Two Basset Hound Puppies Sat Shoulder to Shoulder on a Hay Bale

Two lemon and white Basset Hound puppies sit tall on a bale of hay with their long ears hanging nearly to their paws. They lean slightly toward each other, with big dark eyes and an earnest, slightly worried look. A blue bucket, a watering can and a pile of weathered boards form a rustic backdrop, and a few strands of straw cling to their white socks.

Bassets and farms have a long history together. The breed was developed in France and later made popular in England as a hunting dog that followed rabbits and hares at a steady pace, and their calm, patient temperament suits country life. If you take your puppy to a farm or barn, remember that he needs his vaccinations first, and ask your vet if he is ready. Straw can be dusty and may irritate eyes and noses. Watch out for machinery, fencing and other animals, and keep him on a leash. With their heavy bodies, Bassets should not leap down from tall bales, so lift them down gently with one hand under the chest and the other under the rear. A good rest and fresh water afterward complete the visit.

The pair look like two little farmhands at the end of a long day. The hay is soft, the sun is low, and everything is as it should be.