France

Basset Hounds originated in France hundreds of years ago. They were bred by medieval monks to hunt badgers, rabbits and hares. From their physical appearance, they appear to be a mix of three breeds — the head, sense of smell, and bone of a Bloodhound, the colouring of a Foxhound and the legs of a Dachshund. However, it was in the British Isles in the latter half of the 19th century that the breed fully blossomed. The Basset Hound belongs to the hound group and are today used for hunting and as companions. They are also seen in the show-ring.