BLOODHOUND Breed Standards
The Bloodhound hails from Western Europe, and its lineage can be traced to approximately the 14th century. Among the most useful of breeds, the Bloodhound has been put to work for hundreds of years tracking both animals and humans. The dog’s considerable size and somewhat menacing appearance would lead some to think that the dog’s quarry, once found, has seen the end of its days. In fact, quite the opposite is true: once a Bloodhound has located its target, it instinctually reports back to its master, who might then release a pack of more ferocious dogs. Scottish and English records from the 14th century indicate that the rebel William Wallace (popularized in Mel Gibson's film Braveheart) was tracked by Sleuth Hounds, which many believe to be the very same as the Bloodhound. Scientist Robert Boyle wrote a noteworthy report on the breed’s tracking abilities during the 17th century.
In the late 19th century, Bloodhounds were exported to France, where dog fanciers hoped to use the dogs to bring back their beloved St. Hubert dog breed. Because of this, the Bloodhound is also known as the Chien Saint Hubert and is registered under that name with the FCI. The name Bloodhound comes from the Middle Ages and was given to mean "hound of pure blood," denoting the animal’s stringent breeding, rather than the mistaken definition 'blood seeking hound.' The Bloodhound is commonly believed to have been used to track runaway slaves in the United States during the 19th century, but the breed was not widely bred or recognized on this side of the Atlantic at that time, and modern dog historians believe the majority of slave-tracking dogs came from another strain. The Bloodhound began to come into its own in the United States toward the end of the 19th century, and the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885, the same year that its smaller cousin, the Basset Hound, was recognized.
SKILLS: The Bloodhound is a kind, patient, noble, mild-mannered and lovable dog. 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 to the touch and extremely loose, this being more especially noticeable about the head and neck, where it hangs in deep folds.
SIZE: The shoulder-height is 63-69cm (24 3/4 - 27 1/4 in) for dogs and 58 - 63cm (22 3/4 - 24 3/4 in) for bitches.
COAT: The Bloodhound has a short smooth coat. The most usual colors are black and red, liver and red, and plain red. A small amount of white on the chest, feet, and tip of the tail is permissible. His jowls and handing skin give the Bloodhound a rather mournful, dignified expression. The neck is very well muscled and has pendulous dewlap. Its back is extraordinarily strong for the dog's size.
CARE REQUIRED: There is little to the grooming of a Bloodhound. Brush them from time to time to removeloose and dead hairs. More attention is necessary for the ears. Check them for dirt to prevent infections and wash them occasionally (for example after the dog's ears have dropped into its dinner). The majority of dogs of this breed have drooping eye-lids. If necessary administer eye-drops containing vitamin A.
CHARACTER: The dogs of this breed are gentle and affectionate, boisterous when young, friendly, tenacious, and independent. They have a very loud bark but will bark no longer than necessary and they possess a very good scenting nose. Once their interest is aroused by something, it is very difficult to get their attention to anything else.
TRAINING: The new owner of a Bloodhound will need to have plenty of patience and to possess great tact for training to succeed. The most important consideration is to be consistent - these dogs know full well how successfully they can get around you with a pathetic look and make use of it to get their own way. Do not expect too much by way of obedience from this dog - they are naturally gently animals but they do have minds of their own and will often make their own decisions rather than following your order. Do not overtire them with long walks until they are fully grown. The Bloodhound is a big dog that grows rapidly and needs all its energy for developing strong bones, joints and muscles.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: The Bloodhound usually gets on well with children. Make sure they do not pester the dog. These dogs are so good-natured that they will lie there and meekly let children clamber all over it which isn't fair to the dog. Both wanted and unwanted visitors will be greeted happily because this dog seems to love company. They can live in harmony with other dogs and household pets.
EXERCISE: This breed has a phenomenal level of stamina and can walk for hours on end. If you have one as a pet, you will have to do a fair bit of hiking quite frequently. As is well known, they are primarily tracking dogs which means they encounter an interesting scent they will want to find its source. Make sure that your yard is well fenced. Consider hunting with this hound or having it trained as a search dog. They are resistant to cold and can be kept in kennel provided they get sufficient
