Although the basset family of dogs originated in France in the 1500's, the one Americans know as the Basset was refined in England in the last part of the 19th century. The scent trailing breed was developed by French nobility to hunt rabbit, hare, deer and other game that could be taken on foot. The shortness of leg and bulky body make the Basset especially useful in dense cover. The amusingly shaped body is really quite efficient at punching into thickets. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885, the breed had an amazing spurt of popularity in the 1950's when it was the darling of the advertising world. A long, low dog. The Basset looks like a Bloodhound on short legs. Height: 13-15 inches (at shoulder) Weight: 40-60 pounds The long, hanging ears are not altered. They help to gather the scent into the nose while tracking. Tails are carried above the line of the back and are not altered. The Basset's leg bones are the heaviest of any breed. Good natured and easy going. Has a great sense of humor. It seems that about 90% of the brain is directly wired to the nose. Short glossy coat lies close to the loose, wrinkled skin. Colors are all hound colors but most commonly seen are combinations of black, tan and white and red and white. Minimal grooming. Bassets are said to have the most musical voice in the dog world. George Washington hunted with a pair of Bassets given to him by Lafayette. The Basset is a relatively healthy breed. Basset Hound a dependable multi-purpose dog. Named for his appearance by the British ("basset" comes from French - "bas" meaning "low" set). Many of these hounds found favor with the French aristocracy and hence endured trouble at the time of the French Revolution. Fortunately, this lovable hound survived the turmoil. The Basset is a hunting dog, blessed with a very keen nose and a gentle disposition. This makes him amenable to hunting in large packs or used singly. Principally used for hunting rabbits in the United States, he is a sturdy accurate trailer with lots of stamina and a loud distinctive tongue. The Basset Hound possesses in marked degree those characteristics which equip it admirably to follow a trail over and through difficult terrain. It is a short-legged dog, heavier in bone, size considered, than any other breed of dog, and while its movement is deliberate, it is in no sense clumsy. In temperament it is mild, never sharp or timid. It is capable of great endurance in the field and is extreme in its devotion. The Basset Hound is laid back, sociable, and affectionate. It is a great dog for children and adults of all ages. Medium sized, the Basset Hound is intelligent, very loyal and devoted to his family. The Basset requires only minimal coat care, grooming once a week, and his exercise needs are a short break outside three times a day and a daily walk pleases him. The Basset is rated excellent with children, and he bonds with the whole family, making him a superb choice as a family pet.

Some facts about the beginning, a nice article. Just click the link. The Early History of the Basset Hound in England, 1874-1921 by Eva S. Balogh

PURPOSE: Basset Hounds are descended from the old St. Hubert hounds. Used to trail and drive game away, the Basset has had such famous admirers as King Edward VII and Shakespeare. The Basset was bred for hunting small game. The Basset's long ears were developed to stir up and hold the scent for their strong nose to smell. The folds of skin under the chin, called the dewlap, help trap and hold the scent. Wrinkles about the head and face also aid in holding the scent. Their large feet make them steady and the heavy bones make them sturdy. With their short legs they are ideal for slow trailing which allows hunters to follow on foot. The Basset is used primarily to hunt rabbit although they were first used on other small game such as pheasant.

BASSETS MAKE GOOD PETS: The Basset Hound is one of the best dogs available for a family to love. They are extremely tolerant and love everyone in the family equally. They are a very gentle, sweet, loyal and affectionate breed. They get along well with other pets of various species. They are not an aggressive watchdog but will learn to give a deep bark as a warning if praised when sounding off. Otherwise, they will accept visitors with a sniff and return to a favorite corner. The Basset Hound is a versatile pet who will play with children, make a skilled hunter, and sit by their owner's side during quiet times.

BASSET SIZE: The male Basset Hound at maturity usually weighs between 55 and 65 pounds, and stands 12-, to not more than 15-inches tall at the shoulder. They are a big dog on short legs. The female is usually about 10 pounds lighter and 1-inch or so shorter than the male. Make no mistake, the Basset grows to be a good size dog, weighing more than most people expect, due to his heavy bone. As a young dog they need a consistent, firm, (but not harsh) hand so they will learn not to jump on people. They are not lap dogs, even though they may think so. The Basset has a large, well proportioned head, sad, droopy eyes with a prominent haw; and long, low-set ears and loose facial skin and dewlap. A muscular neck and shoulders arch above a powerful chest, and the stubby legs are tipped with huge paws. His low-slung, loose-skinned, body is accented by a tail carried gaily in an upswept arc.

