Origin
The Basset Hound has earned a place in the hearts and homes of many people both here in the UK and elsewhere in the world all thanks to their extraordinary looks and sweet, kind natures. Just at home by a fireside as they are outside on the moors, the Basset can chase down prey albeit at their own persistent pace over vast distances with relative ease.
The breed has been around for centuries, with some people believing these dogs were around in the Middle Ages. In more recent times, the Basset Hound has been depicted by cartoonists, their image has been used to advertise shoes which all helped bring the Basset Hound into the limelight not only here in the UK, but all over the world.
It is thought the Basset Hound was first bred by French monks during the Middle Ages. The breed is in fact, closely related to other hounds namely the French Bassets, but over the years the breed became unique to Britain. Early records show them being black and tan in colour and boasting heavy, large heads with long ears and bodies as well as short, heavy legs. These dogs were reputed to be highly skilled scenting dogs that boasted a throaty almost melodious bark.
There is some evidence of these hounds having been imported to Britain in the 15th Century by King James IV of Scotland. He used the dogs to drive game out onto open ground for huntsmen. Basset-like dogs even get a mention in Shakespeare's Midsummer Nights Dream. With this said, the dogs we know today can only be traced back to the 19th Century when a dog was brought back to the UK by Sir Everett Millias. It was at this time that breed records started to be kept all thanks to enthusiasts of the breed back in the day.
In 1883, The Basset Hound Club was officially formed with their goal being to encourage more breeding of these extraordinary dogs for both hunting and showing purposes. Bassets were very popular with the Royals with HRH Princess Alexandra being one of the eminent members of the club. However, the club was affected by WWI and closed its doors in 1921 but thanks to a few breed enthusiasts, the Basset Hound did not vanish altogether. Luckily, thanks to the great efforts of Miss Peggy Keevil during WWII, the breed survived and was to become a firm favourite both in the show ring, in the field and the home environment.
A breed standard was established during the 19th Century and was only updated in 2010. Today, Basset Hounds are among some of the most recognised dogs on the planet and have become a popular choice of pets and companions all thanks to their extraordinary looks and kind personalities.
