Bloodhound
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 Description:
The modern Bloodhound has its origins in the Ardenne
region of central Europe (Belgium/France border).
It was there that the large game hounds of St.
Hubert and Talbot and the white Southern hound
were crossed to produce the dog known as the Chien
de St. Hubert. Even today, in some countries,
the terms Bloodhound and Chien de St. Hubert are
interchangeable. The Bloodhound possesses, to
a most marked degree, every point and characteristic
of those dogs that hunt together by scent (Sagaces).
It is a very powerful dog, and stands over more
ground than is usual with hounds of other breeds.
Because of their hound heritage, Bloodhounds should
never be allowed to roam free without supervision.
Height: The
mean average height of adult Bloodhound dogs is
26" (66cm), and of adult bitches 24"
(61cm). Dogs usually vary from 25"- 27"
( 63.5-69 cm), and bitches from 23"- 25"
(58-63.5 cm); but, in either case, the greater
height is to be preferred, provided that character
and quality are also combined.
Weight: The
mean average weight of Bloodhound adult dogs,
in fair condition, is 90 lbs (41 kg), and of adult
bitches 80 lbs (36 kg). Dogs attain the weight
of 110 lbs (50 kg), and bitches 100 lbs (45.5
kg). The greater weights are to be preferred,
provided that quality and proportion are also
combined.
Coat Type: The
Bloodhound's coat is smooth, and the skin is thin
to the touch and extremely loose, noticeably more
about the head and neck, where it hangs in deep
folds.
Temperament:
The Bloodhound is extremely affectionate, and
is not quarrelsome with companions nor with other
dogs. Although somewhat shy, he is equally sensitive
to kindness or correction by his master.
Health Problems:
Hip dysplasia, as in all large breeds, must be
a concern for the Bloodhound. Eye diseases and
intestinal cancer are of concern as well. The
Bloodhound is one of the breeds at risk for Gastric
Torsion (bloat).
Special Interest:
The first recorded use of Bloodhounds by organized
law enforcement was in England in 1805, when the
Thrapthon Association for the Prevention of Felons
acquired a Bloodhound to search for poachers and
thieves. Testimony of a Bloodhound's man-trailing
results is acceptable in almost every court of
law. Their name "blood" hound has to
do with their pure blood, as in a "blooded"
hound, or one of pure ancestry, as opposed to
being a blood tracker; whereas the Hanoverian
and Bavarian Mountain Hounds both track for wounded
animals, hence track the scent of blood.
Classifications:
AKC: Group 2 - Hounds
ANKC: Group 4 - Hounds
CKC: Group 2 - Hounds
FCI: Group 6 Section 1 Scenthounds
KC: Sporting - Hound Group
NZKC: Hounds
UKC: Scenthounds
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