The origin and history of the Basset Hound breed

The name of the breed comes from the French "Bas" ("low") and "Set" (planted). The English called the Hounds Hounds. So "basset hound" literally means "low-set hound."

In the photo: basset hound

Bassets were originally used both for “quiet” hunting - searching for truffles, and for quite a “loud” - game corral in a dense bush. Moreover, these dogs had a clear specialization: if they were trained to chase a wolf, the hare was not interesting to them. Each dog followed its own trail, rather than rushing after the rest.

St. Hubert, now extinct French hounds, is considered to be the ancestor of the Basset. Ancient canine books describe two varieties of undersized hounds: artesian and Flemish. The artesian "gave birth" to the bassets. The Flemings were mixed with terriers.

After the French Revolution, hunting became very popular. Moreover, the hunt is on foot, since horses were a luxury for many. And for this purpose, the bassets were excellent, for which you could easily keep pace.

In 1876, representatives of the breed came to England and thanks to Sir Everett Milles gained popularity. The popularizer himself had a passion for hunting, but hunting was not the main goal. He was more attracted by the persecution itself, and he considered the hunt a success, even if he returned empty-handed.

Sir Everett followed the advice of experienced breeders, crossing a short hound with a beagle. True, although a preliminary breed standard already existed, the description was so vague that more or less suitable individuals were allowed for breeding.

The Bloodhounds gave the Basset Hounds an exceptional scent, thanks to which even the British, who had previously regarded this dog exclusively as a show dog, began to use it on the hunt.

In 1880, the breed began to register in the United States. The Americans contributed to the selection - they crossed the basset and beagle. But the experiment was considered unsuccessful. After the First World War, they began to cross the English Basset Hounds, valued for appearance, and the French Basset, distinguished by hunting abilities. The result is a new, American basset hound.

The most remarkable appearance of modern basset hounds is the ears, the longest in comparison with other breeds.

Watch the video: Αρχαίοι Θεοί, Αρχαίοι Πολιτισμοί Και Εξωγήινοι (April 2021).