The present model, one of the most popular dog groups by Emmanuel Frémiet, was first exhibited at the Salon of 1848 under the title Chiens Bassets and again in 1853 under the title Ravageot et Ravageole, Chiens Bassets. The two dogs belonged to Napoleon III and were obviously adored pets. Frémiet has captured perfectly the quizzical look with which Ravageole gazes at the passing snail. Ravageot also appears as an individual sculpture with his left foreleg slightly bent. The dogs were also modelled separately in Sèvres biscuit porcelain.

Another example sold Sotheby's, London, 9 December 1993, lot 24.