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Dogs have become part of human existence, and if you are looking for a great hunting companion and a laid-back family friend in one breed, Basset hound could be your ideal choice. Basset hound has earned a place in the homes and hearts of many people across the world thanks to his exceptional looks and kind, sweet natures. He's a great friend at home, and when you take him to the field, he will chase down prey over long distances at ease, though at his own persistent pace. If you are hearing Basset hound for the first time, you've come to the right place as we'll tell you everything about this short, relatively heavy dog.

Description and coat colors
Basset hounds are medium to large dogs whose placid personality, short-statured nature and noble appearance make them great family companions and slow-paced, yet keen hunting dogs. The word Basset comes from the French word 'bas' which means low. Therefore, Basset hounds are simply low to the ground dogs. They are muscular with heavy bones, weigh about 50 to 60 pounds and stand no more than 14 inches tall at the shoulder. They have large, domed heads with mouthful eyes, wrinkled brow and long, velvety ears. They are distinguished with their short, crooked legs and long bodies that give them a rectangular appearance. They have a lifespan of 12-14 years and can be your best friend for a long time.

Basset hounds have short, smooth and hard-textured coats which are comparatively easy to take care of. According to dog experts, the coat of Basset hounds comes in the classic tri-color pattern of tan, white and black, although it can be closed red and white (solid red with white tail and feet), open red and white (white coat with red spots) or white and lemon. Some Bassets are classified as blue or gray, but these colors are rare and considered undesirable as they are associated with genetic problems.

Personality
Despite looking serious and morose, the Basset hound is a gentle, sweet, peaceful and naturally well-behaved dog. Affectionate with people, he loves children and gets on well with household pets. He is friendly to strangers but when he senses danger, he can bark loudly. With his sturdy feet and nails, he tends to be a digger and thanks to his hunting urge, he can go off hunting on his own if not safely confined. Even though he does well in tracking and finding scents, he's not a single-minded dog and therefore, he can never forget who he's with or where he is.

History
Basset hound originated in France around the 1500s. The ancestors of the Basset hound consisted of the Basset Normand and Basset d'Artois in addition to other short-legged dog breeds. It is believed that the Friars of the French Abbey of St. Hubert developed the Basset hound purposely for hunting small animals and sometimes larger animals that had been wounded. In the late 1800s, the Basset hound was crossed with the Bloodhound to increase its body size, and the result was dwarf dogs which breeders decided develop by crossing them with the Artesien Normand.

Due to their distinctive features, Basset hounds started making public appearances and their popularity was assured in 1863 at the Paris Dog Show. Their affection spread like wildfire across England, and they became a division between individuals who wanted the dog to retain his hunting role and those who wanted him to be more show worthy. The English Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1882 and around the same time, it was introduced to the United States. American breeders developed an interest to develop the breed to become a show dog, as well as hunting and family companion. In 1885, the American Kennel Club registered the breed but was not until 1916 when it was finally recognized.

Hunting aspects
Basset hounds were originally bred to be hunting dogs, and their features have a purpose. They have a phenomenal sense of smell that helps them to follow the scent of their prey. Their low-set, long ears drag the ground to pick up scents, and the loose skin across their heads form wrinkles to further capture and hold the scent of the game they are tracking.

Thanks to their short legs, they move slowly in the field and therefore, it becomes easier for the hunter to follow them. With their bodies adapted to trek over rough terrain, they stand low to the ground to excellently hunt games such as foxes, pheasants, rabbits, hairs and squirrels in heavy cover. They have a long tail with a white tip at the end, which stands upright to make it easy for the master to spot his dog in tall grass. They have great stamina to chase and retrieve medium-size game.

Bottom line
Easily recognized by their low-to-the-ground bodies with long soft ears, Basset hounds are one of the most popular dog breeds around. They are true hunters at heart and possess strength and stamina any hunter would be looking for in a hunting dog. When not in the field, they are the mellowest and the best companions you could ever want for you and your children.