The Bloodhound belongs to the Breed Group “Running dogs – sweat dogs and related breeds” and descendeds from dogs that were taken to England by the Normans in the eleventh century, descendants of black and black and tan dogs, among others, found in the Ardennes. Most likely owes its name to the purity of the breed. In him to a large extent all the points and peculiarities of the dogs chasing the smell are united; has an exceptional sense of smell. Is large and strong with a majestic head. Striking is its thin loose skin that especially comes out at the head and neck.
The bloodhound has the best nose of all hunting dogs and is an excellent tracker. It is first and foremost a tracking dog and will continue to follow a trail indefinitely, no matter how long. Bloodhounds can still follow tracks if they have been ‘cold’ for more than 72 hours. In America, blood dogs are successfully deployed by the police to track down escaped prisoners and missing persons.
Index
Traits
Character
History
Care: Watch out for a distended belly
Diseases and hereditary disorders
Does a Bloodhound suit me?
Education with consequence and patience
This is how you find your dream Bloodhound
Traits
The Bloodhound traits:
Weight:
Male 54–65 kg (119–143 lb)
Female 49–57 kg (108–126 lb)
Height
Male 64–72 cm (25–28 in)
Female 58–66 cm (23–26 in)
Coat
Short and dense.
Colour
Black and tan; liver and tan; red
Life span
7–12 years
Character
Particularly affectionate, tolerant, gentle and sensitive; his impressive appearance exudes dignity, wisdom and self-awareness. The bloodhound is a reserved and sensitive dog. He relies heavily on his sense of smell and prefers to smell you first, but once he knows you, he is an affectionate dog.
The bloodhound is a pack dog and must therefore get along well with other animals. He doesn’t like being alone and if everyone works or goes to school during the day, he needs company.
History
The Bloodhound, originally a relatively heavy hunting dog with a very good nose, comes from Belgium. He is also called Saint-Hubert dog, after the saint of the hunt. He was bred in the Saint Hubert Abbey in the Belgian Ardennes. The population has always been small and exclusive. In the eighth century, these dogs were already used for hunting by the nobility and the high clergy. It is said that Charlemagne later also had a group of Saint-Hubert dogs. In the tenth century, three couples of dogs were sent from the Saint Hubert Abbey to the French king every year, so that a population also emerged in France.
With William the Conqueror the Saint-Hubert dog came to England in 1066 and spread there. That’s a good thing, because during the French Revolution (1789) the French nobility was destroyed with everything that went with it.
He got the name “Bloodhound” in the sixteenth century, possibly because he smelled the blood of the tipsy game from far away. However, there is another explanation for his name: the Bloodhound is said to be “of pure blood” by “pure” breeding.
At the beginning of the 20th century, English hunting changed so that the Bloodhound became superfluous. A group of enthusiasts continued breeding, and brought the dog out at shows. There was bred on an even heavier dog, with longer ears and more wrinkles on the face. To this day, the bloodhound pays the price, in the form of disorders that he may suffer for a lifetime.
Care: Watch out for a distended belly
This Breed is susceptible to stomach torsion (also called stomach tilt or volvulus, an acute life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention by a veterinarian …).
It is therefore advisable to give the dog small portions of food several times a day. Playing or playing around shortly after eating increases the chance of a stomach torsion considerably and is therefore not recommended.
The eyes (ie drooping eyelids) and (long!) Ears are prone to inflammation. You can easily prevent this by keeping it clean and if necessary (preventively) treating it with a special eye / ear ointment.
Diseases and hereditary disorders
The Bloodhound is a dog with an extreme appearance. The excess skin on and around its head can lead to inflammation (skin fold dermatitis) and eye disorders (entropion and ectropion), which are the result of curling eyelids. His long, low set ears make him extra sensitive to ear infections (external otitis).
Hereditary disorders can occur in any breed. These are the most important and (unfortunately) most common diseases and hereditary disorders:
-
- Elbow dysplasia – large dog (elbow disease)
- Hip dysplasia – large dog (hip developmental disorder)
- Degenerative myelopathy (spinal cord injury)
- Ectropion (eyelids turned outwards)
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (cornea inflammation due to lack of tear fluid)
- Stomach dilatation volvulus (stomach turn)
Does a Bloodhound suit me?
The bloodhound is a very affectionate dog. He hears poorly, but smells very good and you will certainly have to do your best if you play ” hide and seek ” .. It is a quiet dog, certainly not a fighting dog as some claim! He is sensitive and sweet with children.
Education with consequence and patience
The Bloodhound regularly needs the opportunities and space to romp and play, preferably in a large fenced area. The Bloodhound tends to eat too much, so regular exercise is a must to keep this breed healthy and active. At least 90 minutes of exercise per day is needed to keep this dog healthy, happy and in shape.
This is how you find your dream Bloodhound
A bloodhound wants to belong to the family and if that is the case, he is fantastic company. He doesn’t like being alone and if everyone works or goes to school during the day, he needs company. Be well informed by the breed club.