Hound Dog Breed

Every hound dog breed was created for hunting. A variety of hunting breeds exists because every region has its own game species, terrain and living conditions. Breeding stock and other breeds available also influence the future looks and working abilities of the new breeds. Most modern hound breeds appeared several centuries ago from the working dogs originally used in the area. Ancient breeds were often crossbred with the local stock to create endurable dogs adapted to the climate and terrain of the area.

The popularity of every hound dog breed depends on hunting regulations and the general looks and temperament of the dog. For example, the Basset Hound is no longer used for hunting, but the breed is still popular because of its funny looks and friendly nature. Being the cousins of the Bloodhounds, these low-set dogs possess an excellent sense of smell and a very inquisitive mind. This breed was used for trailing and fetching small game. Their short legs made them unsuited for chasing the game, but their nose and endurance made them ideal for long hunts.

A Basset Hound dog breed is easily recognized by its long body, short legs and large head. Although Basset Hounds are considered to be medium-sized dogs because of their height between 11 and 15 inches, the weight of an adult male can reach up to 70 pounds and a female weighs normally 40-50 pounds, like in large breeds. The beauty of the breed is in its large eyes with a sad, intelligent expression. The ears are long and low set. Supposedly, long ears of the Basset Hound help catch and concentrate the smell.

Originally, hounds were bred for hunting, but not for the show ring. There were no strict breed standards for the breeders to follow. The main thing for the hounds was doing the job. Nowadays, when purebred dogs are often bred and kept for showing, corresponding to the breed standard became very important. Nevertheless, serious conformation faults in hounds are those that impair their working abilities, such as faults in body proportion, loose shoulders, crook in the legs, undershot bite and others. A coat color and pattern is not usually important in a hound dog breed.