The basset hound is an exception to the family of common dogs . Other major annual basset hound events , including the Buffalo Basset Bash , the New Orleans Basset Boogie , the Washington ( state ) Basset Rescue 's Basset Blast in Spokane , the Woodinville , Washington Annual Basset Bash and parade and the Michigan Basset Waddle , share many similarities with North American community or food festivals and even `` crown '' king and queen bassets in a manner reminiscent of other civic festival crownings of event `` royalty '' . Other traditions and competitions , such as deciding which basset has the best waddle , longest ears , best bay , or can keep a towel on its head the longest , are generally unique to basset hound picnics and waddles .