Basset Hounds make excellent pets because of their calm and companionable temperament. They are not incredibly energetic but they are very lovable and easy to get along with. They stand around 13 to 15 inches in height and have smooth, short haired coats that are generally tri-colored–white, black and red. They have very large low set ears and loose skin around their heads that forms wrinkles. The tail is long and tapering and stands upright with a slight curve. One of the well known charms of the Basset Hound is its hanging skin structure which gives the face an impression of a permanent, sad look. "Cheer up Basset, it can't all be that bad!" Basset Hounds were originally bred to hunt by scent. A popular image is that of the foxhunt where large packs of Basset Hounds chase the fox over the English countryside. "Get him boy! Go get him!"