Bloodhound

The Bloodhound (also called the Chien de Saint-Hubert) is a tough dog that stands its ground. Otherwise, it's just what you'd expect of a scent-hunting hound dog. With a keen nose, the bloodhound is widely used as a police dog. Bloodhounds' specialty is tracking people, whether kidnap victims or escaped criminals.

Here are the characteristics of the Bloodhound breed as determined by the American Kennel Club's published breed standard.

The Bloodhound's Behavior

Recommended for: police dog, pet

The Bloodhound breed is known to be affectionate and easy-going with humans and other dogs. Many people also find bloodhounds shy. As a hound dog, a bloodhound generally needs plenty of outdoor time and opportunity to be active.

Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.

The Bloodhound's Physical Characteristics

* Size: Males: 25-27 inches; females: 23-25 inches
* Coat: thin and extremely loose.
* Color: black and tan, liver and tan, and red.
* Eyes: deeply sunk with lozenge or diamond-shaped lids, deep hazel to yellow color
* Ears: thin, soft, and extremely long
* Skull: long, narrow and peaked.
* Nose: large and open nostrils

The Bloodhound's Origins and History

Here are some historical notes on the bloodhound as drawn from Wikipedia.

Country/Region of Origin: Belgium and France.

Original purpose: tracking dog

Name: Many people have thought "bloodhound" means that the breed follows a blood trail. But they're wrong. The name comes from the word, "bloodstock," which refers to the fact that the aristocracy often preferred these dogs.

Historical notes: The scent-tracking dogs that were the ancestors of the bloodhounds were known at least as far back as the Roman Empire. Bloodhounds go back to the Middle Ages. Back then, there was even a white bloodhound.