The Basset Hound is believed to have developed from a “curiosity” in the 16th century. Apparently, a mutation developed in the litters of deer dogs in France in which puppies with short legs were born. (The French word “baset” means “low-set”.) These mutated pups were raised together and the short-bodied and long-bodied Basset Hound was born. The breed was introduced to Britain in the late 19th century and immediately became a favorite of Queen Alexandra’s court. In 1886 there were more than 100 Bassets entered in a London Dog Show. In 1892, Sir Everett Millais, considered one of the main “founding fathers” of the breed in Britain, introduced the Bloodhound into breeding, in part to guard against the inherent dangers that may be present in a small gene pool.
The Baset Hound remained popular in Britain for many years and was regularly used in packs of dogs that hunted hares. However, World War I took its toll and dogs became scarce. In 1921 the official Basset Hound Club closed its doors for lack of membership. The breed almost died out, but a small group of devotees managed to continue the lines and the Basset Hound club was reestablished in 1954. The numbers represented today in the American Kennel Club show that the Baset Hound now enjoys a large number of popular fans in the United States. Much of this popularity is undoubtedly due to the use of the Basset as a “poster dog” for the “Hush Puppy” shoe ad campaign.
The Basset Hound is a long, low-to-the-ground breed, with a fairly solid appearance and heavy bones. His chest is deep and broad, almost touching the ground. Its long ears and deep snout resemble the Bloodhound’s head in some respects and it is well known for having almost the same smelling abilities as the Bloodhound. It has a short, dense coat that is easily maintained and can be any recognized bloodhound color. Its front legs are definitely bowed or crooked and it is quite short, its legs are often less than a third of its total height at shoulder height. He may have a tendency to have back problems and this must be observed. Furthermore, this is a breed that will easily become obese if it is not kept well exercised and fed a proper diet.
The Basset Hound is above all a hound and performs this function very well, it has a great nasal capacity and long ears that serve to sweep the scent in its nostrils while moving. Due to his bloodhound instincts, he is not necessarily an easy dog to train as his nose will often distract him from other activities that his owner wishes him to do. He is generally calm, but stubbornness is also one of his traits. Like many hound persuasion dogs, it has a melodious barking tone when it vocalizes. It is a dog that must be trained early to come when called, as it can easily get carried away and follow its nose wherever it takes it.