Page 148 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

CATALOG OF BREEDS | SCENT HOUNDS

Basset Hound

HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN Variety of colors
13–15in 40–60lb 10–13 years
(33–38cm) (18–27kg) Any recognized hound color.

This low-slung, floppy-eared dog is a superb tracker but, THE HUSH PUPPIES DOG
®
despite its strong hunting instinct, makes an affectionate pet
The Basset Hound is famous as the symbol of the
The “Basset” breeds of dog originated in the 1870s, and the first breed standard for Hush Puppies® brand of shoe. The shoes and
the name both originate from 1950s America.
in France; the name is derived from the the Basset Hound was established in the UK
“Barking dogs” at the time was slang for tired
French word bas, meaning “low,” and at the end of the 19th century.
feet, and as real-life barking dogs were sometimes
refers to their low-slung, short-legged shape. Today some Basset Hounds are still quietened with corn fritters called “hush puppies,”
Dogs of this type had existed in France for used for hunting and tracking, either in one of the sales managers saw the potential of
centuries, but the first actual mention of packs or alone. The breed is well suited the name for the comfortable range of shoes. The
Basset Hound with
“basset” dogs appeared in a French hunting for small game such as fox, hare, opossum,
its relaxed look was
text written in 1585. These dogs were and pheasant, and for working in heavy
quickly adopted for
ideal for men who hunted on foot because cover. This consummate sniffer dog has
the logo. In the 1980s
they followed trails at a slow pace. After the a very keen sense of smell and a strong a dog named Jason
French Revolution in 1789, Basset breeds tracking instinct; once it has picked up featured in several
became more popular as a common a scent it may follow the trail tenaciously, witty print and TV
advertisements,
man’s dog and were typically used to immune to all distraction.
making the brand
hunt rabbit and hare. Most Basset Hounds are kept as family
hugely popular
The Basset Hound first attracted great pets. The breed is intelligent, calm, loyal, worldwide.
attention at a dog show in Paris in 1863. and affectionate, but can be stubborn, so
English people began to import the dogs needs kind and firm training. A 1965 MAGAZINE
ADVERTISEMENT
FOR HUSH PUPPIES®

Eyes soft, sad-looking,
and slightly sunken
Low-set,
pendant ears

PUPPY Dark nose with
Long, deep body— large, wide-
heaviest-boned of all open nostrils
dogs for its height
Broad and
Short coat level back

Tricolor

Folds of skin
on legs

Body low but allows
free movement over
all types of terrain

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