The bloodhound is a large dog with long droopy ears and wrinkled skin, especially on the face.

The coat is short, and carries one of three possible color combinations: black and tan, liver and tan, or red. Some black and tan bloodhounds are predominantly black except for some tan spots on the legs and face.

Adult male bloodhounds generally range between 25 and 27 inches in height, although some grow as large as 32 inches. Weights range from 90 to 130 pounds (40 to 60 kilograms). Females average 23 to 25 inches in height, but some reach 28 inches. Their weights average 80 to 100 pounds (36 to 45 kilograms).

The bloodhound is a gentle, patient, noble and mild-mannered animal. He's especially good with children and is known to be exceptionally tolerant of tots who clamber over him. He also generally gets along well with other animals.

Beneath this mild-mannered demeanor, however, run deep streaks of determination and independence.

The bloodhound is one of the most melodious members of dogdom. He can perform full canine arias that feature expressive baying, howling and whining.

Bloodhounds can be wonderful canine companions. They are relatively slow to mature, hitting adolescence at about one year and not reaching full maturity until at least age two. During that adolescent period, the bloodhound is likely to be boisterous, clumsy, curious about any interesting scent and fearless about eating anything that smells interesting.

Nevertheless, the bloodhound is an energetic breed that needs lots of exercise, especially as a puppy hood. Like other large dogs, the bloodhound's life span is relatively short, about 10 years.

The bloodhound has a long and noble history. The breed was perfected in the 7th century by St. Hubert of Belgium and his monks. Since then, these dogs have frequently been associated with royalty. William the Conqueror brought several bloodhounds with him when he arrived in England in 1066, and modern bloodhounds are descended from those dogs. Meanwhile, back in Belgium, St. Hubert's monastery continued to present the king of France with a pair of black and tan bloodhounds every year. Even today, in French-speaking parts of Europe, these dogs are known as St. Hubert hounds.

Initially bloodhounds were used to track deer and other game. By the 16th century, however, they also were used to track people. Today bloodhounds assist with law enforcement as well as search-and-rescue efforts. Their abilities are so highly regarded that trails performed by proven trailing bloodhounds are admissible as evidence in court.