Basset Hound

Basset Hounds were first bred in France as a smaller dog that hunters could follow on foot. Around 1880, the breed was brought to America as a gift to George Washington to aid him on his hunting expeditions. Their height of 12 to 15 inches and weight of 50 to 65 pounds make them a small breed of hound. Basset hounds are known for their keen sense of smell along with their incredibly long ears, which are very susceptible to ear disease when not properly taken care of. Otherwise, the breed is easy to take care of.