The Basset Hound's ancestors were French hounds bred in the 6th century by St. Hubert of Belgium. Around 1000 CE, early Basset-type hounds were known as St. Hubert's Hounds. Until after the French Revolution, only nobles could hunt on horseback, making short-legged dogs that could be followed on foot highly desirable. The name "basset" comes from the French word "bas", meaning "low". The modern Basset Hound was developed in England during the late 19th century by crossing French and English bassets with Bloodhounds.