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Known in England as the Bloodhound and in much of Europe as the St. Hubert Bloodhound, this breed has an old and venerable history in Europe. There is some confusion between what was known as the St. Hubert Hound, an animal that was bred by monks in the monastery founded by Saint Hubert, and the Bloodhounds of England. Once separate breeds, they are by many now recognized as one, with the FCI recognizing a single standard for both breeds. Whatever its name and national origins, its progenitors were known in parts of Europe from before the Crusades. Esteemed for its great searching powers, it is still used today to track animals or missing persons.

The breed as we know it today, however, became popular in England in the nineteenth century and although Bloodhound packs were certainly kept before that time, the advent of dog shows ensured their preservation and increased popularity. Classes for Bloodhounds were first put on in England at the Birmingham show in 1860, when the famous Druid was shown. Among others, Edwin Brough of Wyndyate near Scarborough was instrumental in keeping interest in the breed alive.