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.
General Appearance
Noble and dignified expression, characterised by solemnity, wisdom and power.
Temperament
Affectionate, neither quarrelsome with companions nor with other dogs.
Somewhat reserved and sensitive.
Head and Skull
Head narrow in proportion to length and long in proportion to body, tapering
slightly from temples to muzzle, thus when viewed from above and in front having
appearance of being flattened at sides and of being nearly equal in width throughout
entire length. In profile upper outline of skull is nearly in same plane as that
of foreface. Length from end of nose to stop not less than that from stop to
back of occipital protuberance. Entire length of head from posterior part of
occipital protuberance to end of muzzle 30 cms (12 ins) or more in dogs and 28
cms (11 ins) or more in bitches.
Skull is long and narrow, with occipital peak
very pronounced. Brows not prominent, although owing to set of eyes, may appear
to give that appearance. Foreface long, deep and of even width throughout, with
square outlines when seen in profile. Head furnished with an amount of loose
skin, which in nearly every position appears abundant, but more particularly
so when head is carried low; skin then falls into loose pendulous ridges and
folds, especially over forehead and sides of face. Nostrils large and open.
In
front, lips fall squarely making a right angle with upper line of foreface; whilst
behind they form deep hanging flews and, being continued into pendant folds of
loose skin about neck, constitute the dewlap, which is very pronounced.
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Eyes
Medium size, dark brown or hazel, neither sunken nor prominent, the lids
being oval in shape and meeting the cornea – front window of the
eye – perfectly without any irregularity in their contour. Eyes
should be free from any interference from the eyelashes.
Ears
Thin and soft to the touch, long, set on low and falling in graceful
folds, lower parts curling inwards and backwards.
Mouth
Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper
teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Forequarters
Shoulders muscular and well sloped. Forelegs straight, large, round in
bone with elbows well set in. Pasterns strong.
Body
Ribs well sprung, chest well let down between forelegs forming a deep keel.
Back and loins strong, the latter deep and slightly arched.
Hindquarters
Thighs and second thighs very muscular. Hocks well let down, bent and squarely
set.
Feet
Strong and well knuckled up.
Tail
(Stern) Long, thick, tapering to a point, set high with moderate amount
of hair underneath. Carried scimitar-fashion, but not curled over back
or corkscrew any time. When moving carried high.
Gait/Movement
Elastic, swinging free.
Coat
Smooth, short and weatherproof.
Colour
Black and tan, liver and tan (red and tan) and red. Darker colours sometimes
interspersed with lighter or badger-coloured hair and sometimes flecked
with white. Small amount of white permissible on chest, feet and tip
of tail.
Size
Height of adult dogs: 66 cms (26 ins); bitches: 61 cms (24 ins). Dogs usually
vary from 63-69 cms (25-27 ins); bitches from 58-63 cms (23-25 ins).
Mean average weight of adult dogs in fair condition 41 kgs (90 lbs);
bitches: 36 kgs (80 lbs). Dogs attain the weight of 50 kgs (110 lbs);
bitches: 45.5 kgs (100 lbs). Hounds of the maximum height and weight
preferred, providing that quality, proportion and balance combine.
Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and
the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in
exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare
of the dog.
Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended
into the scrotum.
