds and rescues right now, babies and adults. Check http://www.petfinder.com and type in "bloodhound" for breed. There are literally hundreds.
2006-08-31 10:28:14 · answer #2 · answered by tenzo0 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As long as you introduce them when the dog is a young puppy, and do it very slowly, over a period of time...not just a day, they should get along fine. Also give the cats somewhere to escape and be alone-puppies have a hard time leaving something as fascinating as a cat alone! Bloodhounds aren't really a hunting breed, they are a tracking breed, like you said. Therefore they are not going to be naturally inclined to hunt and hurt your cats. Just be patient....Bloodhounds are good dogs but can be a bit hyper and energetic...they definitely need a good amount of walking and play.
2006-08-31 10:10:58 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This should be a concern. Your cats can fit into good hiding spaces though, and if you introduce everyone at a young age, or a very old age..and do it correctly, they can all get along. I have never owned a bloodhound, would love to though! Great choice! But find a site for bloodhound owners and ask them!! I bet some have cats and the same situation you do!!
2006-08-31 09:42:52 · answer #4 · answered by WriterMom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you adopting an adult bloodhound? If so, and it's from a shelter you should be able to test the dog. However, bloodhounds are tracking dogs, they don't hunt to kill. I think you could easily teach a bloodhound to get along with cats, they're not excactly a high energy breed so it shouldn't be much trouble.
I say go ahead and get your bloodhound, they're great dogs and introduce the dog carefully to yur cats. If your cats don't run, or hiss and spit I bet you'll have a pretty easy time of it.
2006-08-31 10:17:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It could be a concern. Not becasue of the breed of dog per say but more becasue some dogs view cats as prey and will chase and try to kill them.
See if the dog has been cat tested and how did he do with cats.
Also be sure to give the cats a place to escape to like a baby gate across the door of one room. Feed them in that room and have the litter box in that room. That way it is the cats domain and the dog can not get into their stuff.
2006-08-31 09:44:48 · answer #6 · answered by tlctreecare 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rescueing a dog is a good thing - regardless of the breed.
But remember, a rescued dog comes with baggage. Cats, kids, noise, etc are all something you will need to deal with, one step at a time.
Bloodhounds are large dogs, as in they can reach the food on the kitchen counter, their tails will knock over a glass on the coffee table and they will take up the whole couch, if allowed. Large dogs prefer large backyards, just to "nose" around. A rescued dog needs a space of his own - I recommend a crate - but not necessarily to be left alone.
With alot of TLC from you and your family, any rescued dog can adjust to his new home. Thank you for caring and good luck...
2006-08-31 10:15:05 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would ask the adoption agency how they interact with other animals, and see if you could even take the dog to your house to make sure they get along. There are some health concerns with bloodhounds so look into them before you sign on the dog. They are very big dogs, and most of the time sweet. Good luck with the adoption, and remember, adopted pets are happy to have loving homes.
2006-08-31 10:07:00 · answer #8 · answered by Mr. Ed 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bloodhounds are tracking dogs, they are not hunting dogs in the sense that they kill their prey. They track the prey for someone else to deal with. They also tend to be quite mellow. If you get one as a puppy, the cats will teach him the rules of the house and he'll grow up being around them. Most puppies are not aggressive. If he grows up with kitty friends, he will be OK.
And the one defense cats have against dogs in the home, aside from claws (they still can bite and use their rear claws) but cats can get to places where dogs can't...like mine, who jumps on top of the fridge and snears down at my Akita.
I think the breed of Bloodhound would be fine with cats. Another idea is using a baby gate to block off a space just for the cats. I have 4 dogs and one cat, and we have a room the dogs can't get to, but the cat can if he wants some space to himself (keeps the dogs from rooting in his litter box, too. Gross)
2006-08-31 09:41:44 · answer #9 · answered by KB 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should test her with cats to see how she reacts first. Even though they are a tracking breed, they are usually laid back couch potatoes. She may have no interest in chasing cats.
If she does have an interest in chasing your cats, it could be a real problem, especially since they are defenseless.
2006-08-31 09:42:21 · answer #10 · answered by Free Bird 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