| The Bloodhound - hero of the canine world | |||||||
| by BUDDY AMATO | |||||||
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Many people think the Bloodhound comes from the United States or from England, when actually the breed comes from the country of Belgium, and dates back to the Middle Ages. This fine breed was thought to have been crossbred through St. Hubert hounds in Medieval England. The common denominator, however the belief that the crusaders brought the Bloodhound breed with them when returning to Europe from the Middle East. Thus, it is very logical to assume that the Bloodhound breed originates from both countries of origin, Belgium and England. There are a few characteristics that are common with this breed. The nose sites on top and slightly forward of the muzzle; the coat is short, not long and is quite hard. However, it softens up when you reach the head and ear area. The head and skull are very high and prominent and the ears are long and hang far beyond the neck region and lower jaw. The hocks and back section are well developed with well-defined back legs. The front legs are very muscular and straight and as far as color goes, the breed comes in three basic variations: red, liver tan and black and tan. One of my favorite distinctions is that they carry their tail in a flag position: curved straight up and above the top line of their back. The Bloodhound can weigh up to 110 pounds and can be as tall as 27 inches. It can live up to 12 years. The breed was originally used for tracking and is quite famous for their uncanny ability to track scents for unbelievably long distances. Today they are used mainly as companion dogs and for tracking, for which they are accredited with many life saving missions. It is a fact that many of our most famous breeds of dog today can trace their lineage back to the Bloodhound. These include the Swiss Jura Hound, the Coon Hound, the Brazilian Mastiff, and the Bavarian Mountain Dog, to name a few. It is thought by many breeders that these are not the only ones. The colors of the Bloodhound, as I have mentioned, come in three main variations, but in the Middle Ages, they also had strains of solid colors such as pure white, which died out in the 1600s. But the gene lives on in breeds such as the boxer and in tri-color hounds. Many people hold incorrect assumptions about Bloodhounds. Because the Bloodhound is portrayed in TV cartoons and shows as a lethargic, comical lazy breed of dog, it is assumed that must be the case. This is far from the truth. This breed will outlast most other breeds when it comes to its task at hand. It will track for hours and it will run with the best of all breeds. It will give any human athletes a run for their money and endurance wise, will far outlast the peak performer of all dogs and humans. The Bloodhound, known for its tracking ability and its skill in hunting animals, thrives on the hunt but not on the kill, however. It revels in tracking and has been used to hunt animals, criminals, and lost children but is not as well-trained as far as obedience goes. This is a breed that requires many hours of dedicated training by experienced and devoted handlers who recognize the potential of this fine dog. The Bloodhound is a true hero in many ways and, as I stated before, is responsible for hundreds of life-saving stories throughout the world today. Grandmaster Buddy Amato operates Amato's Karate and Weapons Academy, 589 Palmer Avenue, West Keansburg and is the author of Buddys Animal Kingdom. For more information, call (732) 671-9555.
Copyright Buddy Amato Amato's Goju-ryu Karate, Nunchaku, Bo-staff, Aikido, Sword, Kendo, Sais, Kick-boxing, Tai-Chi and more 589 Palmer Ave, Keansburg and is the author of Buddys Animal Kingdom, NJ 07734 (732) 671-9555 |
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