After the French revolution, commoners finally had guns, but needed a slower dog to follow behind so they could hunt. There were four derivations of bassets under the same breed, but we now have breed specific qualifications.
While usually easy going, these dogs can get into control issues about who controls the leash and which direction to go in, especially when on the scent trail. A happy social dog who is pleased with interactions of all sorts, they are in their own world when on a trail.