Nickname         :The Sleuthhound

Breed Origins  : Belgium and France ( 700’s )

Breed usage      : Hunting wolves, deer and large game

Dog Weight       : 80 - 110 Pounds

Dog Height        : 24 to 27 inches to the shoulder

History
Bloodhound comes from the borders of France and Belgium. It is a dog of large size with a strong body and powerful chest. It was bred originally to hunt wolves, deer and large game. It’s origins can be dated back to the 700’s and it is classified as one of the Hound Dog Group.
The Bloodhound belongs to the collection of dogs referred to as Scent Hounds, which specialise in following the scent or the smell of its quarry. It wasn’t until the mid 1500’s that hounds began to be classified according to their purpose, i.e. sight hounds, scent hounds, etc. Scent Hounds have distinctive characteristics, features and traits which are perfect for their purpose. They have large noses which have deep, open nostrils and their lips are loose and moist, designed to pick up scent particles and follow the trail of an animal. Their ears are long which concentrates the scent on the nose. Their bodies are designed for endurance, an essential asset when following any scent trail. Hunting takes different forms and as man opts for hunting their quarry either on foot or on horseback the scent hounds have been selectively bred to produce small legs, to enable a man to easily follow on foot, or longer legs suited to keep up with a man on horseback. Most scent hounds were used in packs - making a loud, deep baying noise alerting hunters to their location. As a pet the Bloodhound is gentle, independent, stubborn, and above all mellow - it loves to be part of the family. Its laid back attitude makes it somewhat difficult to obedience train.
The Bloodhound is famous for its ‘dogged’ ability to follow a cold scent many days old, over vast distances. It is built for endurance and can follow a scent across all of the main elements - in the air, across the water and over land. The ancestors of today’s Bloodhound were derived from the Ardennes region in Belgium and in Brittany in the 700’s and were known as the St Hubert strain after the monk Francois Hubert, who was subsequently canonised and became the patron saint of hunters. St Hubert’s Day is remembered on the 3rd November when there is a traditional blessing of the hounds at the little Chapel of St Hubert. The Bloodhound is therefore known by the other names of the St Hubert Hound and the French variant the Chien du St Hubert. The St Hubert bloodhounds were crossed with other white French hounds and from these
came the early Talbot hounds who came to England with the Talbot family with William the Conqueror in 1066. The Talbot family, who came from Normandy, and were later granted the title of the Earls of Shrewsbury. Other names for Bloodhounds were the Sleuth hound, Slot or Slough hound (’Slot’ meaning to track). Their Latin name was Sanguinarius. Monarchs traditionally gave gifts of dogs to the rulers of other countries. The French King who sent St Hubert hounds to Queen Elizabeth I and it is documented that the Queen’s favourite, the Earl of Essex, kept 800 of these hounds. Another famous monarch, Queen Victoria, had several Bloodhounds which were presented to her by Sir Edwin Landseer, who painted many famous Bloodhounds. The name Bloodhound was derived, not from any blood thirsty reasons as might be supposed, but because of the Royal connections with the breed and the pure blood associated with it.
It was during the 1600’s that hounds (although not necessarily Bloodhounds) were really first used to hunt sheep stealers and poachers. One of the first recorded arrests of a man by a Bloodhound in the 19th century was in 1810. It took place in the New Forest in England. The bloodhound’s name was besmirched by bad press and novels such as ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin’ which told of slaves escaping captivity and being mercilessly hounded by the Bloodhound. Many people believed stories that Bloodhounds trailed people out of a lust for blood! The poor bloodhound is such a gentle creature with amazing scenting ability - so much so that the Testimony of a Bloodhound’s man trailing results is acceptable in almost any court. The dog is still used as a police dog to track missing people, fleeing suspects, or escaped prisoners. Perhaps one of the lasting images people always have of a bloodhound is his association with detectives and of course on of his names is that of the Sleuthhound.

All Information and Tips About This Dog :

• Temperament and Character
  The Bloodhound is a very sociable breed, enjoying the company of humans, they are gentle, independent, stubborn, and above all mellow - it loves to be part of the family and can be very affectionate. Its laid back attitude makes it somewhat difficult to obedience train. This dog makes a good house pet. It is reserved with strangers and relies on its acute scent of smell when encountering anyone or anything that is new.

• Coat and Colours info
  The Bloodhound’s coat comes in a range of the following colours: Red, Black/Tan or Red/Tan. The coat is short, smooth & weatherproof.

• Health information - potential health problems
  Resolving dog health problems, including those of the Bloodhound, can prove to be costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining dog health insurance. Common health problems and questions occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears, Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. Potential health problems of the Bloodhound can include:
  • Hip and Elbow Dysplasia (abnormal development of joints referred to as CHD - Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia)
  • Entropion (the inversion, or turning inward, of the border of the eyelid against the eyeball)
  • Ectropian
  • Gastric Torsion
  • The life expectancy for this particular breed is between 7 – 10 years.
• Grooming and Care
  Bloodhound requires a high amount of grooming - its facial wrinkles require daily cleaning. Regardless of the breeds, a certain amount of grooming and care is necessary to keep dogs and puppies looking at their best. Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health problems are identified as quickly as possible

• Living conditions and Exercise Requirements
  The Bloodhound dogs and puppies are not well suited to living in the town because it requires a substantial amount of exercise. It must be exercised in a safe area. It does well living inside or outdoors. The indoor Bloodhound is messy - it drools a lot and leaves a trail of the drooled substance. These dogs are reasonably quiet, only barking when disturbed or for good reason.