The Canine Chronicles Directory
Bloodhound
Bloodhounds have short, smooth coats with softer hair on the skull and ears. The
coat colors are usually black and tan, liver and tan and red. White is permitted
on the chest, feet and stem tip when showing this breed. The narrow skull is long
with a prominent occiput and an abundance of loose skin especially over the forehead
and sides of the face. Their jowls aid in holding scent particles. The medium size,
deep set eyes range from brown to hazel in color. The thin ears are long, falling
into folds along the side of the face. The black nose sits on the tip of the muzzle
and the nostrils are large. The jaw is strong and the teeth meet in a scissor-like
bite. The muscular neck is long with a pendulous dewlap and slightly slopes to the
shoulders. Since this dog is a working breed, they have extraordinary strength in
their backs. The straight forelegs should be round boned, solid, and muscular. The
tail should be carried high with an elegant curve above the topline of the back.
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Temperament
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Bloodhounds are affectionate, patient, noble, lovable, and gentle-natured dogs.
They are excellent with children letting them climb all over them without moving.
They also love the attention they receive from the children. Bloodhounds are devoted
to their owners and get along with almost everyone. They live peacefully with non-canine
and other household pets. They are rarely vicious, although they can become aggressive
around other dogs of the same sex. Although they are larger in size, they do not
make good guard dogs due to their sweet and even temperaments. Bloodhounds are generally
quiet inside, but once they are outside, they will become very vocal. This breed
should be kept in a fenced in area and shouldn't be walked without a leash. Once
free, they will run after various scents and follow them until they find the scent
source. Bloodhounds have a tendency to bay, snore, drool, and sniff inappropriately.
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Height, Weight
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Male Height: 25-27" ; Weight: 90-110 lbs.
Female Height: 23-25" ; Weight: 80-100 lbs.
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Health Problems
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This breed can be prone to bloat. They can also suffer from stomach cramps, hip
dysplasia and entropion.
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Living Conditions
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Bloodhounds can live fine in an apartment but do best with a medium to large yard.
Do not let this breed off of the leash as they will take off tracking interesting
smells.
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Exercise
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This breed loves to go for long walks but keep in mind their need to scent. They
may take you along for the ride while they track. They need to run but never off
of their lead. Care should be shown toward Hound puppies until their bones are mature.
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Life Expectancy
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About 10-12 years
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Grooming
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The Bloodhound is easy to groom. Wiping with a hound glove or a damp towel will
bring the coat to a gleaming shine. Care should be taken with cleaning the ears.
Only bathe when necessary as to not dry out the natural oils in the skin. There
may be a strong odor from the oils in the breed's coat. They are average shedders.
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Origin
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Although it is not exactly known when the Bloodhound originated, it is presumed
that they have been in existence since well before Christ's birth. During the 8th
century, the breed was perfected, not created, by monks of St. Hubert in Belgium.
The dogs were originally called 'Segusius' and were used to track wolves, big cats,
deer and/or to follow the trail of wounded game. In 1066 A.D., Normans conquered
England bringing this breed with them. In England the Black and Tan dogs were named
Bloodhounds and the White were named Talbot Hounds. The white variety, which existed
during this medieval Europe, died out as a breed by the 1600s. Although the modern
Bloodhound looks slightly different than their ancestors, the breed is still called
Chien du St. Hubert in Belgium. In 1871, the first Bloodhound was seen in the English
show-ring. The Bloodhounds keen sense of smell is legendary. They are able to successfully
follow trails over 100 hours old as well as stay with the trail for over 100 miles.
This breed has been used worldwide for rescue and criminal searches and their evidence
is admissible in a court of law. One Bloodhound was responsible for over 600 criminal
arrests and convictions. Bloodhounds revel in tracking. They are recognized by both
the AKC and the UKC.
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Group
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AKC Hound, UKC Scenthound
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