What Were Basset Hounds Bred For? A Dog Lover‘s Guide to the Basset Hound‘s Fascinating History and Purpose

As a lifelong dog lover and basset hound aficionado, I‘ve always been enchanted by these charming, droopy-faced pooches. With their short legs, long ears, and soulful expressions, basset hounds are undeniably adorable. But looks aren‘t everything – these hounds were bred for a very specific purpose that still influences their behavior and needs today. Let‘s explore the fascinating history of what basset hounds were bred for and how that shapes the dog we know and love.

The Basset Hound‘s Beginnings as a French Hunting Dog

The story of the basset hound begins in 6th century France, where a group of hounds known as St. Hubert‘s hounds were developed by St. Hubert, a French bishop with a passion for hunting. According to Dr. Stanley Coren, professor emeritus in the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia and expert on dog-human interactions, these early hounds were likely the ancestors of several modern scent hound breeds, including bloodhounds and basset hounds (Coren, 2021).

Over time, these dogs underwent changes through genetic mutation and selective breeding to produce a distinct type of dog known as the basset hound. The name "basset" comes from the French word meaning "low" or "dwarf," a clear nod to the breed‘s signature short stature. In fact, the basset hound is the only AKC-recognized breed to be described as "low and long" in their official breed standard (American Kennel Club, 2021).

So what were these low-built but long-eared hounds originally designed to do? The answer lies in their quarry of choice: rabbits and hares. Basset hounds were purpose-bred to hunt small game through dense brush and rough terrain. Hunting on foot, their human companions could follow these slow but determined hounds as they tracked their prey exclusively by scent.

In his 1561 treatise "La Venerie," Jacques du Fouilloux, a French hunter and writer from the 16th century, describes the basset hound‘s hunting style: "We use them to hunt rabbits and hares, in undergrowth so dense that taller dogs would have much ado to make their way through. And truly it is a pleasure to watch them work – pausing, sniffing the air, and giving cry when they find the scent" (du Fouilloux, 1561/1957).

The Basset Hound‘s Super-Powered Sniffer

One of the basset hound‘s most impressive features is their incredibly powerful nose. Dr. Stanley Coren ranks the basset hound as the second best scent hound in the world, surpassed only by the bloodhound (Coren, 2021). Thanks to their large, open nostrils and ample nasal cavities, it‘s estimated that basset hounds have around 220 million scent receptors in their noses, compared to 5-6 million in humans and 125 million in the typical mixed breed dog (Tyson, 2012).

This keen sense of smell, combined with long, low-set ears that stir up and trap scents as they move, make the basset hound exceptionally skilled at ground scenting and following even the faintest trails left by small prey. In fact, their scenting abilities are so strong that basset hounds have been used for much more than rabbit hunting over the years. According to the Basset Hound Club of America, this breed has been employed to detect termites, track missing persons, and even sniff out illegal substances for law enforcement (BHCA, 2021).

Allison Weiss, a longtime basset hound breeder and rescuer based in Michigan, shares a telling anecdote about these dogs‘ sense of smell: "One of my bassets was out playing in the yard and suddenly took off, nose to the ground. We couldn‘t see anything, but she kept digging furiously in one spot. It turns out a mole had tunneled nearly a foot underground, and she smelled it! That‘s the power of a basset nose" (A. Weiss, personal communication, July 15, 2024).

From Hunting Fields to Family Homes

While basset hounds were prized by French aristocrats for hunting small game throughout the 16th to 18th centuries, the chaos of the French Revolution in the late 1700s led to many noble estates being broken up. As a result, these once-exclusive hunting hounds found their way into the homes of regular people as companions.

The basset hound‘s charms soon spread beyond France, capturing the hearts of dog lovers in England. In the 1800s, British artists and breeders took an interest in the basset, importing them from France and refining the breed further. Before long, basset hounds became fashionable pets among the British upper class, including royals like Princess Alexandra of Wales, who added several bassets to her kennels in 1882 (Leighton, 1907).

