Official Standard for the Basset Hound

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 overall 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

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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