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Basset Hound Breed Standard
Hound Group
General Appearance
The Basset Hound possesses in marked degree those characteristics which
equip it admirably to follow a trail over and through difficult terrain.
It is a short-legged dog, heavier in bone, size considered, than any other
breed of dog, and while its movement is deliberate, it is in no sense
clumsy. In temperament it is mild, never sharp or timid. It is capable
of great endurance in the field and is extreme in its devotion.
Head
The head is large and well proportioned. Its length from occiput to muzzle
is greater than the width at the brow. In overall appearance the head
is of medium width. The skull is well domed, showing a pronounced occipital
protuberance. A broad flat skull is a fault. The length from nose to stop
is approximately the length from stop to occiput. The sides are flat and
free from cheek bumps. Viewed in profile the top lines of the muzzle and
skull are straight and lie in parallel planes, with a moderately defined
stop. The skin over the whole of the head is loose, falling in distinct
wrinkles over the brow when the head is lowered. A dry head and tight
skin are faults. The muzzle is deep, heavy, and free from snipiness. The
nose is darkly pigmented, preferably black, with large wide-open nostrils.
A deep liver-colored nose conforming to the coloring of the head is permissible
but not desirable. The teeth are large, sound, and regular, meeting in
either a scissors or an even bite. A bite either overshot or undershot
is a serious fault. The lips are darkly pigmented and are pendulous, falling
squarely in front and, toward the back, in loose hanging flews. The dewlap
is very pronounced. The neck is powerful, of good length, and well arched.
The eyes are soft, sad, and slightly sunken, showing a prominent haw,
and in color are brown, dark brown preferred. A somewhat lighter-colored
eye conforming to the general coloring of the dog is acceptable but not
desirable. Very light or protruding eyes are faults. The ears are extremely
long, low set, and when drawn forward, fold well over the end of the nose.
They are velvety in texture, hanging in loose folds with the ends curling
slightly inward. They are set far back on the head at the base of the
skull and, in repose, appear to be set on the neck. A high set or flat
ear is a serious fault.
Forequarters
The chest is deep and full with prominent sternum showing clearly in front
of the legs. The shoulders and elbows are set close against the sides
of the chest. The distance from the deepest point of the chest to the
ground, while it must be adequate to allow free movement when working
in the field, is not to be more than one-third the total height at the
withers of an adult Basset. The shoulders are well laid back and powerful.
Steepness in shoulder, fiddle fronts, and elbows that are out, are serious
faults. The forelegs are short, powerful, heavy in bone, with wrinkled
skin. Knuckling over of the front legs is a disqualification. The paw
is massive, very heavy with tough heavy pads, well rounded and with both
feet inclined equally a trifle outward, balancing the width of the shoulders.
Feet down at the pastern are a serious fault. The toes are neither pinched
together nor splayed, with the weight of the forepart of the body borne
evenly on each. The dewclaws may be removed.
Body
The rib structure is long, smooth, and extends well back. The ribs are
well sprung, allowing adequate room for heart and lungs. Flatsidedness
and flanged ribs are faults. The topline is straight, level, and free
from any tendency to sag or roach, which are faults.
Hindquarters
The hindquarters are very full and well rounded, and are approximately
equal to the shoulders in width. They must not appear slack or light in
relation to the over-all depth of the body. The dog stands firmly on its
hind legs showing a well-let-down stifle with no tendency toward a crouching
stance. Viewed from behind, the hind legs are parallel, with the hocks
turning neither in nor out. Cowhocks or bowed legs are serious faults.
The hind feet point straight ahead. Steep, poorly angulated hindquarters
are a serious fault. The dewclaws, if any, may be removed.
Tail
The tail is not to be docked, and is set in continuation of the spine
with but slight curvature, and carried gaily in hound fashion. The hair
on the underside of the tail is coarse.
Size
The height should not exceed 14 inches. Height over 15 inches at the highest
point of the shoulder blade is a disqualification.
Gait
The Basset Hound moves in a smooth, powerful, and effortless manner. Being
a scenting dog with short legs, it holds its nose low to the ground. Its
gait is absolutely true with perfect coordination between the front and
hind legs, and it moves in a straight line with hind feet following in
line with the front feet, the hocks well bent with no stiffness of action.
The front legs do not paddle, weave, or overlap, and the elbows must lie
close to the body. Going away, the hind legs are parallel.
Coat
The coat is hard, smooth, and short, with sufficient density to be of
use in all weather. The skin is loose and elastic. A distinctly long coat
is a disqualification.
Color
Any recognized hound color is acceptable and the distribution of color
and markings is of no importance.
Disqualifications
Height of more than 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulder blade.
Knuckled over front legs.
Distinctly long coat.
Approved January 14, 1964 |
