Photo: Wikimedia Commons contributor · CC BY-SA 3.0 dog breed · 927 on Animalso
Basset Hound: French-Origin Scent Hound
- Animal
- Dog
- Type
- Hound
- Origin
- France
- Height
- 33 cm
- Weight
- 32 kg
- Life expectancy
- 11.5 years
The Basset Hound is a dog and scent hound with origins in France. It was developed in Great Britain from several extinct French basset strains. The breed was made for hunting rabbit and hare on foot, at a pace that did not require horses. Recorded height is 33, weight 32, and life expectancy 11.5 years.
What it is
The Basset Hound is a short-legged scent hound from France. It is a dog breed developed for ground-scent hunting.
Where it began
The breed was developed in Great Britain from several now-extinct strains of French basset breeds. Its origins are recorded as France. For more breeds from that country, see dog breeds from France.
What it was bred to do
Basset Hounds were bred mainly to hunt rabbit and hare on foot. Their slow movement meant hunters did not need horses. The breed is noted for its sense of smell and ground-scenting ability.
Points to weigh
This is a short-legged hound, shaped for work close to the ground. Its recorded role is hunting rabbit and hare, rather than another type of work.
Price
A breed does not have a plan or subscription price.
Who may want another breed
People seeking a breed with a different working background may want to compare other entries in dog breeds.
Verdict
Choose the Basset Hound if its French scent-hound origins, short-legged form and foot-based rabbit and hare hunting history match what you want to learn about a dog. Its recorded figures are 33 in height, 32 in weight and 11.5 years of life expectancy.
What stands out
- French origins and a clear hound identity
- Bred to hunt rabbit and hare on foot
- Ground-scenting ability is central to its history
Worth knowing
- Short-legged build may not suit every preference
- Its original work focused on rabbit and hare hunting
- Developed from several French strains that are now extinct
Suits
- Readers seeking a French-origin scent hound
- People interested in rabbit and hare hunting breeds
- Owners comparing hound histories and recorded size
Think twice if
- You want a breed developed for a different working role
- You are looking for a breed outside the hound group
In short
The Basset Hound is a French-origin scent hound developed in Great Britain from older French basset strains. Its defining history is practical: tracking rabbit and hare on foot, slowly enough that horses were unnecessary. The breed’s recorded height is 33 and its weight is 32, with a life expectancy of 11.5 years. It suits readers interested in a compact hound shaped by ground-scent work. If that background does not fit your plans, browse other dog breeds instead.
Questions
Where does the Basset Hound come from?
Its origins are recorded as France. The breed was developed in Great Britain from several now-extinct French basset strains.
What was the Basset Hound bred to hunt?
It was bred mainly to hunt rabbit and hare on foot, moving slowly enough that horses were not needed.
How tall is a Basset Hound?
The recorded height is 33.
How much does a Basset Hound weigh?
The recorded weight is 32.
How long does a Basset Hound live?
Its recorded life expectancy is 11.5 years.
What type of dog is a Basset Hound?
It is a short-legged breed of scent hound.
More dog breeds from France
Ariege Pointer France Weight 30 kgLives 13 yrs Photo: Wikimedia Commons contributor · Public domain 
Artois Hound France Height 53 cmWeight 28 kg Photo: Wikimedia Commons contributor · Public domain 
Auvergne Shepherd France Photo: Auteur inconnu · CC0 
Barbet France Height 53 cm Photo: Wikimedia Commons contributor · Public domain 
Other hound breeds
Billy France Height 58 cm Photo: Wikimedia Commons contributor · Public domain 
Braque du Puy France Photo: Paul Mahler · Public domain 
Photo credits17 photographs on this page
- basset hound — Wikimedia Commons contributor · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Ariégeois — Bautt · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Ariege Pointer — Wikimedia Commons contributor · Public domain · file page
- Artois Hound — Wikimedia Commons contributor · Public domain · file page
- Auvergne Shepherd — Auteur inconnu · CC0 · file page
- Barbet — Wikimedia Commons contributor · Public domain · file page
- Basset Artésien Normand — Svenska Mässan · CC BY 2.0 · file page
- Basset Bleu de Gascogne — M.W. Reichert · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Beagle-Harrier — Grzes1966 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Beauceron — Stefan Schmitz · CC BY-SA 3.0 de · file page
- Billy — Wikimedia Commons contributor · Public domain · file page
- Blue Gascony Griffon — Alephalpha · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Blue Picardy Spaniel — Pleple2000 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Braque d'Auvergne — Mrsthurlow · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Braque du Bourbonnais — Mic comte · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Braque du Puy — Paul Mahler · Public domain · file page
- Braque Français — Pleple2000 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
Photographs come from Wikimedia Commons under the licence each one names. How Animalso credits photographs.