Okay, now admit it, when you look at Ralph you just have to smile. There is something about a basset hound that cracks me up, all dog, no legs.... One of our volunteers drove up to Georgia to rescue this sweet thing and a handful of others from a shelter where they were about to be put to sleep. Wow! When Judy got him, he was a nervous wreck so she asked me if we could foster him. He waddled into our home, collapsed on the floor and slept for two days. The third morning he came bounding into our room and jumped up on the bed, showering us with kissed! Now he is so relaxed and happy. He is convinced our 17 pound orange cat wants to play (he obviously doesn't read body language well). The very first time we took him out for a walk, he led us back to our door - there is something to be said about a hound's sense of smell (two years after moving here, our Australian Shepherd was still going to the wrong door!). I think he might have some Black Lab in him because his ears are not extremely long but oh so soft. When he is lying down, he looks like a big dog. But when he stands up - well, it's hard to tell he has stood up!!! And his front legs are crooked so his paws turn out like a duck. My friend who has had Bassett Hounds said that is how they are supposed to be; must be true because the vet X-rayed his back legs but not the front because "there is nothing wrong with them." I don't know what that stuff is on his face in the picture - it isn't there now, so it must have been some goop he got on himself that day - what a dog! All in all, Ralph is a great dog. Of all the dogs we have fostered, he is our favorite and if someone doesn't adopt him quickly I am afraid we will fall too much in love with him to let him go!

According to www.dogbreedinfo.com, the name Basset Hound comes from the French word "bas" meaning low. Some sources suggest the Basset Hound may have originated from genetic dwarf dogs presented in litters of other types of French hunting hounds, however, we do know that it is a rather old breed, descended directly from the Bloodhound. Shakespeare described the Basset Hound with the following poetic image: "Ears which sweep away the morning due." According to research, the true fame of the Basset Hound began in 1863, when it was presented at the Paris Dog Show. Its popularity spread to England where a lively dispute arose between two factions of breeders: Those who wanted to keep the Basset Hound a hunting dog, and those who wanted to transform it into a companion dog. Situated between these two factions were the American breeders who proceeded to develop an extremely pleasing companion dog without sacrificing any of the qualities of the hunter. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885. Its natural bent is for hunting both in the den and in the open. It is therefore, used for the hunting of fox, hare, opossum, and pheasant. Bassets can hunt in packs or alone. It has an excellent sense of smell, but its reflexes are a bit slow. Their slow pace is convenient for hunters on foot and keeps game from being scared out of reach. The Basset's nose is almost as outstanding as the Bloodhound's. George Washington may have owned Basset Hounds given to him by Lafayette after the American Revolution.
The Basset Hound is sweet, gentle, devoted, peaceful and naturally well-behaved. They fit into family life well. Their temperament should always be friendly with never an indication of sharpness or viciousness. They are mild but not timid; very affectionate with its master and friendly with children. It is incapable of biting, but it may be a bit stubborn. They like to do tricks for food. It has a deep musical bark. Housebreaking is difficult, but they do well with gentle patient training and positive reinforcement. With proper training, they are obedient, but when they pick up an interesting smell, it's sometimes hard to get their attention. They have a life expectancy of 10-12 years.