What is a Basset Hound?

     A basset hound is a long, low-slung. heavy-boned scent hound bred for hunting small game, primarily rabbits. his long ears were developed to stir up ground sent for his large nose to smell. the folds of skin under his chin are useful for trapping and holding the scent. his short legs enable the hunter to follow him apace on foot. the basset hound must have great lung capacity and a large, strong heart so that he can track game for long periods of time. bassets are expected to have the stamina to hunt day after day in widely varying terrain. often with dense undergrowth and in all weather conditions . They are truly a breed for whom form follows function. 

     Bassets are considered a medium-sized breed. although a male basset can weigh over seventy pounds- as much as many large dogs! Females generally weight between forty and fifty pounds. The basset has a thick, dense coat that repels water effectively and needs little formal grooming, a blessing for both those who exhibit them in dog shows and those who love them as companions. They're an independent breed with a sense of humor, extraordinarily intelligent, affectionate, and entering. The following excerpt from Mercedes Braun's The New Complete Basset Hound eloquently expresses the nature of the basset:

     We must not forget, however, that it is the basset's versatility that brought him fame. He is perhaps best known for the lovable nature which led him to be dubbed "the armchair clown." Do not be fooled when you see him sound asleep on his back or sprawled on his favorite chair (which he has taken away from you). Put a lead on this same dog, take him to a show, and he can give a polished performance with a "Don't you love me, Mr. Judge?" attitude that will command applause from the ringside. Take him to the field, and he can show you how a scent-hound should perform-over, under, and through rough ground, never tiring all day long.

     At home ,the basset will assume his subtle manner of "ruling the roost." He refuses to accept the fact that he is a dog by devious methods. He can affect poor hearing when he doesn't want to obey or pretend to sleep so soundly that you do not have the heart to disturb him. But his alertness miraculously returns if you open the refrigerator door ever so stealthily. He is a built in babysitter, and ideal family pet. A basset needs firm convincing that his big, brown eyes will get him nowhere. But first convince yourself of this, if you can. He will do his best to outmaneuver you to gain his own way, and he will make you like it. You need only one basset to fill the house with laughter, the woods with beautiful music, and the show with an approving ovation. Small wonder the breed has attained such popularity and owners readily admit, "I am owned by a basset."

Let me tell you how to take care of me

Basset Hound facts and care

Origin for the Basset Hound

What is a Basset Hound?  

The Basset Hound is a long, low, scenting hound of French ancestry. His many admirers consider him to be among the most beautiful and unusual of all hounds, his dignified look awing in great part to a large, majestic head adorned with long, velvety ears, a wrinkled brow and dark, soulful eyes. The basset hound remains one of the most easily recognizable of all dog breeds.

     The Basset hound originated in sixth-century France, a country know for its many strains of hounds. Most strains had a tall version as well as a short-legged size under sixteen inches, which were called "basset" (bas in French means low-set). Both the Basset Hound and its long-legged cousin, the Bloodhound, are thought to be descendants of the famed St. Hubert hounds. St . Hubert , a churchman, was the patron saint of the hunt , who set out to develop a new strain of hound , which looked similar to today's Bloodhound. Many authorities feel the basset was result of a mutation in the St. Hubert strain. This genetic deviation produced a short-legged, dwarfed hound, whose slower movement and low-set form was to prove useful for hunters on foot in search of small game. With his long ears helping to stir up the scent, packs of Basset were used to drive small prey , such as rabbit and hare , from denser undercover into open terrain where hunters could move in for the kill with spears , net or clubs. The sport of pack hunting with  Basset Hound continues to this day in France and England.

Understanding the Basset Hound

The Basset personality.

Despite a deliberate, unhurried manner and captivatingly clownish demeanor , the Basset Hound possesses great intelligence and what may often be viewed as stubbornness may more appropriately be attributed to an innate ingenuity. In fact , the Basset excels at getting hi way, from "demanding: a taste morsel at the table to hurling his hefty 65 pounds into your lap! His overly long body, short legs and delightful wrinkles become a kaleidoscope of amusing expressions , all cleverly orchestrated to win us over. And win us over he does. Gentle and sociable in nature, the easy-going Basset Hound is loyal to master and family, devoted to children and mild-mannered and friendly towards other animals.