For some inexplicable reason this charming little hound seems to be under a temporary eclipse. Why it should be so I do not venture to explain, as there is so much to be said in his favour. It is over thirty years since he was imported into this country from France, and we have probably better specimens here than can be found in his native land. Of the two varieties the smooth-coated is much the more popular.

His Work

In Great Britain, Bassets are used almost exclusively for hare-hunting in packs, and rare good sport they afford to the keen man who prefers seeing beautiful hound-work without troubling too much about a kill at the end of it. Splendid noses have these gay little fellows, and voices like a Bloodhound's. How it heartens you to hear them in full cry. They will drive rabbits out of the scrub, too, and I have heard of a couple doing yeoman work in the thick bush in Natal bringing small buck to the gun.

His Points

Head as nearly resembling that of a Bloodhound as possible; i.e. long and narrow, with heavy flews and pronounced occiput; ears set low, long, and hanging in graceful folds; heavy dewlap; neck powerful; chest deep; fore-legs very short, crooked, half-crooked, or straight; body long, with muscular quarters; stifles well bent. Colour black, tan, and white, lemon and white, or white body, hare pied, and tan markings on head. The rough-coated variety should carry a thick harsh coat.