Dog Guidance Blog

Is the Bassett Hound the right breed for you? Following is a brief standard on Bassett Hounds. Their history, their physical and mental makeup and how to best care for them.

History: The Basset Hounds, a down line of St. Hubert’s Hound, were of French lineage. They were popular with the Friars of medieval France who wanted a breed of dog that could follow a scent during hunting, which was a classic sport at the time. Originally they were used to hunt hare and rabbits but were later taken in as serious hunting dogs. They found tremendous popularity during the rule of Napoleon II. These actually are one of the two breeds Basset Artesian Norman- the one that is straight legged so that its speed would not be hindered, identified in 1911.

Type of Work the Breed Does: Once popularly used for hunting rabbits and hares, Basset Hounds are now used for hunting foxes, after hare-hunting was declared illegal. They mostly hunt in packs and as members of hunting clubs. The hunt troop not only consists of huntsmen but also of Whipper-Ins who are responsible for the discipline of the pack. They are good for sniffing out the prey from under thick bushes and dense forests. What the Basset lacks in speed it more than makes up for it in sheer courage, keenness and tenacity.

Physical Representation: Basset Hounds typically have smooth-haired coats though rough-haired coats are sometimes also seen. Bassets generally are of a tricolor, open red and white, closed red and white and shades of lemon or white. There are some grey and blue specimens as well but they are both rare and considered undesirable. An over- abundance of loose skin results in the trademark wrinkles that make Bassets so endearing. Their long ears point downwards and their long, tapering tails are capable of staying surprisingly upright.

Personality and Temperament: Bassets are a generally calm and friendly breed and make good companions for children. Traditionally pack dogs; they dislike it if they are left alone all day and tend to get irritable. A Basset Hound will usually murmur in a bid to get your attention and whine when he wants something to eat. Growling and barking is a sign that the dog senses that something is amiss. Though they are often difficult to train, they respond rather well if promised a reward

Care: Watch out for Gastric Dilation Volvulus, which can be fatal and needs immediate veterinary attention for the dog to survive. Bassets do have a tendency to put on weight, which can lead to associated musculoskeletal issues because of the rather short legs as compared to the long body. The long ears need to be cleaned regularly to avoid infection. The eyes tend to feel dry and irritated when they dry up.

Living environment: Basset Hounds like to be surrounded by company and hate the thought of being left alone. They love long hikes and hunting as it allows them to use their nose.

At a glance:

• Breed Group: Hunting Dogs
• Height: 13- 15 inches
• Weight: 25- 35 lbs
• Color: Tricolor (black, white and tan), open red and white (white fur with red spots), closed red and white (white feet and tail on a solid red),
• Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
• Average litter size: 8