Basset Hound

Basset Hound, breed of dog developed centuries ago in France and long maintained, chiefly in France and Belgium, as a hunting dog of the aristocracy. Originally used to trail hares, rabbits, and deer, it has also been used in hunting birds, foxes, and other game. It is characterized as a slow, deliberate hunter, with a deep voice and a “nose” second in keenness only to that of the Bloodhound. The American Kennel Club formally recognized the Basset Hound in 1885.

Short-legged and heavy-boned, the Basset Hound has long pendulous ears and a short coat in any combination of black, tan to reddish brown, and white. It stands up to 15 inches (38 cm) tall at the withers and weighs 40 to 65 pounds (18 to 29 kg). There are many regional varieties of Basset Hounds in France.