Basset Hound Standards
- AKC (Hound)
- FCI (Group 6)
- KC (Hound)
- UKC (Scenthound)
- 13-15"
- 40-60 lbs
- small, low to the ground scenthound
- extremely long body
- low set ears and long tail
- loose skin on head with pronounced dewlap
- hard, smooth, short coat
- any hound colors
History of the Basset Hound
Bassets as a type of dog have existed in France for centuries and likely descended from a dwarfed Bloodhound. These dogs were bred because they were easier for a hunter on foot, rather than horseback, to follow them. The development of the Basset Hound specifically began in England in 1866 when Lord Galway received some Basset Normands from the Comte de Tournon. Sir Everett Millais added some Bloodhound back into the line, creating a heavier dog and the basis for today’s breed.