Bloodhound Trials
Bloodhound Working Trials are open to purebred Bloodhounds only. The trials are a challenging and exciting countryside activity in which hounds follow a human scent trail over a ‘line’ up to three miles long.
The line has been laid by a ‘runner’ up to two hours previously, following a pre-determined route set by the judge and marked on a map. When ‘hunting the clean boot’, as it is termed, the hound must follow the scent, ignoring all distractions, and at the end of the line it must go up to and positively identify the runner, who will be standing in a line-up with two other participants. Identification usually takes the form of two large (muddy) paws placed on the runner’s chest!
In Bloodhound Trials, hounds progress through different levels – called stakes – starting with the Novice Stake and working through Junior and Intermediate to the Senior Stake. In Kennel Club trials, the hounds work singly, one after the other, each working a different line, and not as a pack.
The Kennel Club approves four Championship Bloodhound Trials a year, two in the Spring and two in the Autumn. These four-day or five-day events are run by the two Bloodhound breed clubs – the Association of Bloodhound Breeders and the Bloodhound Club. Trials are held in all parts of the United Kingdom. Advanced stakes with restricted eligibility and veteran stakes are also held annually.
Bloodhounds are distinguished from other breeds by their extraordinary olfactory powers, which enable them to hunt entirely by air-borne scent. They are the oldest breed of sporting dogs which hunt by scent, and Bloodhound Trials enable the hounds to demonstrate the remarkable abilities for which they have been bred – a fine illustration of dogs that are ‘Fit For Function: Fit For Life’.
Further information
Background Guide to Bloodhound Trials (PDF)
Useful contacts:
• The Association of Bloodhound Breeders
Website: http://www.associationofbloodhoundbreeders.info
Miss J Corner, Woodside, 6 Front Street, Kelloe, Durham DH6 4PD
Tel: 01913 770073
• The Bloodhound Club
Website: http://www.bloodhoundclub.co.uk/
Ms F McKenzie, 3 Milton Leaze, Long Road, Langport, Somerset TA10 9JJ
Tel: 01458 241080.
