Dog
Group:
Hound 
Bloodhound Champions
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Breed Description:
The Bloodhound breed of dog is one of the oldest breeds that hunts by scent. They are affectionate, but often shy. Bloodhound colors include black and tan, liver and tan, and red, sometimes flecked with white. The Bloodhound is powerful, with skin that is thin to the touch and extremely loose, particularly around the head and neck. The expression of the Bloodhound breed of dog is noble and dignified, giving the impression of seriousness and wisdom. Its head is narrow in proportion to its length, and long in proportion to the body, tapering but slightly from the temples to the end of 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 end of nose to stop (midway between the eyes) should be not less than that from stop to back of occipital protuberance (peak). The entire length of head from the posterior part of the occipital protuberance to the end of the muzzle should be 12 inches, or more, in dogs, and 11 inches, or more, in bitches. The skull of the Bloodhound breed of dog 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 outline when seen in profile. Bloodhounds' 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 tone of color of the animal, varying from deep hazel to yellow. The hazel color is to be preferred, although it is seldom seen in liver-and-tan hounds. The ears are thin and soft to the touch, extremely long, set very low, and fall in graceful folds, the lower parts curling inward and backward. A scissors bite is preferred, but a level bite is accepted. Wrinkles are a distinctive characteristic of the Bloodhound breed of dog. The head must have 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. The lips fall squarely in front, making a right angle with the upper line of the foreface; while behind they form deep, hanging flews, and, being continued into the pendant folds of loose skin about the neck, constitute a very pronounced dewlap. The neck of the Bloodhound breed of dog is long, the shoulders muscular and well sloped backwards; the ribs are well sprung; and the chest well let down between the forelegs, forming a deep keel. The forelegs are straight and large in bone, with elbows squarely set; the feet strong and well knuckled up; the thighs are very muscular; the hocks well bent and let down and squarely set. The Bloodhound's back and loins are strong, the latter deep and slightly arched. The stern is long and tapering, and set on rather high, with a moderate amount of hair underneath. A Bloodhound's gait is free, with the stern carried high. Acceptable colors for the Bloodhound breed of dog are black and tan, liver and tan, and red; the darker colors being sometimes interspersed with lighter or badger-colored hair, and sometimes flecked with white. A small amount of white is permissible on chest, feet, and tip of stern.
Temperament:
The Bloodhound breed of dog is kind, patient, and mild-mannered, gentle and excellent with children. To be fair to your Bloodhound, make sure your children do not hurt or pester him, because a Bloodhound will simply take it. Energetic outdoors and boisterous when young, Bloodhounds need firm, but not heavy handed training. The ideal owner is kind but also the undisputed boss of the household. A Bloodhound owner must have plenty of patience and a clear set of consistent rules. Do not expect too much in terms of obedience from this dog. They are naturally gentle animals, but they are not easy to obedience train. If they catch a scent of something, it can be very difficult to redirect their attention. The Bloodhound breed of dog generally gets on well with other dogs.
Height:
24 to 26 inches
Weight:
80 to 110 pounds
Health Problems:
Although generally hardy, the Bloodhound breed of dog is vulnerable to hereditary dysplasia (most commonly hip dysplasia, but also elbow), bloat and gastric torsion, ear infections, and hereditary eye abnormalities such as entropion and ectropion.
Living Conditions:
The Bloodhound breed of dog can adapt to apartment living so long as it has regular exercise and a fenced play area.
Exercise:
The Bloodhound breed of dog has high energy and stamina, and needs significant exercise everyday. Make sure that the exercise area is well-fenced; Bloodhounds' tracking instincts will carry them off if not restrained.
Life Expectancy:
10 to 12 years
Grooming:
The Bloodhound breed of dog needs minimal grooming. His short coat requires only occasional brushing to remove dead hair. Ears and eyes should be checked regularly, however, and ears cleaned at least once/week.
Origin:
The Bloodhound breed of dog was brought from Constantinople to Europe well before the Crusades. Bloodhounds have been popular in the U.S. for more than a century, serving law enforcement with such accuracy that evidence trailed by a Bloodhound has been accepted in a court of law. Comments
The standards for all the breeds accepted to the AKC are used here for breed information, and those not part of the AKC are resourced from FCI standard information, where it is written and coded into the club rules for those breeds.