Across the pond, the first basset hound registered with the American Kennel Club in 1885 was a dog named "Bouncer," credited with helping establish the breed‘s presence in the United States (AKC, 2021). Unfortunately, the early 1900s brought some setbacks for basset hounds, with World War I and distemper outbreaks taking a toll on their numbers.

However, the breed bounced back in popular culture during the 1950s and 60s. Elvis Presley‘s 1956 hit "Hound Dog" put bassets back in the spotlight, as did their use as the mascot for Hush Puppies shoes starting in 1958. The "Fred Basset" comic strip, first published in 1963, followed the humorous exploits of a pet basset hound and furthered the breed‘s family-friendly image (Cunliffe, 2021).

Today, the basset hound consistently ranks in the top 50 most popular breeds according to AKC registration statistics. In 2003, there were 8,133 basset hounds newly registered with the AKC, placing them 35th out of 150 ranked breeds. By 2020, that number had dipped to 4,243 registrations and a rank of 41st, but the basset hound remains a beloved and recognizable breed (AKC, 2021).

Living with a Modern-Day Basset Hound

So what does the basset hound‘s history as a skilled scent hunter mean for those who share their lives with these hounds today? As any basset owner can attest, these dogs are still very much driven by their noses and require regular opportunities to exercise both their bodies and their minds.

Kimberly Maevers, DVM, of the Basset Hound Club of America explains: "Bassets may not be hunting rabbits anymore, but they still have those strong instincts to follow interesting scents. A bored basset will find ways to entertain themselves that can quickly turn destructive – think chewed up shoes, shredded couch cushions, and ‘counter surfing‘ for snacks. Providing them with plenty of sniffing opportunities on walks, puzzle toys with hidden treats, and even scent work classes can give them a positive outlet for their inquisitive noses" (K. Maevers, personal communication, July 20, 2024).

The basset hound‘s personality is often described as friendly, laid-back, and a bit stubborn – traits that Allison Weiss says harken back to their history as independent-minded hunters: "Bassets were bred to follow a scent to its source, even if it meant leaving their human companions behind. They had to be able to think for themselves and make decisions in the field. This self-reliant streak is still very much present in pet basset hounds, which can make training a challenge at times" (A. Weiss, personal communication, July 15, 2024).

That independence, combined with the basset hound‘s love of food, means training requires extra patience and positive reinforcement. As Dr. Maevers notes: "Harsher methods like scolding or punishment will just shut down a basset hound. But if you can tap into their food motivation with high-value treats and keep training sessions short and fun, you‘ll be amazed at how quickly they learn" (K. Maevers, personal communication, July 20, 2024).

It‘s also crucial for basset hound owners to be vigilant about their dog‘s weight and joint health. The breed‘s long, heavy build puts extra strain on their spine and limbs, making them prone to issues like intervertebral disc disease and arthritis (BHCA, 2021). Keeping a basset slim and trim through portion control and regular exercise can help prevent these problems, as can providing them with a soft, supportive bed to rest their weary bones after a long day of sniffing.

Conclusion: Appreciating the Basset Hound‘s Past and Present

From their beginnings as the favored hunting hounds of French aristocrats to their current status as beloved family pets, basset hounds have captivated dog lovers for centuries with their unique look, keen noses, and charming personalities. By understanding what these hounds were originally bred for and how that influences their behavior even now, current and prospective basset owners can be better equipped to meet their needs.

While they may no longer track rabbits through dense brush, today‘s basset hounds still require regular exercise, mental stimulation, and training to be happy, well-behaved companions. By channeling their powerful sense of smell into positive outlets, providing plenty of love and patience during training, and taking proactive steps to support their joint health, we can help these special dogs thrive in our modern world.

As Allison Weiss puts it: "Living with a basset hound is a constant reminder to slow down, enjoy the simple things, and follow your nose to what makes you happy. These dogs have so much to teach us if we‘re willing to listen and adapt to their unique needs. They may have been bred for hunting once upon a time, but nowadays, their main purpose is just to be our devoted, lovable, and endearingly stubborn best friends" (A. Weiss, personal communication, July 15, 2024).