Majestic Tree Hound

The Majestic Tree Hound is a large American hound of the coonhound and bloodhound family. It is a recent crossbred variety rather than a formally recognised breed, and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale does not recognise it. It was bred to trail big game over rough country.

History

Although the Majestic itself is very new, its roots reach back to the hounds of St. Hubert in medieval northern France. Big-game hounds of the old Bloodhound, Talbot and St. Hubert type had been in America for many years and were crossed with various other hounds for following cold trails. The breed’s supporters say these Bloodhounds were crossed with western big-game hounds, which may have been of the Gascon type.

Lee Newhart, Jr., and several others founded the National Majestic Tree Hound Association in 1980, and the first hounds were registered that year.

Appearance

This is a large dog; males average more than 100 pounds. Like its ancestors from the Ardennes it has long, low-set ears, heavy flews and a dewlap, and it generally carries more loose skin than the American Blue Gascon Hound.

The Majestic was developed for stamina on rugged ground and is best suited to tracking lions, bears, bobcats and jaguars.

Care and health

Some cases of hip dysplasia have been found, and the long ears need frequent cleaning.

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