Information on AKC Bloodhound Puppies
Bloodhound Breed Standard
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.
Approved: January 9, 1996
Effective: February 29, 1996
