Basset Hound

The woeful, pleading facial expression and droopy ears of a basset hound continue to capture attention and hearts alike. The endearing personality and mellow temperament continue to make the basset hound a popular choice for the role of family companion. Directly descended from the bloodhound, the basset hound was developed in France as a hunter for tracking hare and rabbits. The name is derived from the French word “bas,” meaning low. Being low to the ground enabled the dog to accompany hunters on foot and follow the scents of their quarry. During the 1700s, Marquis de Lafayette brought the first basset hounds into the United States. He presented the two dogs as a gift to President George Washington for use on his own hunting expeditions. During the 1800s, basset hounds were exported from France to England and to America. The American Kennel Club recognized the basset hound in 1885.

The Basset Hound has very heavy bones in proportion to its long body. This dog breed has short legs with large feet. It has large, long hanging ears and a large muzzle. They are famous for their sad-looking expression. They have short, smooth coats that require little attention. The Basset Hound's face needs regular cleaning as this breed tends to drool. The stocky basset hound stands 11 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder. The legs are short, and the body is long. The dog was bred to traverse low, dense brush while hunting by scent. Despite being short in stature, the basset hound weighs a deceptively heavy 50 to 65 pounds. The deep bark and loud bay are also unexpected from a dog of its low dimensions. The long, oval, velvety ears drape toward the ground, and the brown eyes convey a melancholy look. Other observable traits in the basset hound include loosely fitting skin, large paws, pendulous jowls and a prominent dewlap. The coat is short, tight and dense. Tricolor and piebald patterns are the most common, and colors may include black, white, tan, red or sand.

Personality

Even though it may look grumpy and moody, this dog is one of the most friendly, loyal and easygoing dogs. It enjoys the company of other pets and children. Even though Basset Hounds may look like they have clumsy movements and tend to be slow, they need daily physical exercise. Obesity is a problem for the breed so it's important that this dog is walked everyday. It does best in a house with a garden. They can be stubborn and slow sometimes, but get very excited if they can trail. Basset hounds are docile, laid back and friendly, making them outstanding family members. They are affectionate, and they get along well with children and other household pets. Basset hounds have a keen tracking instinct. Once they latch onto scents, they want to follow their noses. Keep these dogs fenced or leashed at all times when they venture outdoors. The basset hound is not territorial, and the mellow demeanor does not make it the best watchdog candidate. While the basset hound is content to lounge all day, it is important to provide the dog with daily exercise to maintain physical fitness. Avoid exercise that requires jumping to minimize stress on the joints. Basset hounds can be stubborn to train, but they respond favorably to the prospect of food rewards.

Breed Characteristics

Basset Hound Build Information

The Basset Hound has very heavy bones in proportion to its long body. This dog breed has short legs with large feet. It has large, long hanging ears and a large muzzle. They are famous for their sad-looking expression. They have short, smooth coats that require little attention. The Basset Hound's face needs regular cleaning as this breed tends to drool. The stocky basset hound stands 11 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder. The legs are short, and the body is long. The dog was bred to traverse low, dense brush while hunting by scent. Despite being short in stature, the basset hound weighs a deceptively heavy 50 to 65 pounds. The deep bark and loud bay are also unexpected from a dog of its low dimensions. The long, oval, velvety ears drape toward the ground, and the brown eyes convey a melancholy look. Other observable traits in the basset hound include loosely fitting skin, large paws, pendulous jowls and a prominent dewlap. The coat is short, tight and dense. Tricolor and piebald patterns are the most common, and colors may include black, white, tan, red or sand.

Behaviour and Personality

Even though it may look grumpy and moody, this dog is one of the most friendly, loyal and easygoing dogs. It enjoys the company of other pets and children. Even though Basset Hounds may look like they have clumsy movements and tend to be slow, they need daily physical exercise. Obesity is a problem for the breed so it's important that this dog is walked everyday. It does best in a house with a garden. They can be stubborn and slow sometimes, but get very excited if they can trail. Basset hounds are docile, laid back and friendly, making them outstanding family members. They are affectionate, and they get along well with children and other household pets. Basset hounds have a keen tracking instinct. Once they latch onto scents, they want to follow their noses. Keep these dogs fenced or leashed at all times when they venture outdoors. The basset hound is not territorial, and the mellow demeanor does not make it the best watchdog candidate. While the basset hound is content to lounge all day, it is important to provide the dog with daily exercise to maintain physical fitness. Avoid exercise that requires jumping to minimize stress on the joints. Basset hounds can be stubborn to train, but they respond favorably to the prospect of food rewards.

Appearance

A basset hound's coat requires minimal grooming maintenance, but the dog sheds heavily. Use a grooming mitt or a slicker brush every other day to remove the dead hairs. Clean out the folds and wrinkles of the dog's skin to minimize the risk for developing skin infections. Inspect the ears, and keep them clean and dry to reduce the risk for ear infections. Brushing the teeth every other day will help to prevent periodontal disease and preserve overall health.

Basset Hound Common Health Conditions

Basset hounds live an average lifespan of 12 years. Their long, heavy body supported by short legs predisposes them to problems with lameness and paralysis. It is essential to monitor the dog’s weight and prevent obesity, which can place added strain on the spine and legs, exacerbating the potential for these problems. Some genetic conditions to look out for in basset hounds include patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease, thrombopathy and von Willebrand's disease. Basset hounds are also prone to several eye conditions, including glaucoma, entropion and ectropion. Other common afflictions include ear infections and skin infections. The deep-chested frame predisposes the breed to gastric torsion, or bloat, which is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention.

Basset Hound Pet Insurance

When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.

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Breed Talents and Facts

The basset hound originated in France. The basset hound is also called, simply, a basset. The basset hound is laid back, gentle, affectionate and friendly. It possesses strong tracking instincts, and the dog makes a beloved family member. The basset hound stands 11 to 14 inches tall and weighs 50 to 65 pounds. Basset hounds have a minimal energy level. Basset hounds require minimal grooming. The average lifespan for a basset hound is 12 years.