Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Overview
The Bloodhound is one of the oldest scenthounds, with roots tracing back to early medieval Europe. It is believed that the breed developed in the monasteries of Belgium, where monk-vignerons conducted rigorous selection of dogs with exceptional scenting ability and stable working temperament. Later, the Bloodhound spread through France and England, where it was used for tracking large game and locating people. Its unique ability to pick up and maintain a trail over vast distances made the breed indispensable both in hunting and search work. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the Bloodhound gained international recognition, preserving its original type, deep tracking instinct, and legendary precision in scent work.
General Appearance
The Bloodhound is a large, strong and powerful hound of noble outline, giving an impression of strength, endurance and focused working energy. The breed is characterized by an elongated body, deep chest, dry musculature and free, springy movement. Typical skin folds of the head and neck enhance its concentrated expression. The dog is harmoniously built, without coarseness, with well-defined angulation and a solid bone structure. Despite its impressive size, the Bloodhound moves lightly and confidently, showing readiness for long work over uneven terrain and the ability to maintain pace over great distances.
Important Proportions
Height at the withers is slightly less than body length, measured from the shoulder joint to the base of the tail, providing stability and endurance for prolonged work. The chest is deep, reaching at least the level of the elbow, ensuring sufficient capacity for breathing and cardiac function. The head is long and massive; its length is approximately equal to the distance from the withers to the elbow, emphasizing the breed’s scenting purpose. The muzzle should not be shorter than the skull, maintaining a rectangular shape and adequate width. Limbs must be proportional to the body, with correct angulation for a wide stride and strong push. Any extremes in format or leg shortening are undesirable for a working type.
Behaviour and Temperament
The Bloodhound is calm, balanced and somewhat reserved, without excessive excitability. In daily life it is friendly, affectionate toward its family, and typically good with children and other animals when properly socialized. At work, the Bloodhound is focused, persistent and extremely determined, capable of following complex and aged trails while ignoring distractions. Unprovoked aggression or unjustified nervousness are untypical and considered serious faults. Stable nerves, strong motivation to track, and the ability to work independently or with a handler are essential. Cowardice, lack of control or pronounced human-directed aggression are unacceptable.
Head
The Bloodhound’s head is long, narrow and deep, with characteristic skin folds on the forehead, cheeks and especially the neck. The skull is narrow, elongated, slightly domed, with a gently defined stop. The muzzle is long and rectangular, with heavy lips forming pronounced flews that contribute to the breed’s characteristic expression. The nose is large with widely open nostrils and a maximized scenting surface. Ears are long, thin, soft and set low, hanging in folds and reaching at least the level of the throat. The skin on the head is loose and mobile, forming folds particularly noticeable when the dog is relaxed. The expression must be serious, thoughtful, calm and gently benevolent.
Foreface
The foreface is long and strong, while maintaining dry lines and a rectangular profile. The nasal bridge is straight or slightly convex, broad throughout. The nose is large and moist with highly developed nostrils, essential for the breed’s exceptional scenting ability. Lips are very long and pendulous, forming deep corners of the mouth and characteristic flews. The lower lip is soft yet substantial, covering the jaw smoothly. Jaws are powerful with a full set of teeth and a correct scissor bite. The facial skin is dense, forming folds along the sides and cheeks, especially when the head is lowered. The foreface must reflect the breed’s working purpose: strength, stamina and the ability to maintain precise scent detection over long distances.
Eyes
The Bloodhound’s eyes are oval, medium-sized, deep-set, with a soft, contemplative and slightly mournful expression. Colour ranges from dark brown to hazel, with darker shades preferred. The lower eyelid may slightly droop, forming a typical expression, but excessive looseness is undesirable. The gaze must be calm, confident, neither aggressive nor anxious. Overly round, protruding or pale eyes disrupt the breed type. Slight visibility of the conjunctiva is acceptable, but irritation is not. The eyes should reflect the breed’s steadiness, reliability and natural gentleness, as well as concentration during scent work.
Ears
The ears are one of the breed’s most recognizable traits: long, extremely thin, soft, velvety to the touch, and set low—at eye level or lower. They hang freely, forming elegant folds that lie close to the cheeks, emphasizing the head’s elongated shape. Their length is considerable, reaching at least the base of the neck in repose. The shape is elongated with softly rounded tips. High placement, insufficient length, or thick, coarse texture are faults. During tracking, the ears help “collect” scent particles, enhancing perception. Their appearance must remain harmonious, soft and true to the breed’s working purpose.
Neck
The neck is long, powerful and slightly arched, forming a smooth, noble curve from occiput to withers. Musculature is well developed but not coarse, enabling the dog to work long with its head lowered. A characteristic dewlap forms a double fold extending from the lower jaw to the chest; it must be noticeable but not excessive. The skin is dense and mobile. The neck’s length and flexibility are essential for precise scent work. A short, thick, weak or insufficiently flexible neck is faulty. The transition to the shoulders must be smooth and harmonious.
