Dog breed · France
The Basset Hound is a short-legged breed of scent hound. The Basset Hound was developed in Great Britain from several now-extinct strains of French basset breeds. It was bred primarily for hunting rabbit and hare on foot, moving slowly enough that horses were not required. Their sense of smell and ability to ground-scent is second only to the Bloodhound.
Basset Hounds are one of six recognized "basset"-type breeds in France. The name Basset is derived from the French word bas, meaning 'low', with the attenuating suffix -et—together meaning 'rather low'. Basset Hounds are usually bicolours or tricolours of standard hound coloration.
Temperament: The Basset Hound is a friendly, outgoing, and playful dog, tolerant of children and other pets. Their temperament is typically mild and extremely devoted, though not timid.
Appearance: Basset Hounds are proportionally akin to a large breed dog with short legs. Their slightly-curved tail is held high above their long backs. Size and weight is variable between bloodlines, but weigh between 20 and [dose — ask your vet] (44 and 77 pounds) on average. This breed, relative to size, is heavier-boned than any other breed.
Similar to the bloodhound, the basset hound has wrinkled, loose skin that incites a sad expression. The loose skin around the neck is known as the dewlap. The characteristic long ears help to stir up ground scent. They have slightly crook'd legs that help to support the broad chest and ribs.
The coat is most-often short with coarse hairs under the tail. They come in all hound colors except merle and brindle. The most popular colors tend to be variations in tricolor patterns, but they also come in various shades of red and white.
