The Basset Hound is a scent hound, bred particularly for hunting rabbits by scent. Only the Bloodhound supersedes the Basset Hound in its sense of smell for tracking. A short-legged dog, the name ‘basset’ derives from the French word ‘bas’, meaning ‘low’, with the suffix ‘-et’ added to make ‘basset’ mean ‘rather low’.
The Basset hound is known to be rather lazy and probably doesn’t need a great deal of dog toys as a result. However, as they are scent hounds, they should be kept on a lead during walks as they have a tendency to run after prey. They are a very vocal breed who barks or howls when they want suggest that they think something is wrong or when they want something.
The Basset hound originated in France. The breed is descended from St. Hubert of Belgium’s hounds in the 6th century. Further breeding of the hound at the Benedictine Abbey of St. Hubert in 1000AD led to what eventually became known as the St. Hubert’s Hound.