History and legend have invested the Bloodhound with qualities that fill the popular imagination, giving him a reputation for a ferocity that is wholly alien to his nature. A kindlier-tempered animal does not exist, nor a more tractable if taken in hand when young. He is not so suitable for town life as some breeds, as it is his habit to use his nose more than his eyes. A susceptibility to distemper in a severe form tends to keep down the numbers, and puppies are consequently valuable.

His Work

The primary function of the Bloodhound is to hunt man, and it is surprising what he can do in this direction when carefully trained. In America there are well-authenticated cases of criminals being run down ten and twelve hours after the event, but here we regard it as good work if a hound will find his man on a line three hours cold. I am confident that the Bloodhound might be used with advantage by the police in country districts, or by gamekeepers in clearing an estate of poachers. One need have no compunction in employing his services, as he is quite harmless when he catches his quarry.

His Points

A beautiful, well-balanced hound, heavier in build and slower than the Foxhound. His head is a striking feature, with its long, gracefully folding ears, and masses of loose skin, commonly called wrinkle; the head is long, terminating in a clearly defined peak at the occiput; the chest should be deep, to give plenty of heart and lung room; front legs straight, with plenty of bone.