Bloodahouli

The Bloodhound is a large scent hound with an unmistakable appearance characterized by loose, wrinkled skin and an expression of noble dignity. Male dogs typically stand 25 to 27 inches at the shoulder, with some reaching up to 32 inches, and weigh 90 to 130 pounds. Females generally measure 23 to 25 inches tall, though some may reach 28 inches, and weigh 80 to 100 pounds. According to breed standards, larger dogs are preferred when character and quality are maintained. The breed possesses an unusually heavy skeletal structure, with most of their weight concentrated in their thick bones. The most distinctive feature of the Bloodhound is its extraordinarily loose skin, particularly noticeable around the head and neck where it hangs in deep, pendulous folds. When the head is carried low, the skin falls into pronounced ridges and wrinkles, especially over the forehead and sides of the face. The long, drooping ears are thin and supple, extending at least beyond the end of the nose when pulled forward. The eyes are moderate in size, deep-set with a gentle and dignified expression that conveys wisdom and a somewhat melancholy air. The jowls and dewlap are well-developed, contributing to the breed's unique appearance. The Bloodhound's coat is short, hard, and composed entirely of fur with no admixture of hair, typical of scent hounds. Acceptable colors include black and tan, liver and tan, and solid red, with black and tan dogs varying from predominantly black to mostly tan with minimal black markings. The head is narrow in proportion to its length and long in proportion to the body, measuring 12 inches or more in males and 11 inches or more in females. The neck is long and muscular, the shoulders well-sloped, and the chest deep with well-sprung ribs, creating the powerful frame necessary for tireless trailing work.

The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a medium to large working breed with a powerful, well-muscled body that conveys both strength and agility. Dogs typically stand 22 to 24 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 50 and 95 pounds, with males and females being similar in size. The body is slightly longer than tall, with legs comprising 50 to 60 percent of the total height as measured from the ground to the withers. The overall appearance is athletic and streamlined rather than bulky, reflecting the breed's heritage as a tireless working dog in the demanding swamps and forests of Louisiana. The breed's most striking physical characteristics are its coat patterns and eye colors. The distinctive leopard-like spotted coat, which gives the breed its name, results from the merle gene and can display multiple colors in various patterns including brindle, solid, and patched. Coat colors range widely and include black, blue, red, chocolate, yellow, and their merle variations, with deeper colors generally preferred. The short to medium-length single coat lies smooth and close to the body, with texture ranging from smooth to coarse. Perhaps equally remarkable are the Catahoula's eyes, which may be blue, green, amber, brown, or a striking pale blue called glass eyes, and heterochromia with two different colored eyes is common. The head is powerfully built with a broad skull, defined cheekbones, and a strong, deep muzzle of approximately equal length to the skull. The triangular ears are set level with or slightly below the top of the head and hang in angular folds close to the cheeks. The long tail is carried naturally and should remain undocked. A unique physical trait of the breed is webbed feet, which aided their work in swampy terrain and makes them excellent swimmers. The overall impression is of a rugged, capable working dog with unusual and eye-catching coloring.