The Bloodhound is amongst the oldest of breeds. The Sagaces were mentioned frequently by the Romans and pendulous eared hounds, of unsurpassed scenting ability, were to be found in the Mediterranean countries of Greece, Egypt and Italy long before the birth of Christ.

Through the turmoil of the Dark Ages the strain survived in the guise of the St. Hubert hound, bred at the Monastery in the Ardennes from the seventh century A.D.  Transported to England with the Normans after 1066, packs were maintained by Kings, Barons and Bishops and selective breeding continued to produce the "blooded" or purebred hound.  In time the "Blooded hound" became the Bloodhound.

The modern hound still possesses his tracking skills of course, and is in much demand by police and sheriff's departments.  However, his friendly and affectionate disposition (if you need a guard dog ... look elsewhere) also qualifies him as a superb family pet, assuming, that is, that your home and lifestyle are compatible with this, the largest of hounds.

Not everyone is a suitable owner for a bloodhound and there are some questions you should ask before putting a deposit on one of those "Oh, so cute puppies".  Consider . . . 

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, are you prepared, in the words of Rudyard Kipling, "to give your heart to a dog to tear?"