Basset Hound

The Basset Hound

Basset Hound Characteristics

CLASS: Hound
Recognized: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI, KC (GB), KUSA
SIZE: Height at withers: 33-35cm (13-14in). Weight: 18.1-27.2kg (40-60lb)
COAT: Hard, smooth, short, and dense
COLOR: Generally black, white, and tan (tricolor) or lemon and white (bicolor), but any recognized hound color acceptable
OTHER BASSET HOUND FEATURES: Head domed, with some stop and occipital bone prominent; lozenge-shaped eyes; ears set low; body long and deep throughout length; tail (stern) well set on

Basset Hound History

The Basset hound originated in France, where packs of dogs were used to trail game. The breed takes is name from the French word basset, meaning low-set, a physical advantage that made this dog well suited for moving through dense cover. The Basset Hound is still worked in packs today in a slow-moving rabbit hunt called basseting, but most often is found as a family pet.

In common with members of the Greyhound family, the Basset Hound was depicted on the tombs of the ancient Egyptians and so have obviously existed for a long time. However, the Basset Hound is fairly recent, having been developed in Britain from the late 1800s. The Basset Hound was bred from the French Basset Artesian Normand crossed with the Bloodhound to produce a slow but sure dog, which was used in tracking rabbits and hare.

Basset Hound Temperament

The Basset Hound is an excellent pet dog, fond of children, benign and friendly. However, the Basset Hound tends to be a little lazy unless it is stimulated by people to play games, go out for a walk or go hunting. Being pack dogs, the Basset Hounds do not like to be left alone; their natural place is with their family or at least with a canine companion. Like any other hounds, the Basset Hounds are not the easiest breed to train, and only those owners who recognize the need for sensitive understanding will be successful.

Basset Hound Profile

With its mournful expression, short legs, and long, sweeping ears, the Basset Hound stands out from the pack. While this dog may look like a couch potato at first glance, an interesting scent will soon lure this dog onto the trail of a rabbit or other small game, and hound will keep going and going and going.

The basset Hound is now mainly kept as a companion, pet and show dog. The Basset Hound was bred to work close to the ground, hunting in thick cover. With its Bloodhound expression and short legs, the Basset is among the few hound breeds to have become one of the popular household pets.

Basset Hound Appearance

The Basset Hound posses in marked degree those characteristics which equip it admirably to follow a trail over and through difficult terrain. The Basset Hound is a short-legged dog, heavier in bone, size considered, than any other breed of dog, and while its movement is deliberate, it is no sense clumsy.

Basset Hound Care

The Basset Hound is a lovable animal, which gets on well with children, but needs lots of exercise. Sweet-voiced and a superb tracker, the Basset Hound also has a propensity to wander, and fencing is essential if you own this breed. This breed requires weekly grooming with a hound glove to remove dead hair and keeps the coat glossy. The Basset Hound’s ears and eyes are prone to infection, so they should be inspected regularly for dirt, discharge, or foreign bodies. The Basset will enjoy a daily walk, but when it is at home, make sure the yard is secure or he may go wandering off in search of whatever smells good.