I fell in love with this picture of a basset I saw in the Internet and decided to dedicate today’s post to Basset Hounds!

Here are four facts about the breed you may not know:

1. Popular in America, Originated in France. The Basset Hound has a special place in American lore, but the diminutive hound actually originated in France in the 16th century.  The name “Basset” comes from the French word bas, which loosely translates to mean low.  French monks were originally responsible for creating the Basset Hound breed through selective breeding.
2. Bassets became popular hunting partners because they were slow. Their short little legs do not allow them to run quickly, so they can only travel at a relatively slow trot. Rather than chasing faster hounds on horseback, French aristocrats found that a Basset was easily followed on foot.
3. While Basset Hounds are noted barkers and howlers when strangers come around, once you are on the “inside” with a Basset Hound you have likely made a friend for life. They are very loyal and very friendly towards their owners once a bond has been established.
4. The Basset Hound is a natural hunter with one of the most powerful noses on any dog breed. Even though they are typically lazy, their stubborn and determined nature also creates a potential danger that owners need to be aware of. It is not at all uncommon for a Basset to catch a scent and follow their nose for hours on end.
5. When a Basset is outside you need to keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t slip off on an hours-long adventure in the woods. You could face a long and frustrating search if you let your Basset Hound out of your sight while you are out and about. These dogs have a reputation for not responding to their owners’ calls when they are busy following a scent.

Now know why I like bassets, they run slowly and so do I.  Bassets like to make noise, and so do I.  Bassets are determined and so am I.  Bassets like to be independent and so do I.