The Basset Hound
| The Basset Hound originated in France centuries ago, a descendant of the St. Hubert Hound or Bloodhound. The breed was developed to hunt small game such as rabbits, opossum, foxes and squirrels. Their extra long ears helped to stir up scents, while deep folds of skin under their chins and wrinkles around their heads and necks trapped and held a scent. Massive feet and sturdy, powerful frames gave these long, low hounds the endurance to follow a scent for long periods of time. Short legs and slower movement made them easy to follow by hunters on foot. The name Basset comes from the French word... "bas"... which means "low" or "dwarf". Some of the very first Basset Hounds in America may have belonged to George Washington... a gift from the French general, Marquis de Lafayette, after the American Revolutionary War. The first Basset Hounds were exported from France to England in 1866. Bassets were later exported from England to the United States. The breed was first exhibited at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 1884 was accepted by the American Kennel Club in 1885. The Basset Hound Club of America was established in 1935. |   Buy this print at AllPosters.com |
Today the Basset Hound retains the unique physical characteristics and inherent tacking ability that made the breed so useful as small game hunters for centuries. Although Bassets are still used for rabbit hunting and in field trials, they are truly wonderful family pets. They're calm, affectionate dogs that are great with children and other pets. Basset Hounds are sweet, gentle, loyal companions. Basset Hounds have very long, velvety ears, and huge feet... with the front feet pointing outward. Bassets are known for their sad, droopy eyes and comical expressions. Their long, tapered, gently curving tails are held high. Coat coloring is any combination of black, brown, tan, or white markings. Because they are scent hounds with a strong hunting instinct, Basset Hounds will wander if given the chance. Their superior sense of smell is said to be second only to that of the Bloodhound. Bassets need a securely fenced yard where they can safely roam. They must be on a leash when taken for walks. Bassets have a reputation for being stubborn and sometimes hard to train. They are really very intelligent dogs, but they tend to have an independent nature. Training a Basset requires a great deal of patience, plus consistency and positive reinforcement. Bassets love attention and must be part of the family. They are very social animals who become sad and lonely when left alone. Welcoming a second dog into the family is often the best solution for working Basset Hound parents. Basset Hounds also have a reputation for being couch potatoes, and this is generally true with mature Bassets. Young Bassets, however, can be bundles of energy. They will chew and dig and can be just as destructive as other breeds. Bassets require a moderate amount of exercise. Exercise requirements can usually be met with daily walks or with time to run and play in a fenced yard or fenced area. Bassets have short, smooth, dense coats that repel dirt, but they do shed. Brushing with a firm bristle brush, at least once a week, will help reduce shedding. Some Basset owners recommend giving baths about once a month for a sweeter smelling hound, but 4 to 6 baths a year are usually sufficient. Their long heavy ears need special attention. The inside of their ears should be cleaned once a week to prevent infections. See Clean & Healthy Ears for more information about proper ear cleaning. Because their exceptionally long ears often hang in their food dishes and even pick up dirt as they drag along the ground, the bottom of their ears must be washed frequently. The average life expectancy of a Basset Hound is about 10 to 12 years. Compared to many other breeds, they are exceptionally healthy dogs. The most common health concerns include... If you have want a friendly, calm, even-tempered dog, consider the Basset Hound. When looking for a new Basset to love, check breed rescue groups first. There are many precious Bassets waiting for new, forever homes. Do not buy a Basset Hound or any other dog from a pet shop, which is essentially the same as buying from a puppy mill. When looking for a Basset puppy, as with all breeds, locate an experienced, reputable breeder. To find a reputable breeder in your area, contact the Basset Hound Club of America or your local kennel club. Click on the picture above for a variety of custom printed Basset Hound T-shirts and sweatshirts from Choice Shirts.com
Although Bassets are short dogs, they are definitely not small dogs. Bassets are really quite large, with the average adult Basset Hound weighing 50 to 60 pounds, and some larger Bassets tipping the scales at 70 pounds or more.Is a Basset Hound the right dog for you?...
If you want a high energy dog.... the Basset Hound is probably not a good choice. If you have an active lifestyle and need a jogging buddy or a frequent hiking companion, a Basset will not fit your needs. Although the long, deep bark might deter a would be intruder, Bassets are not aggressive watch dogs. Most Bassets drool and they are not known to be neat eaters. If you can't tolerate doggie slobber, you won't be happy living with a Basset Hound.
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