Bloodhound:
Color: Red, Black and tan, liver and tan, may have white markings.
Height: Males: 25-27 inches/ Females: 23-25 inches
Weight: Males: 90-119 pounds/ Females: 79-106 pounds
Life Span: 10-12 years
Breed Health Concerns: Ear infections, hip dysplasia, bloat, and entropion.
Coat: Weatherproof close lying, smooth, short coat.
Country of Origin: Belgium
Visit the American Kennel Club for breed standards and more information.
The Bloodhound was refined from ancient dogs called Segusius in the monastery of St. Hubert in Belgium. These dogs had persistent, exquisite noses that they used to cold trail track game such as big cats, deer, and wolves. These St. Hubert Hounds crossed the Channel when the Normans conquered England in 1066. Then in England, these St. Hubert Hounds were crossed with Southern Hounds and Talbot Hounds to create the current breed the Bloodhound. His name came about because he was used exclusively by the nobility, not from his ability to track a blood trail.
The Bloodhound is easily recognizable with its long drooping ears and facial wrinkles. The Bloodhound is kind and gentle and gets along with everyone. Bred to be a pack animal and persistent, the Bloodhound should be kept in an enclosed yard so his nose does not get him into trouble.
Exercise:
The Bloodhound does not need a large amount of exercise, but does require regular daily walks. Taking him to a large enclosure or through a park on a long leash where the Bloodhound can sniff and track will make him happiest.
Grooming:
The coat of the Bloodhound is easy to maintain and requires only regular bathing and brushing. However the wrinkles on the dogs face and long drooping ears of the dog require extra attention. Be sure to keep them clean and dry.
Training:
To train a Bloodhound takes patience and consistency. The Bloodhound was bred to be an independent thinker and requires extra incentive to do basic obedience tasks, however the breed will thrive if asked to track a trail. The best way to train any breed is to work with their instincts. This is especially true of the Bloodhound.
Chow Chow
Color: Solid color, cream, fawn, blue, red, black.
Height: Males: 18-22 inches/ Females: 17-20 inches
Weight: 45-70 pounds
Life Span: 13-15 year
Breed Health Concerns: Hip dysplasia, thyroid problems, elbow dysplasia, ectropion, patellar lunation, and entropion.
Coat: Two Types: Rough Coat has dense, straight autocrat with a thick, wooly, soft undercoat. Smooth Coat has dense, hard, smooth autocrat with definite undercoat.
Country of Origin: China.
Visit the American Kennel Club for breed standards and more information.
The Chow Chow can be traced to 11th century BCE. Sculptures and pottery from 150 BCE depict Chow-like dogs hunting. In China, the Chow Chow was considered a delicacy. Eating the flesh of the dog was (and still is) common. For many centuries the Chow Chow was not seen outside of China. Around 1780, sailors smuggled the breed out of the country. Their popularity quickly increased due to the dog's unique look and distinguishing features including its blue-black tongue, gums, and lips.
The Chow Chow is generally aloof with strangers but will typically bong strongly to one person. It is said that the Chow will not obey his master, but would be ready and willing to die for him.
Exercise:
Although the Chow Chow does not need a ton of exercise, daily regular walks are important to keep the breed in good shape.
Grooming:
Extra care must be taken to keep the flaps around the dog's face clean, dry, and free from dirt and debris. Both coat types of the Chow Chow need regular brushing with a steel comb. The fur around the Chow Chow's ears is thick and may trap dirt and also must be kept clean.
Training:
The Chow Chow is naturally protective and aloof and must be properly socialized from puppyhood. The Chow Chow does not like to be pushed, and requires a trainer who is both firm and fair. Using positive reinforcement training methods for this breed is a must.
