What is "basset hound"

Basset hound \Bas"set hound`\ [F. basset.] (Zo["o]l.) A small kind of hound with a long body and short legs, used as an earth dog.

n. a short-legged breed of dog of the hound family

n. smooth-haired breed of hound with short legs and long ears [syn: basset]

The Basset Hound is a short-legged breed of dog of the hound family, as well as one of six recognized Basset breeds in France. The Basset is a scent hound that was originally bred for the purpose of hunting hare. Their sense of smell for tracking is second only to that of the Bloodhound. The name Basset is derived from the French word bas, meaning "low", with the attenuating suffix -et, together meaning "rather low". Basset Hounds are usually bicolours or tricolours of standard hound colouration.

In this article, "Basset" (with a capital B) is used to distinguish the modern breed from other basset-type dogs.