General
Character
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 than 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.
Height
The mean average height of adult dogs is 26 inches, and of adult
bitches 24 inches. Dogs usually vary from 25 inches to 27 inches, and
bitches from 23 inches to 25 inches; 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
pounds, and of adult bitches 80 pounds. Dogs attain the weight of 110
pounds, bitches 100 pounds. The greater weights are to be preferred,
provided (as in the case of height) that quality and proportion are
also combined.
Expression
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.
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 that 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 inches, or more, in dogs, and 11 inches,
or more, in bitches. Skull-- 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. Foreface--The
foreface is long, deep, and of even width throughout, with square outline
when seen in profile. Eyes--The eyes are 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 color of the animal, varying from
deep hazel to yellow. The hazel color is, however, to be preferred,
although very seldom seen in liver-and-tan hounds. Ears--The ears are
thin and soft to the touch, extremely long, set very low, and fall in
graceful folds, the lower parts curling inward and backward. Mouth--A
scissors bite is preferred, level bite accepted.
Wrinkle
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. Nostrils--The
nostrils are large and open. Lips, Flews, and Dewlap--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.
Neck, Shoulders
and Chest
The neck is long, the shoulders muscular and well sloped backwards;
the ribs are well sprung; and the chest well let down between the forelegs,
forming a deep keel.
Legs and Feet
The forelegs are straight and large in bone, with elbows squarely
set; the feet strong and well knuckled up; the thighs and second thighs
(gaskins) are very muscular; the hocks well bent and let down and squarely
set.
Back and Loin
The back and loins are strong, the latter deep and slightly arched.
Stern--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.
Color
The colors are black and tan, liver and tan, and red; the darker
colors being sometimes interspersed with lighter or badger-colored hair,
and sometimes flecked with white. A small amount of white is permissible
on chest, feet, and tip of stern.