BLOODHOUNDS

BREED HISTORY

Bloodhounds possess such keen determination and sense of smell that they can pick up old trails and track them for miles. Courts of law commonly accept these trails as legal evidence. A Bloodhound's approach to a completed search reflects the breed's sociable personality-- it usually tries to befriend the animal it has been tracking.

The breed remains one of the oldest and purest, dating from 8th century Belgium, when St. Hubert maintained a pack that was later refined into the modern version. These dogs stand taller than most hounds and require frequent exercise, but their serious, intelligent personalities make them affectionate family pets.

IDEAL BREED CHARACTERISTICS

• Size: Males 25 to 27 inches, Females 23 to 25 inches (at the withers).
• Appearance: Powerful, large body with effortless, erect motion.
• Coat and Color: Short, tight coat with loose skin, especially on the neck and head. Black and tan, red and tan or light brown color; minimal white markings on the chest, feet and rear permitted.
• Head: Long, narrow skull with a long, square muzzle; diamond shaped, heavily lidded, yellow to deep hazel eyes; long, low, thin ears.
• Tail: Long, tapered, set high.