Basset Hound Blues Trivia Quiz

Answer: Low

A quick glance at a basset hound will tell you the reason for the name. In French, bas means low and was applied to all short-legged dogs, not just the one we now know by this name.

Answer: basset fauve Bretagne

The basset bleu de Gascogne was interbred with the basset Artésien Normand prior to its importation into England to form the foundation stock of the basset hound. At least one cross breeding with a bloodhound occurred to rejuvenate and increase the size of the breed. The basset fauve Bretagne is another of the French basset breeds. It is noted for a wiry coat.

A more detailed history of the basset hound can be found in Eva S. Balogh's article "The Early History of the Basset Hound in England, 1874-1921".

http://www.basset.net/balogh2.html

Answer: orange

AKC {American Kennel Club} and FCI's {Federation Cynologique Intenationale) breed standards call any hound color acceptable. Hound colors are, white, black, tan/red/liver/mahogany and the dilute colors lemon, and grey/blue.

Answer: It has no flag. ( no white tip on end of tail)

While a white tipped tail does make spotting a hound in heavy cover easier, the AKC's breed standard states "the distribution of color and markings is of no importance."

Answer: placid, never sharp or timid

Basset hounds are routinely called the clowns of the dog world. They are bred to be independent thinkers, so they are not eager to please. An intruder would not be hurt unless he tripped over a basset hound. Being bred as pack animals, basset hounds are mild and even-tempered. They get along well with all manner of dogs, animals and humans.

The descriptions of the ideal temperament of various breeds can be found in AKC's breed standard. The poodle is very active, intelligent,and with an air of distinction and dignity. The Labrador retriever is kindly, outgoing, and eager to please. The Australian cattle dog is loyal and protective.

Answer: bloodhound

Hypochondroplasia means faulty development of cartilage. Afflicted breeds are predisposed to suffer from back related injuries, because, their disks are more likely to herniated. In humans hypochondroplasia manifests itself physically as dwarfism but to a lesser extent than achondroplasia. The degree of disproportionate limb shortening is highly variable in hypochondroplasic dogs. It is why some breeds appear to be dwarfs like the dachshund and basset hound, while, others like the beagle don't.

The source for most of the information contain in the question is from
"Canine Intervertebral Disk Disease" prepared for The Dachshund Club of America, Inc. by Patricia J. Luttgen, DVM, MS Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Specialty of Neurology and is an excellent reference for this disease regardless of breed.

http://www.dachshund-dca.org/discbook.html

http://cal.vet.upenn.edu/saortho/chapter_57/57mast.htm

Answer: Elvis Presley sang "Hound Dog" to a real basset hound on the Steve Allen show.

Shakespeare and Lafayette were deceased long before the basset hound breed existed. The dogs describe in each account were one of the other low set hunting breeds in France and England at the time. They were not basset hounds. The breed did not exist until it was recognised by the Kennel Club in 1882.

The description of the hounds Lafayette gave to George Washington is "bench-legged beagle"

Answer: Basset hounds will follow a scent for miles.

Basset hounds are notoriously heavy shedders requiring frequent brushing. Basset hound puppies are highly active, much to the dismay of many new owners who thought they were getting a couch potato, only to find the house turned into a racetrack for the "Basset 500". They are said to have two speeds, comatose, and supersonic.

Answer: third eye lid, nictating membrane

The haw is prominent in the basset hound because the skin around their eyes sags. It is what makes the eyes look bloodshot. It just adds to their naturally sad expression. Also prominent is the bump on the back of the head. It is called an occipital protuberance and is often referred to as a smart bump by owners.

A small toe higher up on the leg is a dewclaw and the extra skin about the neck is called a dewlap.

Answer: bear

The basset hound was bred to track rabbit/hare deliberately, so the rabbit does not hole up, giving the hunter a chance to make a shot. The first pack established in the USA hunted badger also. The basset hound is not aggressive or fast enough to tangle with a bear.