A survey on morphological traits of Basset Hound dogs raised in Italy

Several biometric measures were taken from 48 adult (mean age 2.78 ± 1.71 years) Basset Hound dogs (24 males and 24 females) belonging to four different farms. For each animal, the following biometrical measurements were considered: withers height, chest height, chest depth, trunk length, rump length, ischium width of the rump, ear and nose length, chest and cannon circumference. Results showed that sexual dimorphism was not present; however two morphological groups of Basset Hound with some differences were found. The first group consisted of animals with high and broad chest, while the second one was more compact, with more pronounced nose and ears. Considering breed health, it would be interesting to select the subjects of the first group since showing an anatomical less susceptible to some conformational disorders typical of the breed. On the contrary, focusing our interest on the breed hunting attitude, the second group would have some characteristics more suitable for this purpose.