STRIKINGLY handsome and with an unmatched sense of smell, the bloodhound is a remarkable working dog, both in appearance and ability. The noble expression of this tall, muscular, long-eared hound, ‘characterised by solemnity, wisdom and power’, as worded by the Kennel Club (KC), befits a breed with such a rich and ancient heritage. Recorded in Britain as early as the 14th century, the bloodhound has been an esteemed hunting companion to nobility, a formidable tracker of poachers and criminals and a lofty muse, its dignified countenance and trailing capability romanticised in art and literature. This notable ancestry makes the bloodhound’s place on the KC’s vulnerable list all the more disheartening, with only 36 pups registered in 2020.
‘They were certainly a prestigious breed in previous centuries,’ affirms Keith Long, chairman of the Bloodhound Club. ‘The bloodhound has the honour of being the first breed to feature in the KC Stud Book and is one of the few breeds where the same stock is seen in both show and working arenas, ensuring they are fit for purpose. It is steeped in history and part of the pleasure of owning the breed is the sense of its ancientness.’
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