[Mikey T]

for a more definitive history of the basset hound see Basset history on cyberhound

The basset hound is a direct descent of the Basset Artésien Normand there may have been some crossing with the bloodhound to increase bone size

from link above. "In 1892 Millais decided to cross his only basset hound, Nicholas (a heavily linebred dog on Fino de Paris) with a bloodhound.
...What Millais most likely did not realize that he did not just improve the Basset Artésien Normand, he created a new breed: today's basset hound."

the other bit of confussion that results in the quick synopsis of the orgins of the basset hound is this. All scent hounds including bloodhound and a number of french basset breeds are likely decendents of "ST. hubert Hounds" bred in the 7th century.
There are five different french breeds of hound with basset in the name. Basset meaning low. Most of these along with the basset hound rather than simply smaller versions of the regular hound appears to be dwarfs. Body size remains the same just the length of the long bones is much shorter. (yes there are other orthopeadic complications not the least of which makes them more prone to vertibrate disk disease).

so for the short answer to your question the basset hound of today is the result of a cross between a bloodhound and a Basset Artésien Normand
but bear in mind many of the characteristic that basset hounds and bloodhounds share is not because of this cross but relates much farther back to the St. Hubert Hound.

[ February 16, 2006, 06:13 PM: Message edited by: Mikey T ]

 

[Mikey T]

"If the point is to improv and maintain the breed, then why wouldn't a dog compete both in the field and in the ring?"


Ideally that would be the case but there are limiting factors. Field trials are not available in all areas of the country. It becomes a matter of time an resources. Chapaigning a dog for a championship can be expensive and time consuming in just one venue never mind two.

Is the short answer to the question which I recieved many years ago on a rather extensive thread in the breed and genetic forum which unfortunately is archived out of existence. The bright side is there is less disparity then the was in the late 80's early 90's and the disparity is much less in bassets than it is in other breed such as labs and even beagles.

the other problem is the tendency to label poorly conformed dogs as either "french" or "Field" when neither is the case. many a poorly conformed dog has been labled as field type or other such nonsences when there has never been a FC in its bloodline, and more than likely hunts worse' than a conformation champion.

 

[Mikey T]

fROM http://www.doginfomat.com/6-1c_scenthounds.htm#bda
BASSET D'ARTOIS
aka Artois Basset
FRANCE: This breed was a region/kennel version of the Basset Artésien Normand that disappeared during WWI.

BASSET ARTESIEN NORMAND
"The man who spearheaded the modern blend was Leon Verrier. In the early years of this century, his hounds dominated the exhibitions, and were the type most sought by the newly formed association for the breed. During the 1920s, his dogs were often referred to as Artois Bassets (Basset d'Artois), despite their double origin. WWI wiped out Ver-rier's kennels, but he continued his influence as a judge and leader. Under his presidency, the name of Basset Artesien Normand was chosen. "

The Basset d'Artois and Basset Artesien Normand are for all intents and purposes the same breed.

 

[Mikey T]

"I am hoping to have Lily in her first ring obedience by late spring to mid summer, just to get our feet wet. The schedule around here starts at the end of this month but she won't even start her ring obedience class until mid March so I am not expecting too much this season."

It general takes a year or more to prepare for the novice obedience ring some times more alot more. You may want to look into Rally-obedience. It was add to AKC obedience as a lower level introduction. At the novice level all exercise are done on lead which is not the case for traditional obedience.

If you have specific questions reguarding obedience and/or rally you may want to consider joining BassetHoundObedience Yahoo group
"Bassets in the Obedience ring

Basset Hounds pose some unique challenges for their trainers who want to show them in the obedience ring. This Group provides a forum for those people. It is a place to share training tips and brags, as well as a place to seek advise and help with training problems. Or maybe you just need a shoulder to cry on.

What this list is NOT: this is NOT a list for discussion of basic pet training. Please DO NOT ask the group about house breaking, leash training, chewing, digging, or other behavioral problems that are unrelated to competition obedience.


Basset tracking and Rally Obedience posts/questions/brags are also welcome here. In addition, there is a Basset Rally group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BassetRally/ "

it is not a real active group in terms of posts but you will see some familliar faces.