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Learn about the Basset Hound’s unique structure, balance and movement, along with essential traits that support its function as a scenthound.
Sue Frischmann & Kitty Steidel
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This article was originally published in Showsight Magazine, October 2018 issue.
The Basset Hound is a long, low scenthound, bred for hunting small game. Its uniqueness in structure is an accommodation for balance due to its shortened forelegs. His ‘different’ stature, a result of achondroplasia, is commonly called dwarfism. However, his form of achondroplasia causes arrested development of only long bones, yet retention of his other normal-sized features. His body remains that of a larger, taller dog. In order to support the rather heavy body on shorter legs he needs a special wrap-around front. It is a balance issue: he needs to have a unique column of support. If one understands the reason for his different front, the Basset will not be difficult to judge and intelligently breed.
Since the original purpose of the Basset Hound was “to follow a trail over and through difficult terrain,” the breed should be an agile and effortless mover. His conservation of energy provides for endurance. It is important when evaluating a Basset to keep his original purpose in mind.
The Basset Hound proportion is rectangular, approximately two to one; i.e., he is approximately twice as long as tall. We generally measure from forechest to the point of buttocks. In addition, the distance from the deepest point of the chest to the ground should be no more than 1/3 the total height of an adult.
Because the Basset is an achondroplastic breed, we sometimes find structural problems that are not generally seen in longer-legged breeds with straight columns of support.
The Basset has crook’d forelegs, meaning curving foreleg to accommodate the chest. Crook’d is not turned out feet, as is erroneously thought; this adaptation along with his heavy bone and large, well-rounded front paws are features that give him body support, especially to the forequarters. The chest falls below the elbow.
Front feet should be matched, that is, the feet will turn out a trifle and balance with the width of a proper shoulder, neither wide nor narrow. A prominent sternum is a hallmark of the breed. Short neck, lack of forechest, a short upper arm all suggest an ill-fitting and forward assembly. Proper shoulder length and matching length of upper arm, with elbows lying close to the chest, are mandatory in this hunting breed.
The shoulder angle in the Basset should be approximately 90 degrees, with the upper arm and shoulder blade of equal length. Good shoulders, if present, should be rewarded; they are very hard to breed.
Rear angulation should also be 90 degrees with well-let-down stifles. Cow hocks and bowed rears are considered serious faults.
The Basset Hound ribcage should be long and smooth; the breed’s length is in his ribcage, not his loin. The posterior sternum should extend beyond the forelegs by about four inches. Flanged (flared, as in a flip hairdo) ribs are faulty.
Movement is a good indicator of the overall conformation. Without the correct movement, the Basset could not perform as originally intended. Movement is deliberate, in no sense clumsy. There should be good reach and drive, powerful and effortless, with backline level. Going away, the Basset hind legs should move true, and coming back, the front legs should show support and good depth of chest. That wrap-around front allows the legs to support the body by coming in under the dog. Bassets converge toward their center of gravity but do not single track. The down and back is important.
Some believe movement is not important because of the Basset’s unique structure. However, it is due to his unusual proportions, to be functional, that could not be further from the truth. The Basset should be penalized (to the extent of degree of departure) for the same movement faults commonly found in other breeds.
The head is large, exhibiting a well-domed skull with a deep muzzle and moderate stop. The dewlap is pronounced. Eyes are dark, with prominent haw. Prominent haw does not mean gaping droop to the eyelid, hazardous to a hunter. Ears are long, velvety, low set, and turning slightly inward for funneling/stirring up scent. High set flat ears are a serious fault, the only serious fault not related to movement as defined in the standard but one related to function. Although the head displays important elements of breed type, we do not want undue emphasis placed here as we are not a head breed.
Some Bassets may have more bone or weight than others; some may be taller than others. Length of leg, ears, and body can all vary, but remain correct within the breed standard. It is up to the judge to determine if each hound meets the breed standard.
Regarding size, the standard says simply, “More bone, size considered, than any other breed.” Many breeders, exhibitors, and judges find this statement confusing. Perhaps a reasonable way to interpret the statement would be to consider the height of the exhibit being examined, and ask the question, “Does it have more bone than another breed of the same height?” For example, the Beagle. We are not suggesting the breed have bone of some of our taller dogs—St. Bernard, Wolfhound, or Mastiff.
It is important to understand the difference between correct breed type and style within breed type. The official breed standard identifies the features that define breed type. Style is an individual interpretation of that standard. More than one style may exhibit correct breed type and meet the standard. Think about your own breed, the breeds you know well, you have different styles within type.
All good type but shades of different styles.
Another confusion of style and type is “icing”—type features we like but not in excess. The unique look and structure of the Basset lends itself toward caricature, but more is not better. Rewarding animals with highly exaggerated features at the expense of soundness is deleterious to the breed. Breeders and judges have a tendency to overemphasize one or two features, such as excess skin or bone, forgetting the soundness demanded for this breed.
We often hear that a judge didn’t evaluate dogs consistently because two different styles have been awarded. Good judges and breeders look beyond “style” and award or breed the best examples of the breed, according to the standard, regardless of style.
Bassets may be any recognized hound color; markings and distribution of color are not important. The Basset is known for his even temperament: mild, never sharp or timid.
It is important to understand how the breed standard prioritizes virtues and faults in the breed as you evaluate the “whole.” The standard prioritizes faults as follows: (italics below offer commentary)
In general, faults relating to movement or which affect the health or well-being of the dog are to be penalized, based on the severity of the fault. Faults which are cosmetic in nature and do not impede the dog’s ability to perform are less serious. Judges and breeders alike must consider the dog as a whole, as individual parts are indeed useless if not in balance and able to work together.
There are three disqualifications in the Official Basset Hound Breed Standard. Not seen often, they are:
The Basset Hound is expected to be judged on the ramp for all aspects of judging Bassets: breed, group, and BIS. The Basset is a sensitive breed and should be examined with efficiency and gentleness.
Please do not pull the Basset’s skin over its head or up on the back to check for elasticity or looseness. Be aware that when judging the Basset, loose clothing, long ties, scarves, or jewelry can interfere with the dog.
Never pick up a Basset Hound to drop its front, and don’t push down on the hindquarters. It should go without saying, never straddle or step over a Basset during an exam.
It is inappropriate to make sounds to see expression. If you feel the need to re-examine the Basset, please put it back on the ramp.
Generally speaking, the Basset Hound is not a “baiting” breed.
The photos/sketches are from Basset Hound Club of America’s JEC Materials: “Pocket Guide to the Basset Hound,” as well as a Judges Education CD. Other informational materials are available for interested individuals or breeders who wish to learn more about this fascinating breed through Basset Hound University.
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