Basset Hound
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General Description
Basset Hounds have a body that is twice as long as it is tall. Their limbs are stout and their bodies are low to the ground. The breed’s chest is very deep and sticks out in front of the forelegs. The Basset Hound has a large head with a dome-shaped skull and prominent occiput. The plane of the breed’s muzzle is parallel to the top of the skull. Basset Hounds have very loose-fitting skin that falls in folds across the face and body. They have soft, velvet-like ears that are extremely long and meet beyond the top of the nose. Basset Hounds have large teeth that meet in a level or scissor bite and their lips hang down with loose flews. They have droopy brown eyes and a friendly, mope-y expression. Their dewlaps are prominent and their paws are large. Basset Hounds have a short, glossy coat that exists in a number of colors. White, chestnut, and sand-colored markings occur frequently.Know something we don't? Add it here
Character
Basset Hounds are good-natured, loving companion dogs with a sweet disposition. They make wonderful companion dogs and family pets. They are known for their mild temperament and affection towards their master and children. Although never aggressive or vicious (they never bite), Basset Hounds may be a bit stubborn. They are also comparatively difficult to housebreak. This breed needs gentle guidance and lots of positive reinforcement, but they are very obedient with proper training. They like to perform tricks for food and they will chase after an interesting scent. Basset Hounds are very good-natured and kind, but they are not timid. They are friendly and fit into family life quite well. This breed is known for its deep, musical bark.*
Because of their tendency to chase after scents, Basset Hounds should never be let outside off-leash unless they are in a securely fenced yard. Their ability to find their way back home often does not equal their ability to get lost chasing after interesting scents.
Size
11 – 15 inches
Weight
45 – 65 pounds
General Health
Basset Hounds should not be overfed. Weight gain puts a large amount of strain on this breed’s legs and spine. Because of their short legs and long, heavy body, Basset Hounds are susceptible to lameness and paralysis. They are also prone to bloat. Owners should carefully monitor this breed’s diet. Typically, Basset Hounds live for 10 to 12 years. They average 8 puppies per litter, but it is not infrequent for Basset Hounds to have more than 15 puppies in a litter.
History
Basset Hounds are a comparatively old breed that is a direct descendant of the Bloodhound. There are numerous sources that believe the Basset Hound originated from dwarf dogs that appeared in the litters of other types of French hunting hounds. “Basset Hound” is a name that was coined from the French word “bas” meaning “low”. The breed received popularity in 1863 after it was presented at the Paris Dog Show. Many breeders wished to preserve the hunting traits of the breed, but there were many others who wished to breed the Basset Hound as a companion dog. Through much selective breeding, American breeders developed a Basset Hound that possessed all the attributes of a wonderful companion dog without sacrificing its hunting abilities. In 1885 the Basset Hound was recognized by the American Kennel Club.
Maintenance
Basset Hounds have a smooth, short-haired coat that is easy to groom and maintain. This breed’s coat should be brushed with a firm bristle brush and shampooed only as necessary. Ears should be kept clean and toenails should be clipped regularly. Basset Hounds are constant shedders.
Ideal Environment
Basset Hounds should be given lots of exercise, but jumping and other activities that could put unnecessary stress on their front legs should be avoided. Basset Hounds are content to live in a small household or apartment, as long as they are taken for daily walks or get a chance to play outside on a regular basis. This breed is inactive indoors.
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Ask a QuestionBasset Hound Q&A
i have a basset hound thats about a year and a half old she is very smart but shes starting to be agressive with my 13 year old son it has came out of the blue my son has not hurt her or done anything to her he pet in the morning which i watched him do then about an hour later he was standing by her she then acted like she was trying to bite him and she was punished by making her go in her cage and being told no and it was bad then let er out later in the day she did the same thing acts like she dont know him like she would act towards strangers now my son is scared of her what is going on with her?
What are some common basset hound health problems?
