The Basset Hound is a short-legged breed of dog in the hound family. The Basset is a scent hound that was originally bred for the purpose of hunting hares. Their sense of smell and ability to ground-scent is 2nd only to the Bloodhound.
Basset Hounds are 1 of 6 recognized "basset"-type breeds in France. The name "Basset" is derived from the French word "bas", meaning 'low', with the attenuating suffix "-et"- together meaning 'rather low'. Basset Hounds are usually bicolors or tricolors of standard hound coloration.