Bloodhound

Bloodhound, a large variety of hunting dog,. the original stock from which the staghound, foxhound, harrier, beagle and other hounds have been obtained, and probably identical, or nearly so, with the old Southern Hound or Talbot; called also the Sleuth-hound (from Icelandic sloth; the mediaeval English word survives as slot = the track of a deer). This dog stands about 28 inches high at the shoulder, but some breeders put the standard rather higher; the head is dome-shaped and noble ears large, soft, and pendulous, long enough to meet in front of the square jowl; flews well-developed; nose broad, soft, and moist. The eyes are lustrous and soft, and the "haw," or nictitating membrane, is visible. The colour should be a uniform reddish tan, with a black saddle, becoming lighter on the lower parts and extremities; any admixture of white is generally considered to be a defect. The bloodhound is remarkable for its keen scent and its pertinacity in following up a trail. It is now scarcely ever used for hunting (though the late Lord Wolverton kept a pack), but is sometimes used to single out deer. Great caution, however, is required in the operation, as this dog can with difficulty be prevented from satisfying its desire for blood, when the opportunity presents itself. Bloodhounds were formerly kept for the pursuit of thieves, and especially sheep-stealers; and trials were made with a view to their employment in tracking the Whitechapel murderer. The Cuban bloodhound, said to have a strain of bulldog blood,. was kept for tracking criminals and fugitive slaves. It was proposed to use these dogs against the Marooners in Jamaica in 1796, but the dread they inspired rendered their employment unnecessary.