The Bloodhound Dog Breed

The origins of the bloodhound dog breed, also known as the Chien de Saint-Hubert, are very old. It was bred in the Ardennes in Belgium by the monks of the Abbey of Saint Hubert, who carefully selected them. It was descended from the black or black-furred hounds that were used in the 7th century by the monk Hubert, who was later appointed bishop and, canonised, became the patron saint of hunters.

But his origins are even older, he is mentioned as early as 550 B.C. quoted by Xenophon, later he spread to every corner of the Roman Empire following the legions. In the 11th century, it arrived in England following William the Conqueror. In the same period, dogs of the same type but with a completely white coat, called ‘Talbots’, were also introduced.

These imported dogs gave rise to an offspring. Those produced by the breeding of these chiens de Saint Hubert were called ‘bloodhounds’, which derives from ‘blooded hound’ meaning ‘a dog of pure blood’, hence of pure breed. Mated with molossoids, it was used in the southern United States first against the indigenous populations and later in the search for escaped slaves.

It was used extensively in various conflicts, especially during the First World War, as a brave and tenacious search and rescue dog for the wounded. In America, this breed has become more widespread and is used by the police to find missing persons. It is certainly the most famous bloodhound in the world. Selected for hunting large animals such as deer and wild boar, its nose was developed to follow the tracks left by wild animals.

In fact, the bloodhound is the hound par excellence, its infallible nose superior to that of any other dog. So highly valued is his sense of smell that for a long time in America the identification of a criminal made by him was accepted as evidence even in court.

Character of the bloodhound dog breed

From the time when it was used for hunting or for searching for slaves, over the years this breed has changed its character to its present one; affectionate and docile.

The Bloodhound is a peaceful dog, with a mild disposition towards all living beings, cats included, shy and reserved with strangers but very affectionate with the family, with children it is ideal as its patience is practically infinite, it rarely barks as it rarely loses its natural calm wisdom.

It is very easy to train him because he is an intelligent dog, sensitive to reprimands and rewards. therefore also suitable for those who have no experience with dogs. His main role would be that of a hunting dog, but he easily gets used to living in a flat, but he likes to run in the open spaces and have fun.

He loves to be taken care of by his owner. He loves to be in contact as much as possible with people he considers friends. It is a very affectionate and loyal breed. If habituated, it gives no trouble at all to be at home with the family. It is quite calm if not stimulated to activity.

Appearance of the Bloodhound dog breed

The bloodhound is a large hunting dog, the largest of all bloodhounds, classified as a braccoid. The male can reach 67 centimetres at the withers and weigh up to 54 kilograms, the female usually a little less. The chest is wide and descending, the back broad and broad and very strong in relation to the dog's structure. Its limbs are well muscled and strong. The tail is curved and in the lower part garnished with hair about 5 cm long.

The head and neck attract attention by the abundant, elastic and fine skin, which hangs in deep folds.

Its movement is impressive, rather slow and oscillating with some rolling, but soft elastic and loose. The idea one gets from it is one of calm, steadiness and majesty.

The head is large but not wide, it has long ears attached very low on the skull, carried hanging forward. The eyes are small, hazel and sunken.

The coat is short and rather harsh on the trunk, but soft and silky on the ears and skull. The breed colours are fire-black, fire-brown and fire-brown. The fiery-black specimens are among the most prized and sought-after.

Health and care of the Bloodhound dog breed

The Bloodhound is, on the whole, a very robust dog, the only flaw being its eyes, which tend to become inflamed easily. It has an average life expectancy of around 12 years. It needs daily exercise, so it must be walked several times during the day. It also needs olfactory stimulation and takes great pleasure in seeking out small rewards.

He has no special needs with regard to coat care, just brushing once a week and checking his ears and eyes.

As far as diet is concerned, in spite of his rather large size he does not eat much. Meals must be given twice a day in adulthood and he must be fed in a balanced and careful manner.