Basset hound

This magnificent dog, apparently the result of a crossbreeding between the Saint-Hubert (Bloodhound) and the Basset d'Artois, two very old French breeds, the Basset Hound, is recognized worldwide due to many advertisements for the popular American Hush Puppies shoes, of which he is still the official mascot today. The breed has been so associated with this advertising that most people call him Hush Puppies and are totally unaware that the breed is actually called Basset Hound.

The history of the Basset Hound begins around 1561 following the hunting text written by Jacques du Fouilloux. This text indicates, among other things, that the Basset is commonly used to hunt badgers and foxes. The official year of the appearance of the Basset Hound breed is difficult to confirm but apparently, it's the Marquis de La Fayette who gave him to Georges Washington, President of the United States at the time, towards the end of the 18th century.

In France, the Basset Hound achieved great notoriety with Napoleon III. The many bronze sculptures erected by the hands of the sculptor Emmanuel Fremiet are a fine example of this. The United Kingdom welcomed the breed around 1866 but it is only around 1882 that the Kennel Club recognized the breed and in 1884, the English Basset Club was created. The American Kennel Club welcomed him for the first time in 1885.

Working perfectly when part of a pack, these hounds are ideal for hunting deer, wild boar, hare or rabbit. In the West, where he is particularly appreciated as a companion dog, he became part of everyday life after the Basset Hound became the mascot of the Hush Puppies and the television series Columbo, Sheriff Scare Me and Droopy the Cartoon made him a star on American television. The Americans then adopted him as their life companion.