_Colour._--More a matter for individual fancy.
A dark blue-grey most preferred, and after this, darker and lighter grey, or brindles, the darkest being preferred.
Yellow, sandy-red, or red-fawn, with black points (_i.e._, ears and muzzle), are equally esteemed, more so because two of the oldest strains--the M'Neil and Chesthill Menzies--are of these colours.
White is condemned by all the old authorities, but a white chest and white toes, occurring as they do in a great many of the darkest coloured dogs, are not so much objected to, though less the better, as the Deerhound is a self-coloured dog.
A white blaze on the head, or a white collar, should entirely _disqualify_.
A white tip on tail occurs in most strains.
_Height of Bitches._--From 26 inches upwards.
A big bitch is better for breeding and keeping up size. Ought not to exceed the height of the dog under any circumstances.
_Weight._--Dogs, 85 to 105 lbs. Bitches, 65 to 80 lbs.
Mr Rawson, of Joppa, kindly supplied me with photographs.
THE TOTAL POINTS REQUIRED FOR A DEERHOUND
Length and shape of head 10 Ears 6 Beard and eyebrows 3 Eyes 5 Coat 7 Neck 5 Tail 4 Nails 2 Teeth 5 --47
Height at shoulder 10 Substance and girth 9 Length and symmetry of body 9 --28
Loins and hocks 10 Fore-limbs 8 Feet 7 --25
For several centuries at least, the Bloodhound has existed as a distinct variety of the canine race. According to Jesse, the earliest mention of Bloodhounds was during the reign of Henry III., and that the breed originated from the Talbot, brought over by William the Conqueror, and very similar to a breed from St Hubert's Abbey and Ardennes, which, according to the old legends, was imported by St Hubert, from the south of Gaul, about the sixth century.
The Talbot was the popular Hound from the twelfth to the sixteenth century, becoming extinct about the end of the last century.
"The Southern Hound, another very old breed, showing many characteristics of the Bloodhound, is difficult to find now in his pure state, although many old packs of Harriers have descended chiefly from Southern Hounds. The best authorities agree that the St Hubert, Talbot, and Bloodhound are all closely allied."
The foregoing is an extract from the _Century_, by E. Brough.