The rib structure is long, smooth, and extends well back. The ribs are well sprung, allowing adequate room for heart and lungs. Flatsidedness and flanged ribs are faults. The topline is straight, level, and free from and tendency to sag or roach, which are faults.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR:

Although our standard does not specifically mention length of body, most breeders do agree that they are looking for a dog that is rectangular in shape, longer from sternum to buttocks than the height from withers to ground in a ratio of somewhat near to 2-1. (The French Standard does say the Bassets should be a long dog). All standards call for a long rib cage. Most back troubles stem from a short rib cage. There should be little space from the last rib to the hip, leaving only a very few vertebrae. The chest should be well-rounded and the ribs should be well sprung and rounded. When you feel the rib cage with your hands, it should be deep, round and free from flange-ended ribs.

The topline, from shoulder to hindquarters, should be long and level, with no tendency to dip or roach. (The British standard allows a slight rise over the loin and we in America do not generally fault this unless it is much more than a slight rise). The back should be wide and strong, and well covered with good, firm muscle.

WHAT TO AVOID:

A short rib cage. Flanged ribs - which are a deformity at the bottom of the ribs and are usually present in flat-sided hounds. Flat ribs; knobby ribs. (In case you have never felt knobby ribs, they are usually in conjunction with flat ribs, and have little knobs like warts all the way down them.). Although our standard just classifies faulty ribs as a fault, my personal opinion, and that of many others, is that rib faults should be classified as very serious. Without the long, well sprung rib cage, the stamina of the dog is threatened and the topline will sag, etc.

Avoid a short, cobby body. A topline that sags, roaches, or rises sharply in the rear. A sharp dip behind the shoulders - as this usually denotes some flaw in the front.

See the Body pictures of the Illustrated Standard

This dog has a long, nicely arched neck that flows into his level topline. Also note the prominent sternum and deep chest