Description
While many Bassets lead languid lives as placid, loyal house pets, the Basset has a long history as a hunting breed. For many centuries the Basset was bred in France and Belgium as the hunting dog of the royal families. For the fat or somewhat lazy hunter, the rather slow-moving Basset is the ideal companion in the field. Descended from the Bloodhound, the Basset has a good nose and is not far behind his ancestor in scenting ability. His short legs make him a good dog for hunting in thick cover. Foxes, rabbits and pheasants are his "meat" in the field. He is a steady trailer and habitually gives plenty of "tongue" so that he can be followed even when he is invisible in the brush. With training he is a good "coon dog" and can work on pheasants and other birds.
