The Basset-hound 20i 



Basset-hounds exist in rough and smooth varieties, 

 and in general conformation they bear no small re- 

 semblance to the Dachshund, but if anything are 

 built upon more substantial lines. The houndlike 

 characteristics are particularly obvious in the region 

 of the head and ears, and the benign expression of 

 the face exists in its most perfect form. In a model 

 type of hound the Hues of contour from nose to stern 

 are of most beautiful order. About twenty-five 

 years since the Basset was an exceedingly popular 

 variety, and the classes at the principal shows were 

 liberally filled with some remarkable specimens of 

 the breed, but at the time of writing it cannot be 

 said that these diminutive hounds are as popular 

 as many other breeds, but it is quite possible 

 that a reaction may set in in favour of the 

 Basset. 



In France and Belgium any hound that measures 

 less than i6 inches at the shoulder is spoken of as a 

 Basset, the word itself meaning a low-set hound. 

 There are only one or two packs of Basset-hounds 

 in Great Britain, there being one at Slane Basset, 

 County Meath, which comprises sixteen and a half 

 couples of 13 to 14-inch smooth Basset-hounds, the 

 pack being the property of the master. 



There is also another one at Stainrigg, near Cold- 

 stream, Berwickshire, composed of ten couples of 

 12 to 14-inch Basset-hounds, which hunts the territory 



