Basset Hound

Quick facts

	AKC Group:	Hound
	Height:	12-15 Inches
	Weight:	50-65 pounds
	Colors:	Any recognized hound color
AKC recognized in:		1885

The name of the Basset Hound is derived from the French bas, which means low thing or dwarf. While first mentioned in a sixteenth century work about badger hunting, it is difficult to determine when the Basset Hound began to be specifically bred for their task. Shortly after the French Revolution, large numbers of commoners, who had taken up hunting, needed a dog they could follow on foot, but which had a great sense of smell to find their quarry.

And a good scent hound they had! The Basset Hound is second only to the Bloodhound in its trailing ability. Perhaps the reason for this is that in the late 1800s and again in the 1930s the Basset Hound was crossed with the Bloodhound to increase its size.

The Basset Hound is heavy boned, actually the heaviest bone for its size. It loves to sniff and trail, sometimes becoming lost or killed in its tunnel visioned quest. For this reason, the Basset Hound does best with a fenced in yard to play in.

Temperament

Basset Hound Summary
Affection
Cold Tolerance
Ease of Training
Energy level
Exercise Requirements
Friendliness : Children
Friendliness: Other Animals
Friendliness: Other Pets
Grooming Requirements
Heat Tolerance
Playfulness
Protection Ability
Watchdog Ability

The Basset Hound is among the most easy going breeds. It will get along well with other dogs, other pets, and children.

Although the Basset Hound will bark at strangers coming near, making it a fairly decent watch dog, it will most likely just try to make friends with an intruder, thus giving it a low protection factor.

Basset Hounds are notably stubborn, so require patience when training. They require minimal upkeep on their coats, but their face requires more attention, along with the wrinkles. They do tend to drool, so do not do well in an immaculate environment.

Health and Exercise

Basset Hounds have an average life span of 8 to 12 years. In general, they will enjoy an active and healthy life, but some are prone to certain hereditary illnesses/diseases, including:

• Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), degeneration of the bone underlying the cartilage of joint areas
• elbow dysplasia
• ip dysplasia
• von Willebrand's disease, excessive bleeding due to defective platelet function
• eversion of the eyelids, either inward or outward
• glaucoma
• ear infections
• gastric torsion, or flipping of the stomach

Basset hounds do well as indoor dogs, as long as they have access to a fenced in yard. Exercise requirements are mild, and can normally be fulfilled with a walk on the leash or playing in the yard.

Visitor Comments

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