Basset Hound Basset Hound

The Basset Hound is a cheerful and affectionate dog who makes a great family pet. This breed is not the easiest to train and can be quite stubborn at times. They get along marvelously with other dogs and with children, and don't like to be left alone. The Basset Hound loves food, so it is important to rigorously monitor their food intake to prevent them from becoming overweight and unhealthy. They have a "sniffer" second only to the Bloodhound, and are known to wander long distances when they catch wind of an interesting smell. They may have a musky dog smell due to oils in their skin. They love to dig, particularly in beautifully tended flower gardens, and they are more prone to digging if they are bored or under-exercised.

The Basset Hound's name is derived from the French word "Basset" meaning "low stature" or "dwarf". They were developed in France and Belgium mostly from the Bloodhound. Shakespeare wrote eloquently of the Basset Hound when he described him in this way: "Ears which sweep away the morning dew". They were originally popular with the French commoners. They preferred a dog that would track game, but would not actually kill it. Because of the Basset Hound's slower tracking speed, the hunters could follow him on foot and shoot the game when it was within sight.

The breed was first presented at the Paris Dog Show in 1863. His popularity spread to England where he was recognized by the British Kennel Club in 1883. In England a dispute arose amongst breeders as to the proper standard for the Basset Hound. One group wanted to keep the Basset Hound as a hunting dog, while the other group preferred breeding for a disposition that favoured a companion dog. In America breeders stuck to the middle ground and bred their dogs for both companionship and hunting abilities, and in 1964 the breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Sir Everett Millais wrote the book "Bassets: Their Use and Breeding", and also wrote the first official breed standard which was adopted by the British Basset Hound Club. World War I took a toll on the Basset Hound, with only 33 being registered in the United Kingdom between 1913 and 1923. The Basset Hound Club's doors were closed in 1921. By 1954 the Basset Hound Club had reopened. The Basset Hound's popularity was on the rise, particularly with the advertising campaign of the "Hush Puppies" shoes.