People who breed Bassets for the conformation ring strive to come as close to the breed standard with their breeding. These are the droopier, larger Bassets you are referring to. Those who compete mainly in the field usually breed their Bassets based on hunting ability. They are generally faster, smaller, leggier, with tighter skin and do not come as close to the breed standard as the conformation Bassets. There are more "typey" Bassets competing in the field these days. They are both the same breed, they just look a little different. Alot of sporting dogs used for hunting look very dissimilar to the ones you see in the breed ring. Belinda.