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Bloodhound

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1. General Description of the Bloodhound

   The Bloodhound is a member of the Sagaces canine group, which means it hunts via scent in groups. The narrow yet long head tapers gently from the temples to the end of the muzzle. The diamond shaped eyes are very deep set, with the bottoms sunk down by heavy flews; color can be anywhere from yellow to deep brown and often depends on the coat color of the dog. Ears are very long and low-set, soft and thin. Because the skin is so loose, the head can take on a wrinkled appearance. Around the muzzle the dewlap is strong and pronounced. The dog's long, muscular neck slopes back to a strong, well-muscled body. The tail is long, slightly curved and high-set. The coat is short and can be red, black and tan, or liver and tan. The Bloodhound possesses the most acute sense of smell of any canine.

2. Bloodhound Temperament

   The Bloodhound is gentle, affectionate and dignified. The breed is ideal for families with children, though it is important that young children are not too rough in their play, as in all likelihood the Bloodhound will placidly allow children to climb and pull it. These dogs are more energetic in their younger years and require lots of activity when puppies. They can exhibit stubborn tendencies, and need an owner who can administer firm training with a gentle touch. Always keep your Bloodhound on a leash when walking, as an interesting scent can cause the dog to run off at any time. Though hardly the most playful of breeds, the Bloodhound will enthusiastically devour any task that involves tracking or scenting, and is easy to train in these areas.

3. Caring for a Bloodhound

   The Bloodhound is a moderately active breed and should be given the opportunity to exercise in a safe area every day. Be careful, though, as the dog may bound off unexpectedly on a new scent. Bloodhounds are simple to groom and require only periodic brushing, more so during the heavier shedding season. To keep your Bloodhound's coat shiny, simply rub over it with a rubber glove. You can also use a soft chamois cloth. The ears will need regular attention because they are so large. Make sure they are kept clean and free from mites and dirt. You might find that your Bloodhound has a distinct odor. This may be remedied with a regular bathing with a gentle, moisturizing shampoo. Also, there are new products on the market that serve as "doggie colognes" and can mask some of the smell. Health concerns for this breed include hip and elbow dysplasia, skin-fold dermatitis, ectropion, entropion and gastric torsion. Hypothyroidism is also occasionally seen.

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