Mary Allen
Introduction: The Famous Hound of the Baskervilles
The Hound of the Baskervilles is a novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and is one of the most famous Sherlock Holmes mysteries. The novel features a terrifying hound that is said to haunt the Baskerville family. The hound is a key element in the story and plays a major role in the plot. The identity of the breed of the hound has been a topic of debate among dog enthusiasts and fans of the novel.
The Hound’s Appearance and Characteristics
The hound in The Hound of the Baskervilles is described as an enormous creature with glowing eyes and a terrifying howl. It is said to be a fearsome predator and is capable of great strength and speed. The hound is also said to have a distinctive smell, which is similar to that of a fox. Its fur is described as black and shaggy, with a white blaze on its chest.
The Fictional Legend of the Hound
According to the novel, the hound is a supernatural creature that is said to have been summoned by a curse placed on the Baskerville family. The hound is said to be the instrument of death for anyone who bears the Baskerville name. The legend of the hound has been passed down through generations of the Baskerville family and is believed to be the reason why the family has suffered so much tragedy over the years.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Inspiration
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was inspired to write The Hound of the Baskervilles after hearing a story about a ghostly hound that supposedly haunted the moors of Dartmoor in Devon, England. The story had been passed down through generations and was widely believed by the locals. Conan Doyle used this legend as the basis for his novel and added his own twist to the story.
The Hound’s Real-Life Counterpart
Although the hound in The Hound of the Baskervilles is a fictional creature, there are real-life dogs that share some of its characteristics. Some breeds that have been suggested as possible models for the hound include the Great Dane, the Irish Wolfhound, and the Scottish Deerhound. These breeds are all known for their size and strength and have a distinctive appearance.
Theories on the Hound’s Breed
The identity of the breed of the hound in The Hound of the Baskervilles has been the subject of much debate over the years. There are several theories on the breed of the hound, and many dog enthusiasts have weighed in on the topic. Some have argued that the hound is a purebred breed, while others believe that it is a crossbreed.
The Suspected Breeds: Bloodhound and Mastiff
Two breeds that are often suggested as possible models for the hound are the Bloodhound and the Mastiff. The Bloodhound is known for its incredible sense of smell and is often used in law enforcement to track criminals. The Mastiff is a large, powerful breed that was historically used as a guard dog. Both breeds have the size and strength that are characteristic of the hound in The Hound of the Baskervilles.
Arguments Against the Suspected Breeds
While the Bloodhound and the Mastiff are both strong contenders as possible models for the hound, there are arguments against both breeds. Some dog enthusiasts have pointed out that the hound in the novel is described as having a white blaze on its chest, which is not a characteristic of either breed. Others have argued that the hound’s distinctive smell is not characteristic of either breed.
Other Breeds That Could Fit the Description
There are several other breeds that could fit the description of the hound in The Hound of the Baskervilles. The Great Dane, the Irish Wolfhound, and the Scottish Deerhound are all breeds that have been suggested as possible models for the hound. These breeds are all known for their size and strength, and have a distinctive appearance that is similar to the hound in the novel.
The Role of the Hound in the Story
The hound in The Hound of the Baskervilles plays a major role in the plot. It is the instrument of death for several characters, and is a key element in the mystery that Sherlock Holmes is trying to solve. The hound is also a symbol of the curse that is said to haunt the Baskerville family.
Hound of the Baskervilles Adaptations
The Hound of the Baskervilles has been adapted into several films and television shows over the years. Each adaptation has portrayed the hound in a slightly different way, and the breed of the hound has varied from adaptation to adaptation. Some adaptations have used real dogs to portray the hound, while others have used special effects to create a supernatural creature.
Conclusion: The Mystery of the Hound’s Breed
The breed of the hound in The Hound of the Baskervilles is a topic of debate among dog enthusiasts and fans of the novel. While there are several breeds that could fit the description of the hound, there is no definitive answer to the question of what breed the hound is. The mystery of the hound’s breed adds to the intrigue of the novel and has helped to make it one of the most famous Sherlock Holmes mysteries of all time.