Basset Hound
A basset hound is a long, low-slung, heavy-boned scent hound bred for hunting small game, primarily rabbits. His long ears were developed to stir up ground scent for his large nose to smell. The folds of skin under his chin are useful for trapping and holding the scent. His large feet give him steadiness and his heavy bone makes him sturdy. His short legs enable the hunter to follow him apace on foot. The basset hound must have great lung capacity and a large, strong heart so that he can track game for long periods of time. Bassets are expected to have the stamina to hunt day after day in widely varying terrain, often with dense undergrowth and in all weather conditions. They are truly a breed for whom form follows function.

It is thought that the friars of the French Abbey of St. Hubert were instrumental in selective breeding from various strains of French hounds to produce a lower set, hence slower moving dog which could be followed on foot. The word "Basset," derived from the French adjective bas, means a "dwarf" or "low structure". Since hunting was a classic sport in medieval France, it is not surprising that many of the thoroughly efficient small hounds found their way into the kennels of the aristocracy, only to be dispersed with the changing life style brought on by the Revolution. However, the breed was not lost.
Except for ears and drool, the Basset is an easy care pet. His short coat repels dirt and water and needs minimal brushing to remove loose hair and dirt. He needs few baths and appreciates rubdowns with a coarse cloth or hound glove.