The bloodhound – a noble hunter with history and dedication
The bloodhound, known internationally as the Bloodhound, is not just any dog, but a fascinating species from Group 6 of running and welding dogs with roots in Belgium. This traditional breed, also known as the “Chien de St. Hubert” or “St. Hubert Hound” not only has a storied past, but a name that means more than semantics.
The bloodhound owes its name not to a bloodthirsty disposition, but rather to the assumption that the breed’s purity or its exceptionally keen sense of smell, which enables it to track bleeding prey over long distances, were the inspiration. The historical connection to nobility and “blue blood” could also have led to the name “bloodhound”.
The external characteristics of the bloodhound show an imposing appearance. Males reach an ideal shoulder height of 63-69 cm, females 58-63 cm with a weight of 36-50 kg. The coat is short, dense and hard, the colors range from black to light brown to liver. The dewlap and the distinctive wrinkles on the face are also characteristic and give the bloodhound its unmistakable expression.
The origins of the bloodhound date back to the 8th century, when it is mentioned in the Ardennes as a companion of the patron saint of hunting, St. Hubertus. Over the centuries, selective breeding developed the St. Hubertus hound into the modern bloodhound, which also played an important role in the Norman conquest of England in 1066.
The bloodhound, is not just a hunter, but also an excellent scent hound. Its sense of smell is twice as good as that of an average dog, and it can follow even cold tracks over a distance of more than 200 km. This has become particularly well known in the field of criminalistics, where it plays a decisive role in solving crimes.
Behind its imposing appearance lies a gentle nature. Calmness, friendliness and loyalty make the Sweat Dog a potential family dog, as long as its needs for food and exercise are adequately taken into account. Due to its innate tracking instinct, consistent training is essential.
The gundog embodies not only a dog breed, but also a living legend that combines history and modernity. Its contribution to hunting, its detective skills and its friendly nature make it a dog with a unique profile. The bloodhound – a noble hunter with historical heritage and unwavering devotion.
New dog breed descriptions in a quick overview