The Bloodhound
is a massive, powerful dog with a long muzzle, drooping
ears and loose, wrinkled skin. Its jowls and hanging
skin give the Bloodhound a rather mournful, dignified
expression. It has a pendulous dewlap and its neck is
very well muscled. Its back is very strong for the dog's
size and its powerful shoulders enable the dog to work
for long hours without a break. Its forelegs are straight,
solid, and muscular and it carries its tail in an elegant
curve above the topline of the back. The skull is very
high and prominent and has eyes that are set deeply
in their sockets. The lower lids of the eyes fall away
to reveal part of the inner surface. Its black nose
sits on the tip of the long muzzle. The folds of the
skin are said to aid in holding scent particles. Its
coat is short and fairly hard with the hair on the skull
and ears being softer.