I have a one year old basset hound and I just got him yesterday and the people said he was house broke and kennel trained. He has pooped and pee in the house. I live in a apartment and I take him outside and he will go outside, and I praise him ,and give him treats. Now, he is not wanting to eat. What is causing him to not want to eat? What else can I do to teach him to go to the door when he needs to go outside? He has had one accident in the kennel? When I took him outside and he pooped it was real runny? Is he stressed being in an new environment? What all can I do to make him feel comfortable? Any suggestions would be appreciated.I was told he is a basset hound mix with beagle. Will this make it any harder to potty train with him being a mixed breed?
Your Basset is probably just getting used to his new surroundings. If you don't know what kind of a home he was in before you got him, you may have to help him unlearn bad habits. My Basset is 6 months old and I got him for Christmas. He's had some accidents in the house too, but we're making progress. The more he becomes accustomed to our routine, the better behaved he is. Try to be patient. As far as the runny stool goes, are you feeding him the same food he's always had? I switched our Basset from a grocery store brand to a premium brand by mixing the two 50/50 and gradually decreasing the low quality food. This remedy took care of the problem. Because they have such a sensitive sense of smell, hounds are harder to housebreak. Try to be patient. I think the only way to train them is to use a crate. Yes, sometimes there may be a mess but it's easier to wash out a crate than it is to clean the carpet. Be sure you're using an enzyme cleanser which is designed to remove the urine/poop odors. Nature's Miracle is a good one. Just spray it on and let it dry. I have been housebreaking our Basset since the week before Christmas and he's had about one accident (but sometimes zero) per day. However, it IS getting better. He's gone two days now without one. The problem I'm having is I can't catch him in the act so technically, he doesn't really KNOW he's not supposed to go in the house. If you don't actually catch them, then you can't scold them. Our Basset is really sneaky but I WILL catch him eventually. Just try to be patient.
sorry i ment put a bell on the door
your hound might be having problems listening to you there very stubborn dogs. you need to make go outside fun for him like put a bell on the dog then give him a treat and let him out. or pet him. also take him for walks and when he goes give him a treat and pet him. this will make u the pack leader and tell him what u want
My 8 month old Basset Hound is extremely hyperactive and likes to bark and jump especially in the evenings. She gets a daily walk and play time, and is not created during the day. She is with company all day and is allowed to run around and play. What will help to calm her down in the evenings (this in when she gets her walk)? I know that this breed tends to be very stubborn about training and listening so I could use some tips on specific acitivities that are good for Basset Hounds.
bassets are hunting dogs and tend to be hyper as pups so try giveing her a job and an goal for the day like teaching her a new trick or walking around with a back pack with lite weights to burn some energy also feed her when u eat so she doesnt get food energy before u go to sleep barking can be fix with training but be firm and fair its not going to stop all a once
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-116x_120333588187.jpg "Basset Hound, 10, ready told you all bout him in the last picture")
-116x_120333567387.jpg "Basset Hound, 10, norman is a 10 year old basset hound he is tri coloured(black/brown/white)he is pure breed and he's just a lovley dog.")
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Elvis, you are mistaken.
Ain't nothing but a hound dog? Not likely. Sorry, Elvis,but bassets are more than just hound dogs. Basset hounds are amazing hounds. We've had two basset houds so far. Our first one died at only 8 months old due to an unknown disease. Our second basset lived to be 16 years old and died of stomach cancer. Basset hounds are unique dogs. They have comical expresions, and they have wonderful personalities. Sophie, our second basset, had the personallity of a queen. She knew that everyone loved her, and she loved everyone. Among her more interesting tales include stealing pillows to rest her head on and finding seemingly impossible ways to access the living room. She had no patience to learn any tricks whatsoever, but she was a magnificent problem solver. never underetimate the basset hound. it may cost you your lunch. Basset hounds have gigantic appitites. They would eat you out of house and home if they could. This often leads to obesity. One main problem with bassets is how prone they are to illness. They othen have eye, ear, leg, back, and skin problems. Basset hounds are great with other dogs and small children. Baset hounds are great dogs who love the world and all that's in it. They are very determined and will always make you smile.
Pros: Great temperment, very tolerent, superb with kids
Cons: Difficult to train, exeptionally stubborn, experiance many health problems.