BASSET HABITS: Some Basset Hounds have a tendency to howl when left alone for long periods of time. They will also wander away from home if not kept in a (securely locked) fenced area. The Basset is so good with kids, and often found in homes with children, great care MUST be taken to assure that gates cannot accidentally be left open when the kids enter and leave the fenced area. When a good scent reaches their nose, there is no telling where they will end up, and unfortunately, the Basset is not good at finding the way home. A responsible owner keeps his Basset as safe from harm as he would any other cherished pet. A Basset with its large deep flews also tends to slobber more than other breeds. Some individual Bassets are "drier mouthed" than others, but as a whole the breed is a "wet mouthed" breed. To the prospective Basset owner, this means that the dog will drool quite a bit, and tend to make a mess while drinking. If you are a fastidious housekeeper, and have an aversion to dog drool on your floors (and occasionally your walls), then the Basset Hound is probably not the breed for you. This is an important point, because one of the major reasons that Bassets are given up for rescue or adoption is that "the dog drools too much". Time and again those involved in Basset rescue hear this same old story. So get out your slobber rag if you want a Basset!

BASSET TEMPERAMENT: Basset Hounds have gentle dispositions. They were bred to be pack dogs and to get along with each other. This makes the male as friendly, mild, and easy to live with as the female. Males are not as aggressive as some other breeds of dogs, and they are usually not as prone to "marking" their territory unless there is an unuttered male around.

OLDER BASSETS: Given good care, the Basset can lead a very active 10 years and be active as a stud dog up to 12 years. (AKC will not register puppies sired by a dog over 12 years of age without written permission of AKC and certification from a veterinarian.) Bassets enjoy their food in old age and, if allowed, become fat and lazy. The Basset is an easy keeper and a steady hound and usually lives 8 to 12 years, although there are many that live beyond, to 14,15,16 or even up to 17 years.

BASSET COLOR: The tri-color is the most common, followed by the red & white. Tri's at times can appear to be black and white, but on closer inspection, a touch of brown usually can be found. Red & whites can be almost completely white with just a few spots of tan, or they can be a deep mahogany color with only a small amount of white. Most come somewhere in between. There are also lemon & whites. True lemons are rare. Their markings are mostly white that fades into areas of very, very light tan. To tell if it is a true lemon, the puppy, at birth is totally white with no hint of tan. The light tan color develops as they mature. It should also be noted that the color and coverage of the marking of the puppy you get at 10-12 weeks will change as they mature. Every once in a while, a "rare" blue Basset (actually it is gray) will come along. You will read or hear that they will have problems. Such as skin etc. But this is not true at all. The blue comes from a recessive gene, and the only difference is the color. The stories you hear are from none breeders or breeders that have never had one. The standard states "any recognizable hound color is acceptable", and blue is a recognized color in some other hound breeds, so it's not illegal. They can be registered with any kennel club, AKC, UKC or any other.

GROOMING: The Basset Hound does not need fussy coat care due to his hard, short coat which repels dirt and water rather well. However, they should be brushed weekly to remove any loose hair and dirt. Bassets do not shed very much if brushed regularly. The Basset Hound needs a bath only four to six times a year because a good rubdown with a coarse cloth or a hounds glove will remove a great deal of dirt and bring a shine to the coat. Regular grooming helps create a bond between owner and pet. Wipe out the insides of the ears once a week. The Basset's heavy ear leather prevents loss of moisture from inside the ear, and, if it is not cleaned out with a cotton ball and a solution recommended by your veterinarian, odor and/or infection can result. Clean the outside of the ears also because they often drape in food and water dishes and pick up dirt from the ground. Trim the nails every 1-3 weeks to allow the dog to walk correctly on his feet and properly support his heavy weight. Puppies need more frequent clipping than the adult. Should you hear the nails clicking on the floor, they need to be cut. Have your veterinarian or breeder show you how to properly clip your dog's nails. Clean your Basset's teeth with a soft toothbrush and water/doggie toothpaste to prevent plaque buildup. You may want the veterinarian to show you the proper procedure for anal gland care as another means of keeping your dog odor-free and comfortable.

BASSET COST: A purebred, pet quality Basset Hound puppy may cost anywhere from $350 up. (With the norm being up.) The price for a puppy with show quality potential will start appreciably higher, with the price varying according to quality, age, geographic region of the country, and availability. The puppy should have been checked by a veterinarian and given appropriate inoculations based on its age. Inoculations for rabies, distemper, leptospirosis, hepatitis, kennel cough, and parvo virus are all necessary. A conscientious breeder will have a complete record of all puppy illnesses, treatments, and inoculations. Beware of a breeder who sells a puppy without all the necessary shots or proper AKC registration information - "papers", contract and certified pedigree .

