Dog Breed:
BLOODHOUND
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Today's Bloodhounds are descended from hounds,
bred by Hubert, a 7th-century French monk who later became patron saint of hunters, and
from hounds bred by other medieval noblemen who kept scent hounds as hunting dogs. 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.
Their loose skin looks like it is oversized for
their bodies. They have long muzzles and drooping ears and rather sorrowful looking
expressions. For their size, Bloodhounds have very powerful shoulders and backs and make
good work dogs.
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. Bloodhounds do drool, males usually more than
females.
Height: The mean average height
of adult 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 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 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. They shed moderately and have been known to have a
distinctive odor which some people find unpleasant. However, bathing should be kept
to a minimum.
Temperament: Shy,
gentle, loyal, affectionate, and sensitive are all terms that can be used to describe the
temperament of Bloodhounds. They are very devoted and loving toward their owners and get
along well with other people and dogs as well. Bloodhounds are particularly gentle and
lovable around children and make great family pets and companions. Their good nature will
allow them to be patient with children and they rarely show any vicious tendencies. These
dogs love attention but care should be taken that children do not injure these dogs or
agitate them by playing too rough or for too long of a time period. Because Bloodhounds
tend to be timid and reserved they do not make good watchdogs and at times their mournful
howls may irritate the neighbors.
Health Problems: Hip
dysplasia is a common concern. Padded bedding during the life of the dog is recommended.
Plenty of vigorous exercise is recommended. Other health concerns are bloating, intestinal
cancer and eye diseases.
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. Myth Debunked - Bloodhounds do not attack their quarry; when
they're man-trailing and have caught up with their mark, rather than snarling and the
showing of teeth, they would likely slobber their "Buddy" to death. As a matter
of fact, 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
CKC: Group 2 - Hounds
KC: Sporting - Hound Group
FCI: Group 6
ANKC: Group 4 - Hounds
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