The Basset Hound is a short-legged scent hound breed originally developed in Great Britain from French basset breeds, primarily for hunting rabbits and hares on foot. It is known for its excellent sense of smell, second only to the Bloodhound. Basset Hounds have a distinctive appearance with short, crooked legs, long ears that help stir up scent, loose wrinkled skin, and a heavy-boned, rectangular body. They typically weigh between 20 and 35 kg (44 to 77 pounds) and come in colors like tricolor, red and white, or other hound colors. Temperamentally, Basset Hounds are friendly, outgoing, playful, and typically mild-tempered. They are good with children and other pets but can be stubborn and somewhat difficult to train. Originally pack hunters, they have a strong hunting instinct and may bark and dig. The breed has a history going back to French bassets in the 16th century, developed in England into the modern Basset Hound known today. Basset Hounds mature slowly, often reaching their full size at about two years old, and live around 12 to 13 years on average. Overall, the Basset Hound is a devoted, gentle companion with a distinctive look and impressive scenting abilities, suited for families and hunting alike.
