The Sabueso Español (FCI No. 204) (translated into English as the Spanish Hound; sabueso means Bloodhound) is a medium-large breed of dog of the scenthound type, originally bred for tracking wounded game and small game such as rabbits. Originating in Spain, the modern breed was developed from an ancestral type that was used for hunting as early as the fourteenth century. 

History

The ancestors of the Sabueso Español were known in the Middle Ages, and are described in the Libro de la Montería de Alfonso XI by Alfonso XI (fourteenth century) as well as by Argote de Molina (1582). The breed was used to hunt wild boar, deer, roe deer, fox, wolf, and bear as well as small game, and to track and find wounded or dead game. A unique feature of the breed is its call while on the trail of game, which is used by the dog to communicate the type of track it is following as well as its position to the hunter.  Today, hunt testing is done by the Club del Sabueso Español y Razas Afines in Spain. The Sabueso Español is most frequently used in hunting rabbits, and so is sometimes called in English the Spanish Beagle. The breed is recognised in its home country as an indigenous breed, and internationally by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale as breed number 204 as a medium-sized scenthound. The breed is recognised in North America by the United Kennel Club as of 1996.  The breed is also recognized byminor registries, hunting clubs, and internet-based dog registry businesses, and promoted as a rare breed for those seeking a unique pet.

Appearance and Size

The Sabueso Español has a very large head and very long drop ears, similar to the Bloodhound or Basset Hound in appearance. The broad, powerful body is much longer than it is tall, but the breed is not dwarfed. Size is noticeably different for males (52 to 57 cm at the withers) and females (48 to 53 cm). While working, the dog holds its long tail up, sabre fashion. The colour is white and orange, from a pale lemon colour to an intense russet-brown. Faults (which indicate that the dog should not be bred) include frail appearance, cow-hocked, aggression or shyness, too short in the back, split nose, overshot or undershot mouth, long or wolly fur, or off colours. 

Personality

The breed standard describes the ideal temperament as "calm" and courageous on the hunt.  In general, dogs bred as hunting hounds do not make good pets. Temperament of individual dogs may vary. 

Wikipedia and GNU

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