Even when small, Basset Hound puppies have the distinctive large ears, short legs and long bodies that make them so identifiable and popular as adult dogs. Tracing its lineage and name to France, the Basset Hound was primarily used for hunting hundreds of years ago, especially rabbits and deer. The good brothers of St. Hubert Abbey were instrumental in the development of Basset Hound puppies; they sought a dog that was close to the ground and slow moving enough to keep up with while hunting. The word "basset" is derived from the French word "bas" meaning "dwarf" or "low thing."
Basset Hound puppies of today are born with essentially the same traits as those favored by the friars of St. Hubert in the past. They grow into adult Basset Hounds that have short, sturdy legs, considerable stamina and a slow, deliberate way of moving. Close to the ground and with their large, floppy ears helping contain the scent, Basset Hound puppies are still prized as hunting dogs.These same Basset Hound puppies, when not used for hunting upland game birds or rabbits, are among the favorite breeds of companion dogs. They are bright, affectionate and unafraid to speak up if company comes. However, Basset Hound puppies grow into dogs whose favorite past time is hanging out with their owners.
But, don't let the Basset Hound's appearance fool you into believing he is a large-eared couch potato. Basset Hound puppies come from the American Kennel Club's " Hound Group " and come from rugged hunting stock. Basset Hounds need to get out and stretch their compact legs. While they may not beat a Greyhound in a foot race anytime soon, Bassets need exercise. They make great apartment dogs, but like to hit the streets or find a park close by to run in.
Maybe it's their good looks or their gentle temperament, but many Basset Hound puppies have gone on to, of all things, careers in show business. At least two Basset Hounds have made their fame in comic strips: Droopy Dog in 1943 and Fred Basset in the 1963 comic strip of the same name.
Basset Hound puppies have had positive role models in Hollywood. Bassets on television have included:
- Cleo, Jackie Cooper's dog on the 1950's era TV show called "The People's Choice";
- Quincy, Jerry VanDyke's dog on "Coach";
- Flash, Roscoe P. Coltrane's' sidekick on "The Dukes of Hazzard";
- And Dog, the basset almost as wrinkled as the raincoat worn by Peter Falk in "Columbo".
A Basset named Fred co-starred in the 1977 movie hit "Smokey and The Bandit." Maytag and Hush Puppies have used Basset Hounds as their commercial mascots.
Most Basset Hound puppies live quiet lives with loving families and never set foot on a movie soundstage. However, Basset Hound Puppies have the good looks and charm to succeed at whatever they do when they grow up.
