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Bloodhound Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bloodhound

[หˆblสŒdhaสŠnd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

dog breed

A bloodhound is a dog breed known for its incredible sense of smell and tracking ability. They are often used in search and rescue missions, as well as in tracking down criminals. Bloodhounds are characterized by their long ears and wrinkled skin, which adds to their distinct appearance. These dogs are gentle and friendly, making them great companion animals when properly trained.

Synonyms

sleuthhound, tracker dog.

Examples of usage

  • The bloodhound successfully tracked the missing person.
  • He trained his bloodhound to follow specific scents.
  • Bloodhounds are often employed in police work.
  • The bloodhound's sense of smell is unmatched.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

History

  • Originally bred in the Middle Ages for tracking game, these dogs have been used in hunting since the 8th century.
  • In the 19th century, the breed gained recognition for its tracking abilities in police work, aiding in criminal investigations.

Pop Culture

  • In the popular cartoon 'Huckleberry Hound,' the character is a fun-loving version of a tracker, nodding to the breed's tracking reputation.
  • Bloodhounds have appeared in many detective films and shows, showcasing their skills in solving mysteries and finding missing persons.

Science

  • These dogs can track scents that are several days old, thanks to their highly developed sense of smell, which has up to 300 million olfactory receptors.
  • Their unique physical structure, with large ears and loose skin, helps them trap scent particles effectively as they track.

Training and Behavior

  • Bloodhounds are notable for their stubbornness; training requires patience and consistency, focusing on their ability to follow scents.
  • Unlike other breeds, once they pick up a scent, they can be very single-minded in their pursuit, often ignoring commands from their handlers.

Origin of 'bloodhound'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'Bloodhund,' meaning 'blooded hound,' indicating these dogs were bred from noble ancestry.
  • Early records show that the breed was known in England as 'St. Hubert Hound' due to its association with St. Hubert, the patron saint of hunters.

The term 'bloodhound' originates from the Middle English 'blodhounde', which is a combination of 'blood' and 'hound'. The 'blood' part is believed to refer to the breed's noble ancestry, as these dogs were often associated with aristocracy. The 'hound' part comes from Old English 'hund', meaning dog. Bloodhounds were developed in the Middle Ages in Europe primarily for tracking purposes. They were highly valued for their ability to follow scents over long distances, making them indispensable for hunting and law enforcement. The breed has remained popular throughout history, and their unique abilities continue to be recognized and utilized today.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,603 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.