FEEDING YOUR BASSET: Adult Basset Hounds generally eat between 2 and 4 cups of food per day. (Many dog food labels have you over-feeding your dogs.) Bassets often have a tendency to get fat, partly because their sad look lends their owners to "take pity on them" and give them more food than they require. Overeating is dangerous to all dogs. Puppies, depending on their age, will eat from two to four meals per day in proportion to their size. You should avoid feeding your Basset fad foods; feed a well-balanced, name brand dry food supplemented with a quality canned food and/or other supplements. Many canine nutrition experts feel that vitamin supplements are not needed when using a top quality name-brand dog food. If a vitamin is used, care must be taken to avoid over-supplementing. Check with your veterinarian to see what is best for your dog. Store or generic brand dogs foods should not be used. A pregnant female Basset gradually requires more food and a supplement as recommended by your veterinarian.

BASSETS DON'T SWIM WELL: With 2/3 of the Basset's weight in the front, and with such short legs, they can swim only very short distances, and with great difficulty. If you must go boating with a Basset be certain, you have provided a life preserver for him or other suitable floatation device. Extra care must be taken around swimming pools, and the Basset should never be left, unsupervised in a pool area. Should your Basset be prone to falling in, get him to swim to the stairs, so that he will learn the way out.

Originally from France, the "bas-set" ("low-set") was developed as a hunting hound that could be followed on foot. By the 1700's Basset Hounds were used extensively throughout France, differing somewhat in appearance from province to province. It is believed that around this time, George Washington received a pair of Bassets as a gift, and in the 1800's

Bassets were exported to England and then to the United States. THE BASSET is heavier in bone, size considered, than any other breed. His temperament is mild, his devotion extreme. His scenting ability, second only to the Bloodhound, has made him an exceptional hunting and trailing dog. His long ears, facial wrinkles, deep muzzle and dewlaps help trap and hold the scent. Sturdy legs and loose skin help him track through thorny brambles and difficult terrain. While these characteristics might make him amusing in appearance, these characteristics are functional.

BASSETS HAVE EASY-GOING TEMPERAMENTS, making males and females excellent pets. They are strong willed and intelligent, using these traits to their advantage. They are willing dogs as long as what you wish of them is what they intended to do in the first place. Otherwise, you may begin to think your dog has a hearing problem. Patience, lots of praise, tenderness and perseverance (plus a cookie!) work wonders.

TRAIN YOUR BASSET based on the premise that you are smarter than your dog. They do not take well to harsh treatment, and usually just the tone of your voice and a slight tap on the rump with a folded newspaper will do the trick. Most important, don't forget to PRAISE YOUR DOG when he pleases you!... we're all so good at screaming at our dogs when they're wrong, but forget to praise them when they're right. How would you like it?

BASSET HOUNDS LOVE TO BE LOVED, and need to be part of a family. If left alone for any length of time during the day, consider another dog or a cat to keep your dog company. Boredom can lead your Basset to your favorite rose bush, the sprinkler system, etc.. They do not need a huge yard or high fence, but their hunting instinct can get them into serious trouble unless they are confined to home or a fenced yard. They firmly believe that they have the right-of-way in any kind of traffic dispute. The best invention since popcorn, is the dog door. It is a wonderful aid in house training, knowing that your dog can get into the house in bad weather or if you're delayed in getting home.

BASSETS ARE DIFFERENT; Many people think of the Basset as a small dog, they are not. A "small" Basset might weigh 35 lbs., an average one 50 Lbs., and there are even Bassets weighing in at 65-70 Lbs. They are prone to obesity, particularly after age 4 or 5. Feed only a high quality food and watch those treats! The Basset does not need fussy coat care, but because they tend to shed year-round they should be brushed at least weekly. The inside of the ears need to be cleaned, their heavy ear leather traps moisture inside the ear. The outside of the ear will collect more dirt than other dogs because the ears fall into the water and food bowls and then drag along the ground. Nails are tough...like a Great Dane! They should be trimmed every two weeks. Trimming every two weeks is so much easier on both of you! AND DON'T FORGET THE YEARLY INOCULATIONS!! Have your vet do a fecal check twice a year, and talk to your vet about heart worm in your area.

A standard is a written picture of the ideal dog in any breed approved by the American Kennel Club. It describes the characteristics that set one breed apart from the others. The present Standard for Basset Hounds was accepted by the American Kennel Club in early 1964. Revisions have been made, as recommended by the Basset Hound Club of America, Inc., to clarify the old standard and to make stronger the emphasis on the utility of the breed.

