THE BASSET HOUND 79 



are very independent workers, each preferring to 

 verify the line for himself, but, provided they are 

 sound, they can get over the ground at a surprising 

 pace, considering their size and conformation. The 

 true Basset has a most pathetic expression, which 

 finds its way into the heart of any man or woman. ; 

 but, as a general rule, he will not stand rating. A 

 sharp word, or. sign of a whip, will frequently cause 

 him to sulk, and you will then have great difficulty 

 in making him keep close to heel. For all that, he 

 is a most lovable little hound, always good-tempered, 

 and delighted to see his master at any time. The 

 Queen, who has for many years been devoted to the 

 breed, nearly always has a few good specimens in her 

 kennels at Sandringham, but, unfortunately, of recent 

 years popular favour has set in other directions to 

 a certain extent, leaving the Basset in the back- 

 water. It is very difficult to account for this change 

 of taste, for one could not wish a showier or more 

 likeable animal. Five or six years ago we could see 

 large classes, with fine examples of the breed, at any 

 large dog show'>; now at the very best it is rare to 

 see more than nine or ten benched, and sometimes 

 even less than that number. 



Bassets breed freely, and come very fairly true 

 to type. Although they have been probably more 

 inbred than any other dog, they are yet easier than 

 many to get through distemper ; but it must be 

 confessed that a good deal of discretion is needed 

 in their rearing, or you may find cripples thrown 

 upon your hands. It is fatal to over-feed a Basset 

 puppy, for if you get him fat, the chances are that 

 his legs in front will go unsound, or he may become 

 cow -hocked, both of which are grave defects. Prices 



