Bloodhound Trials: A Unique Canine Sport and How to Get Involved

The Bloodhound is one of the most recognisable yet uncommon dog breeds in the UK. Known worldwide for their extraordinary scent-tracking abilities, Bloodhounds possess a nose that far surpasses that of other breeds. Their tenacity and endurance for scent detection have made them iconic working dogs, treasured for centuries as the oldest recognised sporting/working breed.

Bloodhound trials celebrate this remarkable talent, offering a chance to test and showcase the breed’s tracking skills in structured competitions organised by The Kennel Club. These trials provide an exciting way to connect with this historic breed and appreciate the depth of their natural abilities.

What are Bloodhound trials?

Bloodhound trials are specialised competitions designed to challenge the breed's exceptional ability to follow human scent trails over terrain that can be as long as three miles. Organised under Kennel Club guidance, these events assess a dog’s scenting skills, endurance, and responsiveness to commands in rural settings.

The trial starts with a runner laying a scent line using an item of clothing or fabric attached to a flag. The dog is released within two hours to pursue this scent, relying on airborne scent detection rather than ground tracking. The course traverses varied rural landscapes, including woods, open fields, moorlands, and farmland.

At the end of the line, the Bloodhound must identify and mark the correct person from a group by placing its paws on their chest, all without having seen the individual during the tracking. The dog’s “speaking to the line” — barking to signal they are on scent — is also encouraged.

Levels and obstacles

Trials accommodate different skill levels, starting from novice and junior levels, progressing through intermediate, and culminating in senior competitions for the very best dogs. As the difficulty escalates, the courses include challenges such as fences, roads, walls, ditches, and water obstacles designed to divert or confuse the dog.

These environmental hurdles test a Bloodhound’s focus and determination to persevere despite distractions. The sport involves air scenting (hunting), making it tougher than ground scent tracking but allowing dogs to move faster over course terrain.

How to get involved in Bloodhound trials

Bloodhound trials are conducted by The Kennel Club together with The Bloodhound Club and the Association of Bloodhound Breeders in the UK. Multiple events, including four annual Championship trials, offer enthusiasts opportunities to participate.

To compete, your Bloodhound must be a Kennel Club-registered purebred. Owners need to enter their dogs before each trial, following registration and guidelines available on the Kennel Club website. Attending trials as a spectator can also be very rewarding, providing a glimpse into the breed’s extraordinary capabilities.

Why Bloodhound trials matter

These trials do more than celebrate a breed’s natural skills — they promote responsible ownership and encourage owners to maintain their dogs' physical and mental fitness. Through competition and community, Bloodhound trials help preserve the breed’s working heritage and inspire ongoing appreciation for these gentle yet powerful dogs.

Whether you are a Bloodhound owner, a canine sports enthusiast, or simply fascinated by the art of scent tracking, Bloodhound trials offer a unique and rewarding experience that honours the unmatched abilities of this exceptional breed.