Remember 'basset' can refer specifically to the Basset Hound breed, not all dogs. When they said basset, they meant the specific dog breed with droopy ears.
Pro Tip 2/3
Physical Trait
Basset describes a dog with distinctive short legs and long ears. The basset moved slowly because of its short legs.
Pro Tip 3/3
Not Bass
Don't confuse 'basset' with 'bass', which is a type of fish or a low sound. He played a bass guitar, not a basset hound.