Body
The body is elongated, strong and powerful without coarseness, built for prolonged scent-tracking work. The topline is straight and stable; the back is long and muscular. The loin is slightly arched, short and strong, transmitting drive from the hindquarters. The croup is broad and slightly sloping, providing free, ground-covering movement. The chest is deep and well-let-down, reaching or slightly exceeding the elbow. Ribs are long, moderately sprung. The underline is smooth, with a slightly tucked abdomen. Weak bone, soft topline or insufficient chest depth are considered faults.
Tail
The tail is of medium length, thick at the base and tapering toward the end, continuing the spinal line. In repose, it hangs naturally; in movement, it rises to the level of the back or slightly above, maintaining a natural sabre shape. The coat is short and smooth. Excessive length, crookedness, high or low set, or tail deviations are faults. The tail must preserve balance and stability during prolonged work.
Front Limbs
Front limbs are straight, parallel and strong, with well-developed but not coarse bone. Shoulders are long, sloping and well-laid-back, forming correct angulation with the upper arm. Elbows point strictly backward. Forearms are long, straight and muscular; pasterns are strong and slightly sloped. Feet are round, tight and strong. Weak ligaments, out-turned elbows, soft pasterns or flat feet are faults.
Hind Limbs
Hind limbs are powerful and broad, with strong musculature providing a strong drive. Thighs are long and muscular; stifles are well-angulated. Lower legs are long and dry; hocks are strong and low-set. Metatarsi are short and vertical. Feet are compact and strong. Straight stifles, weak ligaments, narrow hindquarters or cow-hocks are faults reducing drive and stability.
Gait / Movement
Movement must be free, steady and efficient. The dog maintains straight lines, firm rhythm and strong hind drive. The forelimbs move with a wide, even reach. Motion is elastic and springy, with a stable topline. The trot is preferred for evaluation. Crossing, toeing-in, toeing-out, narrow hind movement, weak drive or short steps are unacceptable. The Bloodhound must move confidently and with endurance.
Coat
The coat is short, dense, smooth and tight, with a uniform texture. Slightly harsher on the body than on the head and ears. Undercoat is moderate and climate-adaptive. The coat must not show bald patches, curl or soft fluffiness. Excessive length, waviness or softness are faults. The coat must preserve a clean silhouette suitable for work.
Permissible Colours
Permissible colours include tawny, red and black-and-tan, with minimal variations in intensity. Tan markings must be clear and in typical locations. A small white mark on the chest is permitted; larger patches are undesirable. The colour must be rich and even. Blue, liver, merle or spotted patterns are disqualifying.
Size
Bloodhounds are large hounds with clear sexual dimorphism. Males: 68–72 cm at the withers; females: 62–66 cm. Weight: males 46–54 kg, females 40–48 kg. The body mass must correspond to function—excess weight reduces endurance, insufficient weight disrupts balance. Proportions must remain harmonious.
Faults
Faults include any deviations affecting balance, expression or functionality: insufficient chest depth, weak bone, coarseness, loose structure, short neck, weak withers, excessive or insufficient skin folds, incorrect ear set, round or light eyes, incorrect bite, weak lips, improper limb angulation, soft pasterns, straight hindquarters, incorrect coat texture or colour deviations beyond acceptable. Faults are evaluated by severity and effect on working ability.
Disqualification
Disqualifying faults include serious behavioural or structural defects incompatible with the breed: unprovoked aggression, extreme shyness, severe mental instability, incorrect bite, excessive missing teeth, albinism, lack of head folds in adults, high-set or short ears, severe gait abnormalities, chronic lameness, unacceptable coat colours, large white patches, cryptorchidism. Any extreme deviation affecting function or type excludes the dog from breeding.
Important Notes
Evaluation of the Bloodhound must consider its historical purpose as a scent-tracking hound with exceptional olfactory capabilities and endurance. Structure must prioritize functionality: correct angulation, strong body, free movement and characteristic skin all relate directly to performance. Loose skin and pronounced folds are acceptable if they do not affect health or movement. The Bloodhound matures slowly; young dogs may appear loose or unfinished. Temperament is critical: the dog must be calm, stable and reliable.
Conclusion
The Bloodhound combines ancient origins, outstanding working qualities and a distinct breed type. Every element of structure reflects centuries of selection for precise and sustained scent tracking. Proper evaluation requires considering functionality as inseparable from form. A gentle temperament, strong motivation and natural scenting talent make the Bloodhound a valued partner in service and private use. Strict adherence to the standard preserves the breed’s historical essence and exceptional tracking abilities.
