Westphalian Basset

The Westphalian Basset is derived from the German Bracke, probably as a result of crosses with bassets. It is a rare breed, although fairly widespread in Westphalia.

The International Cynological Federation standard does not describe typical temperament or character of the breed. It is a willing, intelligent and affectionate dog, including with children.

The Westphalian Basset is a small hunting dog, a reduction of the German Bracke. It is a basset built solidly and of moderate length. The tail, attached high and strong, is carried upward in a saber shape or pendant with a slight curve at the end. The coat is bushy and forms a brush on its lower side while it is smooth and laid on its upper side. The point is spied without fringe. The head of average size is narrow and elongated with a protruding occipital protuberance slightly salient. The truffle has a band of light color, almost flesh color, on its median part. The eyes are dark colored. The wide ears of medium length are well set against the head. Their end is in a blunt rounding. The coat is rough and very tight. It is short on the head, on the ears and on the lower part of the limbs. The coat is longer on the back, the neck and the lower face of the tail. The coat is tricolor. The tan markings are red to yellow. The black forms a saddle or cloak and white outlines the typical patterns of tricolor dogs: mark on the muzzle, strip or pad, collar, mark on the tail tip. Bicolor is not accepted.