The Basset Hound possesses in
marked degree those characteristics which equip it admirably to follow a
trail over and through difficult terrain. It is a short-legged dog,
heavier in bone, size considered, than any other breed of dog, and while
its movement is deliberate, it is in no sense clumsy. In temperament it
is mild, never sharp or timid. It is capable of great endurance in the
field and is extreme in its devotion.
|
|
| Breed Name |
Basset Hound |
| Country Of
Origin |
France |
| Group |
Hound |
|
Coat |
Hard, Smooth & Short |
|
Height |
14" |
| Weight |
50 to
70 lbs |
| Temperament |
Lovable, Friendly |
| Activity Level |
Low |
| Learning Rate |
Medium |
|
Litter Size |
8 to
10 |
| Life Span |
11 to
12 Years |
|
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Head
The head is large and well proportioned. Its length from occiput to
muzzle is greater than the width at the brow. In overall appearance the
head is of medium width. The skull is well
domed, showing a pronounced occipital protuberance. A broad flat skull
is a fault. The length from nose to stop is approximately the length
from stop to occiput. The sides are flat and free from cheek bumps.
Viewed in profile the top lines of the muzzle and skull are straight and
lie in parallel planes, with a moderately defined stop. The skin over
the whole of the head is loose, falling in distinct wrinkles over the
brow when the head is lowered. A dry head and tight skin are faults. The
muzzle is deep, heavy, and free from snipiness.
The nose is darkly pigmented, preferably
black, with large wide-open nostrils. A deep liver-colored nose
conforming to the coloring of the head is permissible but not desirable.
The teeth are large, sound, and regular,
meeting in either a scissors or an even bite. A bite either overshot or
undershot is a serious fault. The lips are
darkly pigmented and are pendulous, falling squarely in front and,
toward the back, in loose hanging flews. The dewlap
is very pronounced. The neck is powerful, of
good length, and well arched. The eyes are
soft, sad, and slightly sunken, showing a prominent haw, and in color
are brown, dark brown preferred. A somewhat lighter-colored eye
conforming to the general coloring of the dog is acceptable but not
desirable. Very light or protruding eyes are faults. The
ears are extremely long, low set, and when drawn forward,
fold well over the end of the nose. They are velvety in texture, hanging
in loose folds with the ends curling slightly inward. They are set far
back on the head at the base of the skull and, in repose, appear to be
set on the neck. A high set or flat ear is a serious fault.
Forequarters
The chest is deep and full with prominent sternum showing
clearly in front of the legs. The shoulders and elbows are
set close against the sides of the chest. The distance from the deepest
point of the chest to the ground, while it must be adequate to allow
free movement when working in the field, is not to be more than
one-third the total height at the withers of an adult Basset. The
shoulders are well laid back and powerful. Steepness in shoulder, fiddle
fronts, and elbows that are out, are serious faults. The forelegs
are short, powerful, heavy in bone, with wrinkled skin. Knuckling over
of the front legs is a disqualification. The paw is
massive, very heavy with tough heavy pads, well rounded and with both
feet inclined equally a trifle outward, balancing the width of the
shoulders. Feet down at the pastern are a serious fault. The toes
are neither pinched together nor splayed, with the weight of the
forepart of the body borne evenly on each. The dewclaws may be removed.
Body
The rib structure is long, smooth, and extends well back. The ribs are
well sprung, allowing adequate room for heart and lungs. Flatsidedness
and flanged ribs are faults. The topline is straight, level, and free
from any tendency to sag or roach, which are faults.
Hindquarters
The hindquarters are very full and well rounded, and are approximately
equal to the shoulders in width. They must not appear slack or light in
relation to the over-all depth of the body. The dog stands firmly on its
hind legs showing a well-let-down stifle with no tendency toward a
crouching stance. Viewed from behind, the hind legs are parallel, with
the hocks turning neither in nor out. Cowhocks or bowed legs are serious
faults. The hind feet point straight ahead. Steep, poorly angulated
hindquarters are a serious fault. The dewclaws, if any, may be removed.
Tail
The tail is not to be docked, and is set in continuation of the spine
with but slight curvature, and carried gaily in hound fashion. The hair
on the underside of the tail is coarse.
Size
The height should not exceed 14 inches. Height over 15 inches at the
highest point of the shoulder blade is a disqualification.
Gait
The Basset Hound moves in a smooth, powerful, and effortless manner.
Being a scenting dog with short legs, it holds its nose low to the
ground. Its gait is absolutely true with perfect coordination between
the front and hind legs, and it moves in a straight line with hind feet
following in line with the front feet, the hocks well bent with no
stiffness of action. The front legs do not paddle, weave, or overlap,
and the elbows must lie close to the body. Going away, the hind legs are
parallel.
Coat
The coat is hard, smooth, and short, with sufficient density to be of
use in all weather. The skin is loose and elastic. A distinctly long
coat is a disqualification.
Color
Any recognized hound color is acceptable and the distribution of color
and markings is of no importance.
Disqualifications
Height of more than 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulder
blade.
Knuckled over front legs.
Distinctly long coat.
If you are interested in a
Basset
Hound Puppy:
See our
PUPPIES FOR SALE
or use our
FREE PUPPY FINDER program. |
