Since then the most noted hounds have been the writer's Burgundy, Bardolph, Belinda, Banner, Baretta, Brunhilda, Barbarossa, Benedicta, Betula, Babbo 96, Boscobel 96, Brocade, and Bettina, Craven's Clara and Constance, Bowker's Boadicea and Berengaria, Lee's Harlequin, Whittle's Diana of Hayes, Heydon's South Carolina, Croxton-Smith's Panther and Wandle Welcome, Mangin's Hordle Hercules and Hordle Niobe.

Fig. 31. - Mr. Edwin Brough's Bloodhound Burgundy.

Burgundy (Fig. 31) is considered by his owner to have been the best Bloodhound he has ever seen, and his brother Bardolph was not very far behind him. Banner, Barbarossa, Benedicta, Babbo 96, Brocade, Bettina, Boadicea, Berengaria, South Carolina, Panther, Wandle Welcome, and Hordle Hercules were all most exceptional hounds.

The stately and majestic appearance of the Bloodhound it is impossible to describe, and in this particular he occupies a position which is unique.

The following description of the Bloodhound, or Sleuth-hound, was drawn up by Mr. J. Sidney Turner and Mr. Edwin Brough, and has been adopted by the Association of Bloodhound Breeders: -

Genera/ 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 26m., and of adult bitches 24m. Dogs usually vary from 25in. to 27m., and bitches from 23m. to 25m.; 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 90lb , and of adult bitches 8olb. Dogs attain the weight of 110lb., bitches 100lb. 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 characterised 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 I2in., or more, in dogs, and 11in., 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.

Fore-Face

The fore-face 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 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 dotted lines show a faulty peak.

Ears

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.

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 fore-face; 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 characters are found, though in a less 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 fore-legs, forming a deep keel.

Legs And Feet

The fore-legs 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.

Stem

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.

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.