<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN">
<HTML><HEAD>
<META content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1" http-equiv=Content-Type>
<META name=GENERATOR content="MSHTML 8.00.6001.18812">
<STYLE></STYLE>
</HEAD>
<BODY bgColor=#ffffff>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>The following is from the AKC basset
standards. I rarely see a basset that meets standards in rescue (most look
like Basset/Beagles). These are a product of breeding for
profit. Some people call them field bassets, but if you have ever seem a
properly breed basset move beautifully and effortlessly thru a field or forest
(with their short legs, low chest, powerful shoulders) you would question why
people are not breeding to standards. Don't get me wrong I love the
Bagels, but a basset that meets standards makes my heart flip.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>"The height should not exceed 14 inches. Height over 15 inches at the
highest point of the shoulder blade is a disqualification.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>The <STRONG><EM>chest</EM></STRONG> is deep and full with prominent sternum
showing clearly in front of the legs. The <STRONG><EM>shoulders</EM></STRONG>
and elbows are set close against the sides of the chest. The distance from the
deepest point of the chest to the ground, while it must be adequate to allow
free movement when working in the field, is not to be more than one-third the
total height at the withers of an adult Basset. The shoulders are well laid back
and powerful. Steepness in shoulder, fiddle fronts, and elbows that are out, are
serious faults. The <STRONG><EM>forelegs</EM></STRONG> are short, powerful,
heavy in bone, with wrinkled skin. Knuckling over of the front legs is a
disqualification. The <STRONG><EM>paw</EM></STRONG> is massive, very heavy with
tough heavy pads, well rounded and with both feet inclined equally a trifle
outward, balancing the width of the shoulders. Feet down at the pastern are a
serious fault. The <STRONG><EM>toes</EM></STRONG> are neither pinched together
nor splayed, with the weight of the forepart of the body borne evenly on each.
The dewclaws may be removed."</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Pat</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Washington Basset Rescue<BR>(509)
466-1538</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>