GENERAL APPEARANCE The Basset Hound possesses in marked degree those characteristics which equip it admirably to follow a trail over and through difficult terrain. It is a short-legged dog, heavier in bone, size considered, than any other breed of dog, and while its movement is deliberate, it is in no sense clumsy. In temperament it is mild, never sharp or timid. It is capable of great endurance in the field and is extreme in its devotion.

HEAD The head is large and well proportioned. Its length from occiput to muzzle is greater than the width at the brow. In overall appearance the head is of medium width. The skull is well domed, showing a pronounced occipital protuberance. A broad flat skull is a fault. The length from nose to stop is approximately the length from stop to occiput. The sides are flat and free from cheek bumps. Viewed in profile the top lines of the muzzle and skull are straight and lie in parallel planes, with a moderately defined stop. The skin over the whole of the head is loose, falling in distinct wrinkles over the brow when the head is lowered. A dry head and tight skin are faults. The muzzle is deep, heavy, and free from snippiness. The nose is darkly pigmented, preferably black, with large wide-open nostrils. A deep liver-colored nose conforming to the coloring of the head is permissible but not desirable. The teeth are large, sound, and regular, meeting in either a scissors or an even bite. A bite either overshot or undershot is a serious fault. The lips are darkly pigmented and are pendulous, falling squarely in front and, toward the back, in loose hanging flews. The dewlap is very pronounced. The neck is powerful, of good length, and well arched. The eyes are soft, sad, and slightly sunken, showing a prominent haw, and in color are brown, dark brown preferred. A somewhat lighter-colored eye conforming to the general coloring of the dog is acceptable but not desirable. Very light or protruding eyes are faults. The ears are extremely long, low set, and when drawn forward, fold well over the end of the nose. They are velvety in texture, hanging in loose folds with the ends curling slightly inward. They are set far back on the head at the base of the skull and, in repose, appear to be set on the neck. A high set or flat ear is a serious fault.

FOREQUARTERS The chest is deep and full with prominent sternum showing clearly in front of the legs. The shoulders and elbows are set close against the sides of the chest. The distance from the deepest point of the chest to the ground, while it must be adequate to allow free movement when working in the field, is not to be more than one-third the total height at the withers of an adult Basset. The shoulders are well laid back and powerful. Steepness in shoulder, fiddle fronts, and elbows that are out, are serious faults. The forelegs are short, powerful, heavy in bone, with wrinkled skin. Knuckling over of the front legs is a disqualification. The paw is massive, very heavy with tough heavy pads, well rounded and with both feet inclined equally a trifle outward, balancing the width of the shoulders. Feet down at the pastern are a serious fault. The toes are neither pinched together nor splayed, with the weight of the forepart of the body borne evenly on each. The dew claws may be removed.

TAIL The tail is not to be docked, and is set in continuation of the spine with but slight curvature, and carried gaily in hound fashion. The hair on the underside of the tail is coarse.

GAIT The Basset Hound moves in a smooth, powerful, and effortless manner. Being a scenting dog with short legs, it holds its nose low to the ground. Its gait is absolutely true with perfect coordination between the front and hind legs, and it moves in a straight line with hind feet following in line with the front feet, the hocks well bent with no stiffness of action. The front legs do not paddle, weave, or overlap, and the elbows must lie close to the body. Going away, the hind legs are parallel.

HINDQUARTERS The hindquarters are very full and well rounded, and are approximately equal to the shoulders in width. They must not appear slack or light in relation to the over-all depth of the body. The dog stands firmly on its hind legs showing a well-letdown stifle with no tendency toward a crouching stance. Viewed from behind, the hind legs are parallel, with the hocks turning neither in nor out. Cow hocks or bowed legs are serious faults. The hind feet point straight ahead. Steep, poorly angulated hindquarters are a serious fault. The dew claws, if any, may be removed.

BODY The rib structure is long, smooth, and extends well back. The ribs are well sprung, allowing adequate room for heart and lungs. Flat sidedness and flanged ribs are faults. The top line is straight, level, and free from any tendency to sag or roach, which are faults.

COLOR Any recognized hound color is acceptable and the distribution of color and markings is of no importance.

SIZE The height should not exceed 14 inches. Height over 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulder blade is a disqualification.

COAT The coat is hard, smooth, and short, with sufficient density to be of use in all weather. The skin is loose and elastic. A distinctly long coat is a disqualification.

DISQUALIFICATIONS Height of more than 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulder blade. Knuckled over front legs. Distinctly long coat. Approved January 14, 1964