Basset Hound Information

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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.

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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.

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Size

11 – 15 inches
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Weight

45 – 65 pounds
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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Dog Training!

If you're having problems training your dog or getting control, you should read our review of DogProblems.com. Adam will do whatever it takes to help you whip your dog into shape. I've used them to help with my Great Dane as well as help friends train their dogs. It's the first place I go to help answer users Questions. Many training issues are too extensive to answer in this forum, which is why I refer a lot of the load to his site. Update: I've been using and recommending DogProblems for three years now. I, as well as my users, value the techniques we've learned. I get weekly emails from users who have become better owners from the information they received.

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Basset Hound Q&A

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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My basset Hound is 11 weeks old, he sleeps in his crate at night. He still does not sleep through the night , so after his first trip outside to do his business, he cries and howls when I put him back in his crate. What should I do ???

I was having the same problem with my new puppy. I was told to stop feeding and watering her after about 8:00 P.M. and she should start sleeping through the night. I did this and it has worked so far, so there are no more getting up in the middle of the night about three times a night or the crying and howling she used to do.

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My basset female is 13 months old when will she go into her second heat?

Usually about 6 months after the first heat.

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I have a 4yr old female Basset Hound that I am keeping for my son till he gets back from Iraq I have had her for a year now. She came in heat in Nov. 08 . I would like to know when I can expect her to come in heat again. She stays in the house most of the time but loves out side to run and play. we have a fenced yard but I don't want an accident to happen since we live out in the country and dogs are always roaming all over.Thanks for any and all information you can give me.

Most likely any time now! May or June, good luck! Then PLEASE get her spayed!

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Hi Basset buddies, My inexperience is showing here but my female Basset, Rosie, who's just over one year, trim and in great shape has had changes in the shape of her undercrriage over the last month. It used to be reasonably flat but it has become much more saggy. Also the areas of tissue around the nipples nearest her back legs are more plumped up than before. Is this just maturing or do i need trip to the vets? She has had one season and is about to be spayed on the 26th. Appart from not being a big lover of dog food, she has had no health issues.

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