Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Solemn-looking, massive and powerful. Colour: Red, black/tan or red/tan. Coat: Short, smooth, weatherproof and skin is quite loose. Tail: Long, set high, tapered, straight and carried upright in action. Ears: Long, set low, thin, soft, covered with silky hair and falling in graceful folds. Body: Deep, broad back, solid loin, slightly arched belly and muscular, sloping shoulders.

Additional Comments:

Bloodhounds are prone to suffer from bloat, where gases in stomach tend to be produced in large quantities. Because of anatomical reasons, gas cannot be belched in normal fashion and may lead to torsion of stomach, which can quickly become fatal, unless veterinary intervention is prompt. The Bloodhound is supported by huge bones and has suffered over generations from hip-joints, that can't always take strain of them running along, head-down on a scent. Therefore it is important that owners always buy from a repuatable breeder.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Dazzling white, proud, and alert. Colour: Pure white. Dark skin is preferable. Coat: Fine, silky with soft corkscrew curls 7-10cm (3-4in) long. Tail: Usually raised and curved, it is never curled. Ears: Narrow, delicate, hanging close to head and well covered with long, finely curled hair. Body: Slightly rounded, well muscled, fore and hindquarters are well angulated and a fairly long neck.

Additional Comments:

Tear staining around eyes is common with Bichon Frise and there are lotions that can help to reduce or remove these marks. Potential owners of Bichon Frise need to be committed to ongoing grooming demands.