The
Basset Hound dog is a dog of great bone and characteristically short
legs and is a deliberate and tireless working dog, who is also
tireless in his affection. The Basset's head has a well domed
skull with a pronounced occipital protuberance never flat
head. The skin around the head is loose, and falls in wrinkles
over the brow when lowered. The muzzle is heavy and deep; the
lips pendulous; dewlap is very pronounced. Slightly sunken,
the eyes are proverbially sad, revealing his soft heart. Prominent
haw is preferred. The ears are excessively long and velvety.
The chest is deep with a prominent sternum. The shoulders are
well laid back and strong, not steep, turned in or bending out
at the elbow. Front legs are never knuckled over, but are
short and powerful. This dog stands firmly on its hinds,
showing a well let down stifle and straight hind feet. The
Basset dog stands no taller than 14 inches. The coat is hard
and smooth and sufficiently dense, never long. Colors vary as
in all hounds.
A waling proverb, the
Basset Hound goes placidly amid the noise and haste, a little bit
stubborn but with utter determination. He is beyond a doubt a
gentleman who must be treated as such. Harsh or even overly
vocal reprimands are completely inappropriate for the Basset
Hound. He must be treated kindly and gently. Strong
minded and loyal, he commits himself to a single person if given
that opportunity. For a fine family dog, the training should
be assumed by a few patient members. The Basset's sonorous
bark works wonders for him as a watchdog.
