Page 7 - ShowSight Presents The Basset Hound
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WHY UNIQUE?
THE BASSET HOUND by SUE FRISCHMANN AND KITTY STEIDEL
The Basset Hound is a long, low scenthound, bred for hunting small game. Its uniqueness in structure is an
accommodation for balance due to its shortened forelegs. His ‘different’ stat- ure, a result of achondroplasia is com- monly called dwarfism. However, his form of achondroplasia causes arrested development of only long bones, yet retention of his other normal sized fea- tures. His body remains that of a larger, taller dog. In order to support the rath- er heavy body on shorter legs he needs a special wrap–around front. It is a bal- ance issue: he needs to have a unique column of support. If one understands the reason for his different front, the Basset will not be difficult to judge and intelligently breed.
Since the original purpose of the Basset Hound was “to follow a trail over and through difficult terrain”, the breed should be an agile and effortless mover. His conservation of energy provides
"IT IS IMPORTANT WHEN EVALUATING A BASSET TO
KEEP HIS ORIGINAL PURPOSE IN MIND.”
for endurance. It is important when evaluating a Basset to keep his original purpose in mind.
THE OVERALL PROPORTION AND BALANCE
The Basset Hound proportion is rect- angular, approximately two to one; i.e., he is approximately twice as long as tall. We generally measure from forechest to the point of buttocks. In addition, the
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, OCTOBER 2018 • 243
