What is the tissue over a basset hound's eyes?

-Grc-4864 · Feb 23rd 2013, 7:56am

When my basset hound closes her eyes, some kind of tissue goes over her eyes. I figure it has something to do with bassets being out in the woods hunting. So what exactly is it? What does it do? And how does it help them?Thanks.

100 Touzours · Feb 23rd 2013, 7:56am

i think it just has to do with protecting their eyes like people have eyelids

3364 · Feb 23rd 2013, 9:32am

This is called the "haw" or "third eyelid". All dogs have them, but they are especially prominent in bassets.

Zovietik · Feb 23rd 2013, 11:08am

It is called the third eyelid. All dogs have them but they don't show as much on other breeds.

420Linda · Feb 23rd 2013, 12:44pm

As far as i know its just there skin. It protects the eyes from dirt and debris, because bassets haver their noses to the ground all the time. It also helps to collect the scents

5814 · Feb 23rd 2013, 2:20pm

It is another eyelid. Well like everyone else said :-)I have a basset too and at first it was kinda freaky looking to me having no idea what it was. It really does show on them.