Breed: Basset Hound
  
Description:
Hound Group
Medium-large
Height: 13-14 in
Weight: 40-51 lb

Temperament: active, affectionate, excellent with children, intelligent.

The Basset Hound originated within the country of France, where the word basset means ôlow to the groundö. The Basset Hound is a descendant of the Bloodhound. In appearance, their legs are short, with the hide falling in wrinkles over their lower legs. There is also wrinkled skin above their eyes. Their ears are rather long, low set, reaching far down along the sides of their head. Basset Hounds have a very heavy bone structure.

Their coat does shed and needs to be bathed and brushed on a regular basis. The coat hair is hard, short and smooth. Their skin is loose and elastic. Colors: any recognized hound color, but it is usually black and white with chestnut markings. They are hunters of rabbits, hares, fox, opossum and pheasant. This dog is tireless when hunting out in the field. The Basset has an excellent sense of smell, but has slow reflexes. They make a good-natured companion dog and are wonderful with children as well as with other pets and other dogs.

The Basset Hound tends to gain weight, so the dog owner will need to watch its diet. Regular daily exercise should help keep the weight in check. Basset owners also need to prevent their puppy from leaping off of tall objects, such as couches and chairs. They can easily damage their spinal column. This caution should be exercised throughout the Basset's life. Can be stubborn; needs socialization and obedience training. Adaptable to their owner's lifestyle.
The Basset is quite versatile in its activities! They can enter conformation classes, field trials, agility, tracking, as well as obedience trials. Owners of a Basset Hound are sure to find an activity that they will enjoy right along with their dog!