Breed Information

The Basset Hound, originally bred in France for hunting, is a medium-sized hound with a long body and short legs. They are known for their distinctive features, including long, droopy ears, wrinkled foreheads, and sad-looking eyes. These gentle and affectionate dogs make great family pets and are relatively low-maintenance in terms of exercise.Basset Hounds have a laid-back personality and require regular but moderate exercise, such as a daily walk or hike. They are known for their stubbornness but can learn basic commands with patience and consistency.

The Basset Hound is an iconic and delightful dog breed, known as the original “Hush Puppy dog” and famous for their association with a shoe brand’s lovable mascot.

Basset Hounds are popular for their placid personality, short stature, noble appearance, and remarkable hunting instincts. They were originally bred for hunting small game and have retained their exceptional scent hound abilities. Their unique features, like long, low-set ears and a distinctive baying bark, add to their charm and functionality. Basset Hounds are scent hounds with an exceptional sense of smell, second only to the Bloodhound. Their smooth, short coats are relatively easy to care for and usually come in a classic tri-color pattern.

Around the house, Bassets are calm, loyal, and friendly, making them great with families and other pets. Regular exercise is crucial to prevent weight gain and related health issues, as they can be hearty eaters. Bassets have a strong endurance and love to track scents, making long walks enjoyable for both them and their owners.

Training a Basset may require patience, as they can be stubborn at times. Gentle and positive training methods work best for these emotionally sensitive dogs. Their unique voices, with howls and a murmuring whine, make for delightful conversations and often lead to getting tasty treats from their adoring humans. Basset Hounds are delightful family companions, blending their hunting heritage with a gentle and affectionate temperament, making them a wonderful addition to any home despite some idiosyncrasies like drooling and howling.

Basset Hound History

The Basset Hound has a rich history rooted in hunting, originating in France in the 16th century. The term “Basset” comes from the French word “bas,” which means low, accurately describing the breed’s short stature. Their short legs are due to achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism, which has been a defining characteristic throughout their history.Initially bred for hunting small game, especially rabbits, Basset Hounds gained popularity among French nobility for their exceptional sense of smell and tracking abilities in dense forests and challenging terrains. Their low-to-the-ground structure and long, droopy ears allowed them to easily follow scent trails and detect scents with their keen noses.

The breed’s popularity spread to England in the 19th century and experienced a resurgence in France during the reign of Emperor Napoleon III. Basset Hounds were introduced to the United States in the late 19th century and quickly gained recognition, with the American Kennel Club officially recognizing them in 1885.

While no longer commonly used for hunting, modern Basset Hounds still possess their exceptional sense of smell and tracking abilities. They are now cherished as companion animals for their gentle and affectionate nature, making them wonderful family pets. Their distinctive appearance and charming personality have made them popular in various media, solidifying their status as an iconic and beloved breed worldwide.

Basset Hound Size

The Basset Hound is a medium to large-sized breed known for its short, low-to-the-ground stature. Typically weighing between 50 to 65 pounds and standing around 13 to 15 inches at the shoulder, they are compact dogs with a robust build. Their short legs and long, heavy-boned body give them a distinctive and endearing appearance. Despite their weight, Basset Hounds are surprisingly agile and can move with grace and elegance. Their physical characteristics, such as drooping ears and loose, wrinkled skin, add to their charming and iconic look, making them easily recognizable and adored by many.

Basset Hound Care

Basset Hounds are generally calm dogs that can adapt well to different living environments, including small homes and apartments. It’s important for them to live with their family and have access to a yard, but they should not be exposed to extreme heat or cold for extended periods. Despite their indoor contentment, Basset Hounds require regular exercise to keep them healthy and maintain a healthy weight. While they enjoy leisurely walks with time for sniffing, it’s important to prevent them from becoming inactive, as they are prone to obesity, which can strain their joints.When outside, it’s essential to keep Basset Hounds in a fenced yard or on a leash to prevent them from wandering off after interesting scents. It’s advisable to discourage them from jumping on and off furniture and limit their use of stairs until they are one year old to avoid unnecessary stress on their front legs and back. Providing a ramp or steps can be beneficial, as Basset Hounds are not known for their jumping abilities.

Training Basset Hounds requires kindness, consistency, and positive reinforcement, particularly with food rewards and praise. Harsh training methods will only make them more stubborn and less responsive. Making training engaging and interesting can help keep their attention, as they have a tendency to develop selective hearing when something more exciting captures their interest.

Basset Hounds are well-suited for indoor living but still require regular exercise and training to stay healthy and well-behaved. They are independent thinkers, so positive reinforcement and consistent training methods are crucial for nurturing a well-mannered and responsive Basset companion.

Basset Hound Feeding

Feeding your Basset Hound the appropriate amount of high-quality dog food is vital for its health and weight maintenance. The recommended daily portion is 1.5 to 2.5 cups, divided into two meals. However, it’s important to consider that each dog is unique, and factors such as size, age, metabolism, and activity level can affect their specific dietary needs. An active Basset Hound will require more food than a less active one. Choosing a nutritious dog food brand is crucial, as it will provide better nourishment, meaning you won’t need to use as much to keep your dog satisfied. Bassets are prone to overeating, which can lead to obesity, so it’s important to measure their food and feed them twice a day instead of allowing them to free-feed.

To ensure your Basset Hound maintains a healthy weight, look for a visible waistline and be able to feel, but not see, its ribs with gentle pressure. Adjust its food and exercise routine accordingly if necessary. For more guidance on feeding your Basset Hound, refer to our comprehensive guidelines on selecting the right food, feeding puppies, and nourishing adult dogs.

Basset Hound Coat Color And Grooming

Basset Hounds have a short coat that repels dirt and water and comes in various colors, including tri-color, black and white, brown and white, and red and white. Blue Basset Hounds are rare and may have genetic issues. Grooming is relatively easy, with regular cleaning of ears, facial wrinkles, and occasional drool. Their short coats require minimal bathing and can be maintained with weekly brushing to manage shedding. Regular ear cleaning, dental care, and nail trimming are important for their overall health. Starting grooming routines early and making it a positive experience will help them stay healthy and happy.