Bloodhound

General Information - Bloodhound

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History

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. 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. Bloodhounds do drool, males usually more than females.

Temperament

The Bloodhound is an affectionate and gentle dog breed who gets along well with children and other pets. Devoted and protective, the Bloodhound makes a good watchdog. Although somewhat shy, he is equally sensitive to kindness or correction by his master.

Upkeep

As a hunting hound, the bloodhound needs a good deal of daily exercise. It was bred to trail through any hardship, and once on a trail it cannot be called off. It thus must be exercised in a safe area. The bloodhound drools a lot, so its facial wrinkles require daily cleaning; the ear tips drag in food and must also be kept clean. The ear canals also need regular cleaning for good health. Coat care is minimal, requiring only occasional brushing or wiping. Bloodhounds can live outside in temperate climates if they are given plenty of shelter and soft, warm bedding. Most do best as indoor/outdoor dogs; note, however, that this is not the breed for people obsessed with cleanliness in the house!

Bloodhound

A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions and exaggerations, as well as being mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

Breed Standard - Bloodhound

Characteristics: The Bloodhound possesses in a most marked degree every point and characteristic of those dogs which hunt together by scent (Sagaces). He is very powerful and stands over more ground than is usual with hounds of other breeds. The skin is thin and extremely loose, this being especially noticeable about the head and Neck, where it hangs in deep folds. In temperament he is affectionate, neither quarrelsome with companions nor with other dogs. His nature is somewhat reserved and sensitive.

General Appearance: The expression is noble and dignified and characterized by solemnity, wisdom and power. The gait is elastic, swinging and free; the stern being carried high scimitar fashion.

Head and Skull: The head is narrow in proportion to its length and long in proportion to the body, tapering but slightly from the temples to the muzzle, thus (when viewed from above and in front) having the appearance of being flattened at the sides and of being nearly equal in width throughout its entire length. In profile the upper outline of the skull is nearly in the same plane as that of the foreface. The length from the end of the nose to stop (midway between the eyes) should not be less than that from stop to back or occipital protuberance (peak). The entire length of head from the posterior part of the occipital protuberance to the end of the muzzle should be 30 cm ( 12 in) or more in dogs and 28 cm (11 ins) or more in bitches. The skull is long and narrow, with the occipital peak very pronounced. The brows are not prominent although owing to the deep:set eyes they may have that appearance. The foreface is long, deep and of even width throughout, with square outlines when seen in profile. The head is furnished with an amount of loose skin, which in nearly every position appears superabundant, but more particularly so when the head is carried low; the skin then falls into loose pendulous ridges and folds, especially over the forehead and sides of the face. The nostrils are large and open. In front the lips fall squarely making a right angle with the upper line of the foreface; whilst behind they form deep hanging flews, and being continued into the pendant folds of loose skin about the neck, constitute the dewlap, which is very pronounced.

Mouth: A scissor bite with the inner faces of the upper incisors touching the outer faces of the lower incisors.

Eyes: The eyes are deeply sunk in the orbits, the lids assuming a lozenge or diamond shape, in consequence of the lower lids being dragged down and everted by the heavy flews. The eyes correspond with the general colour of the animal varying from deep hazel to yellow. The hazel colour is however to be preferred, although very seldom seen in liver and tan (red and tan) hounds. The eye should be free from any interference from the eyelashes.

Ears: The ears are thin and soft to the touch, extremely long, set on very low and fall in graceful folds, the lower parts curling inwards and backwards.

Neck: Should be long.

Forequarters: The shoulders muscular and well sloped backwards. The forelegs are straight, large and round in bone with elbows squarely set. The pasterns should be strong.

Hindquarters: The thighs and second thighs (gaskins) are very muscular, the hocks well:bent and let down and squarely set.

Feet: Should be strong and well knuckled up.

Body: The ribs are well:sprung and the chest well:let down between the forelegs forming a deep keel. The back and loins are strong, the latter deep and slightly arched.

Tail: The stern is long and thick tapering to a point, set on high with a moderate amount of hair underneath. It should be carried scimitar fashion, but not curled over the back or corkscrew at any time.

Colour: The colours are black and tan, liver and tan (red and tan) and red. The darker colours being sometimes interspersed with lighter or badger:coloured hair and sometimes flecked with white. A small amount of white is permissible on chest, feet and tip of stern.
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.