Whenever I see a basset hound, I can’t help but think of Lafayette from The Aristocats — clumsy, good-natured and far cuter than any of the cats (sorry, cat people). By the late 19th century, basset hounds were firmly established in Britain, thanks to Everett Millais, who in the 1890s crossed French bassets with bloodhounds to create the heavier-set English basset hound. The Hon Mrs E. D. Greenall with her four prize-winning basset hounds, Lodestar, Liberty, Comedy and Tragedy, pictured in 1934. (Image credit: Alamy)With their short legs, long bodies, droopy eyes and enormous ears, basset hounds are unmistakable. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsThe basset hound remains a cherished classic.