General Appearance: The Bloodhound possesses, in a most marked degree, every point and characteristic of those dogs which hunt together by scent (Sagaces). He is very powerful, and stands over more ground that is usual with hounds of other breeds. The skin is thin to the touch and extremely loose, this being more especially noticeable about the head and neck, where it hangs in deep folds. The expression is noble and dignified, and characterized by solemnity, wisdom, and power.
Temperament: In temperament he is extremely affectionate, neither quarrelsome with companions nor with other dogs. His nature is somewhat shy, and equally sensitive to kindness or correction by his master.
Size: Height - the mean average height of adult
dogs is 26 in. (66 cm) and of adult bitches 24 in. (61 cm). Dogs usually
vary from 25 - 27 inc. (64 - 69 cm) and bitches from 23 - 25 in. (58 -
64 cm); but, in either case, the greater height is to be preferred, provided
that character and quality are also combined. Weight - the mean average
weight of adult dogs in fair condition is 90 lb. (41 kg), and of adult
bitches 80 lb. (36 kg). Dogs attain the weight of 110 lb. (50 kg), bitches
100 lb. (45 kg). The greater weights are to be preferred, provided (as
in the case of height) that quality and proportion are also combined.
Coat and Colour: The colours are black and tan,
red and tan, and tawny; the darker colours being sometimes interspersed
with lighter or badger-coloured hair, and sometimes flecked with white.
A small amount of white is permissible on chest, feet and tip of stern
Head: 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, thus (when viewed from above and in front) having
the appearance of being flattened at the sides and of being nearly equal
in width throughout its entire length. In profile the upper outline of
the skull is nearly in the same plane as that of the foreface.
The length from end of nose to stop (midway between the eyes) should be
not less than from stop to back of occipital protuberance (peak). The entire
length of head from the posterior part of the occipital protuberance to
the end of the muzzle should be 12 in. (30 cm), or more, in dogs, and 11
in. (28 cm), or more in bitches. The skull is long and narrow, with the
occipital peak very pronounced. The brows are not prominent although, owing
to the deep set eyes, they may have that appearance.
The foreface is long, deep, and of even width throughout, with square outline when seen
in profile. The nostrils are large and open. In front the lips fall squarely,
making a right angle with the upper line of the foreface; whilst behind
they form deep hanging flews and, being continued into the pendant folds
of loose skin about the neck, constitute the dewlap, which is very pronounced.
These characteristics are found, though in a lesser degree, in the bitch.
The eyesare deeply sunk in the orbits, the lids assuming
a lozenge or diamond shape, in consequence of the lower lids being dragged
down and everted by the heavy flews. The eyes correspond with the general
tone of colour of the animal, varying from deep hazel to yellow. The hazel
colour is, however, to be preferred, although very seldom seen in red and
tan hounds.
The ears are thin and soft to the touch, extremely
long, set very low, and fall in graceful folds, the lower parts curling
inwards and backwards. The head is furnished with an amount of loose skin,
which in nearly every position appears superabundant, but more particularly
so when the head is carried low; the skin then falls into loose, pendulous
ridges and folds, especially over the forehead and sides of the face.
Neck: the neck is long.
Forequarters: The shoulders are muscular and well
sloped backwards. The forelegs are straight and large in bone, with elbows
squarely set; the feet strong and well knuckled up.Body: The ribs are well
sprung; and the chest well let down between the forelegs, forming a deep
keel. The back and loins are strong, the latter deep and slightly arched.
Hindquarters: The thighs and second thighs (gaskins)
are very muscular; the hocks well bent and let down and squarely set.
Tail: The stern is long and tapering, and set on
rather high, with a moderate amount of hair underneath.
Gait: The gait is elastic, swinging and free, the stern being carried high, but not too much curled over the back.
