OK, I know most of us are aware that Bassets were bred wth specific features in order to enable them to be good hunters. The ears for picking up the scent,the wrinkles for holding it and the large nose for smelling it. Even the height and loose skin is so that they could track their prey through the undergrowth and the white tip on the tail makes them easy to spot. Their loud bays also make them easier to follow but what puzzles me is ..why do they have that big bump(occuput???) on the top of their head.
The only explanation I have ever heard for this was from a guy I met in the park recently, who said the reason for it was that bassets were also bred to track
badgers in Europe, and when they had them trapped, the basset would then lower his head and basically"head-butt" the badger in the face with his occuput (bump)thus stunning it.
Now call me cynical if you want, but I have trouble believing that, but the guy assured me he had this on 'good authority'.
I replied that he was either trying to 'rip the p...' out of me, or, this 'good authority was trying to do likewise to him!!!
Anyone have any ideas why bassets do have this bump on the top of their head? I for one would be interested to know.
The only explanation I have ever heard for this was from a guy I met in the park recently, who said the reason for it was that bassets were also bred to track
badgers in Europe, and when they had them trapped, the basset would then lower his head and basically"head-butt" the badger in the face with his occuput (bump)thus stunning it.
Now call me cynical if you want, but I have trouble believing that, but the guy assured me he had this on 'good authority'.
I replied that he was either trying to 'rip the p...' out of me, or, this 'good authority was trying to do likewise to him!!!
Anyone have any ideas why bassets do have this bump on the top of their head? I for one would be interested to know.