A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance including the correct colour of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function. Absolute soundness is essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions or exaggerations which would be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.
From time to time certain conditions or exaggerations may be considered to have the potential to affect dogs in some breeds adversely, and judges and breeders are requested to refer to the Breed Watch information related to this breed for details of any such current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure. However, if a dog possesses a feature, characteristic or colour described as highly undesirable, it must not be rewarded in the show ring.
General appearance
Smooth coated, athletic and aristocratic basset. Powerful but not too heavy.
Characteristics
Sagacious, lively hound possessing an excellent nose and a deep and sonorous voice.
Temperament
Audacious, curious and affectionate but somewhat reserved.
Head and skull
Wedge shaped, not too wide, skull domed with well-defined occipital point. Foreface long and slightly aquiline. Nose black with wide nostrils.
Eyes
Oval, preferably dark brown. Sad and gentle expression.
Ears
Set below the eyeline, fine, curled in, ending in a point and extending just beyond the tip of the nose when drawn forward.
Mouth
Strong jaws with a regular scissor bite, ie upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth, teeth and set square to the jaws. Black lips not exaggerated, slightly drooping, covering the lower jaw.
Neck
Rather long, slightly arched with dewlaps showing but not excessive.
Forequarters
Forelegs strongly boned, straight or half crooked acceptable. Shoulders well muscled but not heavy, well laid with good slope to upper arm.
Body
Chest deep extending to elbow with prominent sternum. Ribs well rounded. Back long, strong and level. Loin short and strong with slight arch. Can have slight tuck up.
Hindquarters
Strong and muscular. Stifles slightly bent and hocks well let down. Rear pasterns parallel when viewed from behind and set in a line under the points of buttocks.
Feet
Strong, oval with black pads and nails.
Tail
Well set on, carried gaily, sickle fashion but reaching the ground when at rest. Broad at the base tapering to a point.
Gait/movement
Balanced and easy with noticeable drive from hindquarters.
Coat
Short, dense and not too fine.
Colour
Black marked on a white base but covered entirely with black mottling which gives a blue appearance. Two black marks are found on head, covering each ear, enveloping eyes and stopping at cheeks. Above each eye a spot of tan gives breed a 'four-eyed' effect. Tan marks also found on cheeks, flews, inside ears, on legs and under tail. Some hounds completely mottled, but always have required tan marks.
Size
Height at withers 30-38 cms (12-15 ins).
Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.
Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
*Note for prospective puppy buyers
Size – The Kennel Club breed standard is a guide and description of the ideal for the breed; the size as described does not imply that a dog will match the measurements given (height or weight). A dog might be larger or smaller than the size measurements stated in the breed standard.