What breed was the Baskerville Dog? - briefly
The Baskerville dog in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Hound of the Baskervilles" is described as a large, gaunt hound with blazing red eyes. Its exact breed is not specified in the novel, but it is often depicted as resembling a Great Dane or an Irish Wolfhound.
What breed was the Baskerville Dog? - in detail
The hound known as the Baskerville Dog, immortalized in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic novel "The Hound of the Baskervilles," has long captivated readers and sparked curiosity about its exact breed. While the story does not explicitly state the breed of the dog, several clues within the narrative suggest that it was modeled after a specific type of hound.
One of the most compelling pieces of evidence is the description provided by Sherlock Holmes himself, who notes that the creature has "the tread of a deer." This observation aligns closely with the characteristics of the Foxhound, a breed known for its agility and graceful movement. Additionally, the dog's formidable size and imposing presence are consistent with those of a large hound, further supporting the theory that it was inspired by the Foxhound or a similar breed.
Another significant detail is the dog's eerie howl, which strikes fear into the hearts of those who hear it. This characteristic is reminiscent of the Bloodhound, a breed renowned for its distinctive baying sound. However, the physical description of the Baskerville Dog more closely resembles that of the Foxhound, leading many to conclude that this was the primary inspiration for Conan Doyle's legendary hound.
In summary, while Sir Arthur Conan Doyle did not specify the exact breed of the Baskerville Dog in his novel, the creature's physical description and behavioral traits strongly suggest that it was based on a large hound, likely a Foxhound or a similar breed. This interpretation has been widely accepted by readers and scholars alike, adding an extra layer of intrigue to one of literature's most enduring mysteries.