Bloodhound History

    PREFACE

These pages are concerned especially with the early History and origins of the Bloodhound.  It does not deal with the later History, for instance in America, where there is a large fund of fascinating stories connected with tracking criminals and lost people, far too many to re-tell. 

The Bloodhound has more History than most other breeds of dog.  However, some of the things which have been said about it lack positive evidence, or perhaps the evidence has never been presented.  I have done a little research, but discovered very little that is new.  What I have done is attempt to re-visit as many of the known sources as I can, and see what conclusions they really support.  There are certain common notions which appear to be ill-founded, or incorrect, and one sometimes sees quite wild assertions made in print.  I hope this site might act as a corrective. 

I do not claim to be any sort of an authority.  I know very little.  But what tends to go wrong with History — or any other form of knowledge — is that people accept the speculations of 'authorities' and reproduce them as though they were fact. . 

I hope the pages give some idea of how I know what I know.  They are based on a number of studies I have written :  Notes on some Sources in the early History of the Bloodhound, in which there are many detailed references to sources;.  The Gentle Blood-Seeking Bloodhound which looks in detail at the origin of the word 'Bloodhound'; and The Bloodhound and the Chien de St Hubert.  These have been variously published, but copies are available from me to anyone who might be interested. 

Needless to say, these pages make no claim to be the last word.  I am sure that there is a vast amount more remaining to be discovered.  If anyone can put me on to further reliable sources I would be pleased. 
 
                                              Mac Barwick                 24th June 2000