I told you that I like to keep my camera to hand, when walking, didn't I? Well, out for a stroll, near to my brother's house in South Wales, I came across this merry pair!
Say hello to Felicity and Fran, the Basset sisters! These litter mates were out for a stroll with their VERY strong owner (two Bassets on one leash - that's a handful), and were typical, in that they were making friends with me only a few seconds after this photograph was taken.
The Basset is said to be a very ancient French breed, with the very first mention coming in 1585. The very best came from the French 'departments' of Artois and Vendée . Their name comes from the French 'bas' meaning low-slung....and that they are! They are superb scent hounds, second only to the Bloodhound, whose head resembles that of the Basset. Their natural prey in the rabbit or hare, although the idea of a Basset pursuing a swift hare is a little hard to take.
There are no less than six Basset breeds in France, including a rough-haired version, but these are not popular in other countries. George Edward Arundell Monckton-Arundell, 6th Viscount Galway, and a famous sportsman, was responsible for bringing the Basset hound to the British Isles in 1866; it was recognized by the Kennel Club in 1883, and rapidly became popular, particularly the Couteulx strain. Le Compte Louis Le Couteulx de Caumont is probably the Frenchman who brought the Basset to the United States from his famous kennels in Normandy, and gave some dogs to George Washington (who he was in constant correspondence with) and NOT his relative the Marquis de Lafayette, as is popularly supposed! There is also what is known as 'Lane type' (after Louis Lane, the breeder) which was only used to improve the fertility of the 'Couteulx' by cross-breeding, and was less popular in England. Queen Alexandra of England also loved the Basset, and established her own kennels. Everett Millais, the son of the famous Pre-Raphaelite painter was a major force in the shaping of the modern breed.
The Basset is low-slung, heavy-boned and very vocal, with a 'hound voice' that CAN wake your neighbors - several MILES away. This is, potentially, NOT a quiet woozle! The head and velvety ears are very like a Bloodhound's and have some of the same health problems. You must keep the wrinkles (which, along with ears, trap the scent of its prey) and the area around the eyes clean and dry. The coat is smooth and dense, but is also short and sheds continually. Brush every couple of days if you can. They may be any 'recognized hound color', but are usually bi-color or tri-color. Black/tan/white or white and tan or lemon are common. They have a pronounced curve to their tail, which is held high over their back, the tip of which is always white - said to be so that their handler can see them in tall grass or low brush!
They are a very muscular dog, with short, powerful legs. A note here; do NOT leave snacks or other food on a regular height table, and assume your Basset cannot reach it. Their immense length will allow them to reach YOUR food! Also note that your very own Basset may develop selective hearing when it wants to, even if talked to from a few inches away. They are a wonderful family dog, being docile, loyal and very tolerant of children; just don't expect them to ignore lovely scents when you talk them out! Six to eight puppies are the norm, and average lifespan is about 10 - 12 years. Please note that, although they are not in the Newfie class, some dogs CAN drool. They also have an oily coat which has a distinct odour - not unpleasant, but one that you cannot shampoo out!
The AKC recognized the breed in 1885, and the Basset Hound Club of America was founded in 1935. One of the most popular activities with the breed in America, is the running of Field Trials. Your dog must be AKC Registered and at least six months old to take part, and can eventually become recognized as a Field Champion - a most desirable award.
What more can I say? If you like hounds, you will surely love the Basset - a true sporting dog!
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