| The name, Basset Hound, derives from the word | | | | should be smooth and long. A full and round hindquarter |
| "bas", which means low in French. Many believe this | | | | is a must. |
| dog is a genetic dwarf and were actually born from | | | | In normal hound fashion the tail should have a slight |
| other litters of French hounds. It is a direct descendant | | | | curve and be a continuation of the spine, no docking of |
| of the bloodhound. This breed has been a round for a | | | | the tail is necessary. There are no real specifics in |
| very long time. At a Paris dog show in 1863 is the first | | | | color. Any generally accepted hound color is adequate. |
| showing of this breed. It very quickly became popular | | | | When being shown the distributions of colorings and |
| in England. There was a debate that arose about | | | | markings hold no bearing. |
| which class it should remain in. The split revolved | | | | The temperament of this breed is tranquil. They are |
| around whether keep it as a hunting dog or change it | | | | well behaved, and have a gentle, devoted disposition. |
| to a companion dog. American breeders were already | | | | With this type of personality traits they are ideal for |
| developing a breed that would maintain the hunting dog | | | | family life. The may be laid back but do not confuse it |
| characteristics but be a companion dog. Because of | | | | for being timid. They are a bit stubborn but are very |
| their slow pace basset hounds are very good for | | | | loving with their owners and gentle with children. They |
| those who hunt while on foot. They are social and can | | | | can be trained to be quite obedient but if they find and |
| either hunt alone or in a pack. The first time that the | | | | interesting smell to track, getting their attention may |
| Westminster Kennel Club showed a basset was in | | | | prove to be difficult. The basset has a deep melodious |
| 1884, The Basset Hound Club of America was | | | | bark. |
| created in 1935. | | | | Because of their low spine and short legs it is |
| The AKC formerly recognized the basset hound in | | | | important to not allow them to get overweight. That will |
| 1885 and classified it in the hound class. These dogs | | | | put to much pressure on their spines. This heavy long |
| are to be between 12-15 inches in height for the male, | | | | body may cause paralysis or lameness. Feeding them |
| the female is a little smaller at 11-14 inches. The | | | | in small portions a few times a day is the best way to |
| females weigh a little less also. Their ideal weight is | | | | help alleviate bloating which is common in the breed. |
| between 45-60 pounds and the male is 50-60 pounds. | | | | They will do very well in a variety of living styles. The |
| They have a life span that ranges from 10 to 12 years. | | | | ideal situation is a house with a small yard so it can run |
| The body of the basset is well proportioned to be able | | | | and play. It will also do well in an apartment, as their |
| to go over difficult terrain while following a trail. The | | | | indoor behavior is not rambunctious. Just make sure |
| bone is heavier in their short legs than any other dog | | | | you are able to included regular exercise in its routine. |
| breed. A lot of people think of these dogs as a little | | | | They are shorthaired and require regular brushing. |
| clumsy. The truth is their movements are very | | | | They do shed constantly and may not be good for |
| deliberate. The chest should be full and deep and the | | | | allergy suffers. Only shampoo them when really |
| head is large yet very proportioned. | | | | necessary. Make sure their nails remain trimmed. Their |
| The elbows and shoulders in this breed will be close to | | | | long ears prevent air from getting in so it is important |
| the sides of the chest. The back is well extended and | | | | that you clean them weekly. |