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The Basset Hound is seen as an especially friendly breed. For this reason they are an excellent pet for children. Many Bassets "forget" the training when a reward is not present. Bassets should be on a leash when out on walks.
Bassets are known to be a vocal breed. Bassets might howl or bark when they want something or to suggest that they think something is wrong (like a storm is coming). They also use a low, murmuring whine to get attention, which sounds to many owners as though their Bassets are "talking." This whine is also used by the hound to beg (for food or treats) and varies in volume depending on the nature of the individual hound and length of time it has been begging.
General Appearance
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.
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.
Approved January 14, 1964
For More information visit AKC.org