Dog Breed Guide

Basset Hound

Profile

Size

Medium

Country of origin

France

Origin

Around the 16th century

Bred for

Scent tracking rabbits

Height

33 - 38cm (13 - 15in)

Weight

18 - 29kg (40 - 64lb)

Life span

12 - 13 years

Very short legs, a long, heavy body, long drooping ears that nearly touch the ground and mournful droopy eyes are its hallmarks. The name comes from the French word for "low." Despite its short legs, it weighs as much as a medium-sized dog. Colors include tricolor (white, black and tan).

Its sense of smell is said to be second only to the Bloodhound's. Its long ears sweep up scent from the ground with every step, and the folds of loose skin are thought to hold the scent around its nose.

Calm, laid-back and friendly, the Basset is gentle with children. But once it starts following a scent it becomes completely absorbed and stubbornly refuses to come when called. It gains weight easily, and because of its long back, weight control is important to avoid straining its spine. The long ears get dirty easily and need frequent care.

Good to know

The breed was developed in France around the 16th century as a hunting dog for people who hunted on foot. Because its legs were short, it followed rabbits and other game by scent at a slow enough pace for the hunters to keep up on foot. Medieval monks are also said to have been involved in its development.

People all over the world know its face from the shoe brand Hush Puppies. Since the brand's launch in 1958, its logo has featured a Basset Hound. The brand name comes from hushpuppies, fried cornmeal balls that people in the American South are said to have tossed to dogs to quiet their barking.

In animation, Droopy, the deadpan, mumbling cartoon dog, is known as a Basset Hound. With its sad expression and laid-back nature, it is a breed loved by people everywhere.