Basset Hound Information and Picture


Group

Hound Group

History and Origin

Basset Hound, which is most commonly seen in a footwear company advertisment as Hush Puppies, is originated from France. Basset Hound is decendant from the old St. Hubert Hound but some believes they are decended directly from Bloodhound. Basset Hound is bred for scent hunting, second to none from Bloodhound. The long ears and loose skins are used to trap scent. They are not only good at ground scenting but also air scenting. Their short legs may not be fast but is good for hunters who hunt on foot. Basset Hound is used to hunt hare, fox, and pheasant by it be alone or by pack.
Basset Hound is made famous after it was presented at the Paris Dog Show in 1863. The popularity spread across Europe especially to England. From then it is selectively bred not only for hunting but also be a good companion dog.

Temperament

Basset Hound is gentle, affectionate and lazy. They are not good guard dogs but may be a reliable watch dog but this may vary from dog to dog. They are initially bred from hunting thus their bark are quite loud to notify the hunter of their location. They are good family dog and good with children. They are also good with other small animals. Training may be hard sometimes, train with patience and rewards with food are quite effective.

Description (Appearance)

Basset Hound looks lazy, sweet and calm. They are short-legged and heavy bone. Their movement should be deliberate but not clumsy. The head is large and well proportioned with a lot of loose skin around the face and head. Some that do not have as much loose skin will not look as sad; some people think the loose skin adds to the charm. The ears are long and loose; eyes are round and slightly sunken. The double coat is short and hard. Many color varieties are acceptable, tricolor: black, tan and white is most commonly seen.

Size

Height -- Dogs 12-15 inches. Bitches 11-14 inches from the withers
Weight -- Dogs 50-65 pounds. Bitches 45-60 pounds

Living Conditions

Apartment life is acceptable for Basset Hound. A house with a small yard is preferable. Basset Hound can suit in both warm and cooler climate.

Exercise demand

Basset hound may look sleepy and lazy; they are a breed that needs quite some exercise, however, this may vary from dog to dog. Daily long walk or run is essential. Avoid jumping activities that may put too much stress on they legs and spine.

Health problems

Basset Hound is prone to spinal problem, bloat, ear diseases and skin diseases.

Life Expectancy

About 11 - 13 years

Grooming

Grooming is simple for Basset Hound with short coat. Groom regularly with firm brush and bathe only when necessary. Basset hound is shed constantly throught the year.

Special Concern

Basset Hound is easy to gain weight, thus careful control of its food consumption is essentially. When overweight, they are prone to spinal problems. Bloat may be very dangerous to Basset Hound, small quantity and many meals are recommended instead of one single large meal. Long ears need to be checked and kept clean at all times.

Recognition

CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR

Back to Hound Dog Breed