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.Size
11 – 15 inchesWeight
45 – 65 poundsGeneral 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 1 year old bassett hound. We keep her in a crate will we are at work and at night. She still wets her crate and we still have problems with her peeing in the house. Do you have any suggestions on elimnating this problem?
Some dogs can be fairly hard to potty train. Dogs learn from repetition…. When potty training my dogs, I stick their nose close to the urine, say no a few times in a strong voice and then immediately take them outside. Make sure they can smell the urine and eventually they will get the idea that going inside is bad. Also, when she does go outside, give her praise and treats. Remember, repeat this process every single time and eventually she will get it. It may take as long as a month and will require your patients.
thats way to much time in a crate! she needs more potty breaks
Please do not push your dog's nose into any mistakes. This serves absoluely no purpose. All you can do is be patient - take her outside a lot at regular intervals and praise her when she goes outside. Ignore mistakes. Is the crate too large? If there is room for a sleep area and a pee area it may be too big. Please relax - don't stress yourself or your dog. It will happen, just be patient and persevere with training. please don't use any harsh training methods -read up on dog psychology and find out what really works. Good luck!
First off NEVER stick their nose in or near their urine, this is a bad idea on many levels. Second, keeping a dog in a crate while you are working for long hours is never an ideal situation but for a basset it is even worse. Bassets love people and need attention. Bassets are notoriously hard to housebreak, it takes alot of time and patience.
I have A six month old BassetI live in a second floor Apt the breeder that I bought the pup never told me regarding the unnecessary stress that he is getting going up and down.I'm worry about his front legs and he is getting heavy to carry him.What did you recomend in this situation?
The Vet I speak with regarding my 2 month old bassett says stairs are fine. As they get older and heavier it may be a problem but untill your bassett is starting to slow down, don't worry about it.
I recommend that you take the stairs slowly, you set the pace with your basset. Otherwise your basset could end up with problems with their joints.
I got my basset when she was 3 months old. She was still not able to maneuver stairs. About 2 weeks after I got her, she mastered getting up the steps, but it was another 2 weeks before she could get down. As long as you're not running with your hound the way you could with a lab or a golden...the stress on the legs should be fine.
I have an 8 month old basset hound, and im not sure if he is done growing. He is prob. like 50 lbs now but he doesn't look it. When is the average age hounds stop growing?
well with this breed there gonna grow as long as there fed any amount of people food. but with a regular diet of DOG food, 3 years old. but dont be suprized if the dog wieghs up to 80 lbs , more if minstreated.
can a 8 year old dog have puppies safely?
Yes, but during pregnancy it will need much more love and attention and when in labour, don't worry if you hear some alarming sounds. It will be normal for a dog that age to be in distress.
I would consult with your vet. But ask yourself why you want your basset to have puppies? Is this their first litter?
I would NEVER recommend breeding an eight year old dog! She should have already been spayed and any vet worth his salt would tell you the same thing.
how old does a bassett hound be be fore i breed her?
After making sure that your dogs, health, emperment, and comfirmation are suitable for breeding, you should wait until the second heat at least. Check with your vet, because all dogs are different just like people.
I would not suggest breeding unless the dog is a great dog or is a show dog that brings out the breeds full potential. Remeber: you have to take care of 8 pups that need shots and care which may cost a heft penny. As well as finding the pups homes. Be responsible
i have an 8 month old bassett and she has always had loose stools. is this common for all bassetts or will it firm up as she gets older?
I think that you need to look at the diet - are you feeding anything that can possibly upset the tummy ? I have also tried GASTROPECT for dogs in the passed and it has always assisted. I think if there is no illness, you need to get the good bugs introduced back into the tummy and remove all the bad bugs. It could also be parasites / worms etc.
Have you taken the dog to the Vet?
Upload a PhotoBasset Hound Photos
-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.")
-116x_120333588187.jpg "Basset Hound, 10, ready told you all bout him in the last picture")
