History
The large Bloodhound, also known as Chien de Saint-Hubert and Flemish Hound is more than one thousand years old. It has been known as a breed since at least the Middle Ages and it is generally accepted that the breed was perfected (not created) by monks of St. Hubert in Belgium. Bloodhounds are considered to be the first of the pure blooded hounds but no one knows how the name was originated. It is a scenthound and due to its remarkable ability to follow a scent many days old, over vast distances, pursuing his path regardsless of obstacles such as walls, fences or ditches, it is used as a police dog to track escaped prisoners, fleeing suspects and missing people. Bloodhounds´ tendency to drool is a characteristic of the breed that contributes to their amazing sense to track. Bloodhounds are not known to be good guard/attack dogs but they do make very good alarms (barking or howling) when they think that something is out of place. They require plenty of space to run and need to be exercised daily if kept indoors. They do enjoy chasing balls and playing.
Description
The Bloodhound is a very powerful, massive hound and stands over more ground than is usual with hounds of other breeds. The breed has a noble, dignified, solemn expression. Its large body is supported by massive bones and the shoulders are powerful and well sloped backwards. The ribs are well sprung and the deep chest, well let down between the forelegs, gives the breed good lung capacity. The back and loins are strong, the latter being deep and slightly arched. The 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. The skull is very high and muzzle is long with an invariable black nose, The wrinkled face, with pronounced lips, and the pendulous dewlap of the neck give the animal a mournful expression. The diamond-shaped eyes, generally matching the tone of color of the dog, (varying from deep hazel to yellow), set deeply in their sockets and have lower lids that fall away to reveal part of inner surface. Low set, extremely long and graceful ears that are said to sweep scent from the trail up into his large nostrils. The ears´ lower parts curl inward and backward. The tail is carried in an elegant curve above the topline of the back. A fairly hard and short coat, that is softer, on the skull and ears comes in black and tan, liver and tan and red and tawny, the darker tones being sometimes interspersed with lighter or badger-colored hair.
Behaviour
This breed is a mellow, cheerful, relaxed dog, neither quarrelsome with other dogs nor with other household pets. Despite its apparent laziness, the Bloodhound is tireless in slowly and steadily following a scent. This characteristic implies that Bloodhounds should never be walked off leash or kept in an unfenced yard. Otherwise they will problably flee to follow a trail to its end. Extremely affectionate and mild-mannered, they love the company of their masters and are so good with children and they will just lie there and let children clamber all over them. Handlers have to be carefull not to let children pester or hurt the animal, because Bloodhounds will take it without complain. This good-natured breed has a mind of its own and tends towards willfulness. They are not very good at obedience but are equally sensitive to kindness or correction by its handler. Therefore the master needs a great deal of patience and tact once these dogs require firm, consistent, but also gentle training. Although Bloodhounds can be protective of their territory if no one is home, they love people and some of them may greet happily either wanted or unwanted visitors. They love the water and are very good swimmers.
Health & Care
The Bloodhound is prone to hip dysplasia, ear infections and bloat. This breed should be fed two or three small meals a day instead of one large one and should not be exercised after meals. A padded bed is also recommended to avoid calluses on the joints.
Trivia
It has often been incorrectly believed that the name “bloodhound” shows the breed´s talent at following a blood trail. In truth, it was taken from "bloodstock"´ showing the breed´s history with aristocracy. It is thought that in the past only “Blue Bloods” could afford to have a bloodhound.