Basset Hound

The word "Basset" seems to have been used for the first time in La Vénérie, a text on hunting written by Jacques du Fouilloux in 1561. His illustrations concerning him make him look like the Basset fauve de Bretagne. According to this treaty, this dog is used in the pursuit of foxes and badgers. Health Due to their length, the ears of Basset Hounds are often prone to disease. If they sway in his food, they can sometimes develop chronic diseases. A good weekly cleaning is advisable. The Basset Hound can also develop eye diseases. Due to his droopy eyelids, the area under the eyeball sometimes collects dirt and can become clogged with mucus. It is best to wipe them daily with a damp cloth. This helps reduce mucus and eye irritation.

This basset would be the result of crosses between old French breeds, in particular the basset d'Artois (a breed that has now disappeared) and the Saint-Hubert. The first French Bassets resembled the current Norman Artesian Basset, which is one of the 6 breeds of Bassets currently recognized in France. Originally from Artois, the Normandy Artesian Basset dates back to 1600. It looks like a Basset Hound but lighter. This breed was recognized in 1911. It is difficult to know in what year the real Basset Hound appeared. It seems to have been the Marquis de La Fayette who introduced it to the United States when he gave one as a gift to George Washington at the end of the 18th century. In France, the Bassets achieved certain notoriety during the reign of Napoleon III. In 1853, the sculptor Emmanuel Fremiet exhibited bronze sculptures of Bassets Hounds on the occasion of the Dogs of Paris exhibition. There were then two kinds of Basset Hounds, one with a rough coat (the Basset griffon) and the other with a smooth coat (the French Basset). The two most popular French Basset Hound breeders of this time were Mr. Lane and Count La Courteulhe. It was in 1866 that Durant Galway imported the Basset Hound to the United Kingdom but it was not until 1874 that Sir Everett Millais introduced it widely in this country. The Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1882 and the English Basset Club was founded in 1884. In 1885 the American Kennel Club first recognized it. In France, the Basset hound experienced a resurgence in popularity from the 1950s. The Club du Basset Hound was founded in 1967 by Paul List, Tony Benstal and Mr. and Mrs. Peress. In 1992, the Club counted 770 births of Basset Hounds in the country which, according to the president of the Club, Jacques Médard-Risquet, was enough to be able to satisfy the demand.

As a hunting dog it is suitable for small and medium game and hunting in packs. He reveals himself to be enduring, stubborn. He has a good flair and a deep voice. It is also increasingly sought after as a companion dog as it is considered a very friendly breed. Its melancholy air indeed hides an affectionate animal, mischievous, placid and gentle with children. Stubborn, it requires a firm education. He must be kept on a leash during his walks because his flair gives him a certain tendency to wander when he smells a track. He no longer hears his master's voice. The Basset Hound tends to howl when it senses something is wrong (a coming storm, for example). He often whines somewhat when seeking attention. He makes himself heard especially when he begs for food or cuddles.