RE: basset hounds
I have a basset, though I don't hunt him for reasons that I dont need to get into here. I will say this, my hound is like yours, his nose is always to the ground. Casey is a great dog, but bullheaded, and if he smells something that interests him, he becomes tunnel vision (nose) to it, and forget anything else, like me or my wife calling to him. I am sure, with proper training, they are fantastic, just make sure thatit istrained, or you have some way to keep sight or sound of them.
good luck.