The French Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is one of the most recognized and beloved breeds in the dog world, known for its long ears, droopy eyes, and low-slung body. While today it is often regarded as a charming and gentle companion, the Basset Hound has a rich history rooted in hunting, with origins that trace back centuries. This breed’s story is intertwined with the French aristocracy, English breeding programs, and an evolution from skilled hunter to cherished pet.
Origins in France
The Basset Hound’s history begins in France, where its ancestors were bred to assist hunters. The name “Basset” comes from the French word “bas,” meaning “low,” a fitting description for a breed known for its short legs and low stature. The Basset Hound is a type of hound, a group of dogs bred specifically for their scent-tracking abilities. This characteristic made them invaluable in hunting, especially in the dense forests of France, where their keen sense of smell allowed them to track prey over long distances.
The earliest references to basset-type dogs date back to the 16th century, during the reign of French kings. At the time, hunting was a popular activity among the French aristocracy, and basset-type dogs were bred for their ability to track small game such as rabbits and hares. Their short stature allowed them to move easily through dense underbrush, and their deliberate pace made them ideal for hunters on foot. In a time before firearms were widely available, these dogs were particularly useful in hunting because they could track and corner prey, allowing the hunter to capture it.
The Development of the Modern Basset Hound
The Basset Hound we recognize today is the result of centuries of selective breeding. Early French basset-type dogs were likely the descendants of the St. Hubert Hound, a breed developed by monks in the Ardennes region of Belgium and France. St. Hubert Hounds were known for their exceptional scent-tracking abilities, and they are considered the ancestors of many modern scent hounds, including the Bloodhound.
In the 19th century, the modern development of the Basset Hound began to take shape. French breeders, including Count Le Couteulx de Canteleu, played a pivotal role in refining the breed, selecting for traits like long ears, loose skin, and a powerful sense of smell. These physical characteristics enhanced the dog’s ability to capture scent particles from the ground and air, making them exceptional trackers.
One of the key figures in shaping the modern Basset Hound was Sir Everett Millais, an English breeder who is often referred to as the “father of the Basset Hound in England.” In the 1870s, Millais imported Basset Hounds from France to England, where he began a breeding program to refine the breed even further. His work, combined with efforts from other British breeders, helped to standardize the breed and establish its presence in England.
During this period, Basset Hounds were exhibited in dog shows, which were gaining popularity at the time. The breed’s unique appearance and calm temperament made it a favourite among dog fanciers, and its popularity began to grow. In 1882, the first Basset Hound Club was established in England, further cementing the breed’s place in the world of purebred dogs.
Role in Hunting
Despite its growing popularity as a show dog, the Basset Hound’s origins as a hunting dog remained an important part of its identity. Basset Hounds were prized for their ability to track small game, and their short stature made them ideal for hunting in difficult terrain. Unlike faster, more aggressive hunting dogs, Basset Hounds worked at a slower pace, allowing hunters to follow on foot. Their long ears and loose skin helped to trap scent particles, while their deep, booming bark allowed hunters to follow them even when they were out of sight.
One of the defining characteristics of the Basset Hound is its extraordinary sense of smell. The breed is second only to the Bloodhound in scent-tracking ability. Basset Hounds have around 220 million scent receptors in their noses, compared to humans, who have about 5 million. This makes them highly skilled in detecting and following scents over long distances, often across difficult terrain.
Though Basset Hounds are not as widely used for hunting today, their keen sense of smell remains one of their most defining traits. Even in modern times, they are sometimes used in search-and-rescue operations or as detection dogs.
The Basset Hound in Popular Culture
In the 20th century, the Basset Hound transitioned from a working dog to a popular companion animal. Its distinctive appearance and calm, easy-going temperament made it a favourite in households around the world. The breed became a popular subject in advertising and media, most famously in campaigns for the Hush Puppies shoe brand. The Basset Hound’s image was used to represent the brand’s comfort and reliability, and the association with the breed helped to boost its popularity even further.
Basset Hounds have also appeared in television shows, movies, and cartoons, often portrayed as lovable, slightly lazy characters. Their laid-back nature and comical expressions have endeared them to audiences, solidifying their place as one of the most recognizable dog breeds.
Conclusion
The Basset Hound’s history is a fascinating blend of aristocratic hunting traditions, careful breeding, and a transition into modern life as a beloved companion. From its origins in the dense forests of France to its rise in popularity in England and beyond, the Basset Hound has remained true to its roots as a skilled scent-tracker with a calm and gentle demeanour. Today, the Basset Hound is celebrated not only for its history and abilities but also for its charm, making it a treasured pet for families worldwide.
