The Basset Hound is a British dog breed recognized by the FCI and is classified in Group 6 “Scenthounds, Scenthounds and related breeds”. The ancestor of the Basset Hound is probably a Basset d’Artois, a now extinct French dog breed. In the 19th century, systematic breeding of bassets began and the first herd was put together. Crossbreeding with hounds to improve the sense of smell eventually created the typical characteristics of the breed we know today. The Basset Hound was originally bred for hunting. Despite his calm-looking body, he is a fast and tenacious hunter. Due to its popularity, especially in the 1970s, some characteristics of the breed such as droopy eyelids and large ears were unfortunately hybridized. Today, in breeding, more emphasis is placed on robust and healthy dogs. The Basset Hound has now become a popular family dog.
Body type, height and weight
The Basset Hound is a strong dog with short legs and a long body. The skin forms typical wrinkles on the cheeks, forehead and front legs. What is striking in many animals are drooping eyelids (ectropion). The floppy ears are noticeably large. Bassetts have a tail that is strong at the base and tapers towards the back. Their fur is smooth and dense.
Basset Hounds reach a height of approximately 38 cm and a weight of approximately 35 kilograms. They are therefore rather small dogs, but heavy and bulky.
Fur and colors
It is available in different color variations, mainly three-tone (black-white-brown) and two-tone (lemon-white).
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Character and essence
Basset Hounds are best known for their extremely good-natured nature and lovable nature. They are loyal, affectionate, cuddly and very calm. However, sometimes they can activate their “stubborn mode” and therefore tend to behave in a stubborn and stubborn manner. This is due to their original use as a hunting dog, whereby the basset hound had to make independent decisions within the pack. Thanks to his high intelligence, he quickly learns how to wrap people around his finger. It is therefore important to work on basic obedience from puppyhood and orient the hunting instinct in the right direction. This can never be achieved with harshness or pressure with the Basset Hound, but is best achieved with praise, treats and positive reinforcement. What is particularly striking is their friendliness towards other dogs and people. Well-socialized Basset Hounds are never aggressive or looking for trouble. Their «sad» appearance is purely external, because Basset Hounds are happy and playful dogs, they get along well with children and are very patient.
Is a Basset Hound right for me? How should it be held?
The slightly lazy body shape of the basset should not obscure its great need for movement and endurance. Bassetts are therefore particularly suitable for active people who have the time and desire to exercise intelligent animals both physically and mentally. Due to their friendly nature, they are also suitable as family dogs. Since bassets have difficulty climbing stairs due to their long body shape and short legs, apartments on higher floors are not the most suitable habitat. Bassetts don’t like to be left alone, which is something to consider before purchasing.
On purpose: Basset Hounds are pack dogs, which means living with other dogs is in their genes. Therefore, they feel more comfortable when they can live with many other dogs, preferably other bassets.
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Basset Hounds need a lot of exercise, so long walks every day are mandatory. His passion for hunting and sniffing can be satisfied with smart toys, training with dummies or tracking.
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Nutrition
Basset Hounds tend to be overweight, which is why special attention should be paid to a healthy diet. High quality dry or wet foods and BARF are suitable.
Treatment
The Basset Hound’s coat is very easy to care for. Regular brushing is sufficient, especially during moulting. Due to their breed-specific characteristics, the eyes and ears are particularly prone to inflammation and other diseases. They must therefore be checked and cleaned regularly. For the rest, the same thing applies to Bassets as to other dogs: brushing their teeth regularly can help keep their teeth healthy for as long as possible. The claws should also be checked regularly and shortened if necessary. We have summarized for you what else you need to consider when it comes to dog care in our article “Dog care from head to toe”.
Typical diseases
Most of the diseases typical of the breed can be traced back to overbreeding, that is, the particularly strong expression of certain characteristics. These include:
Disc herniation: Due to its anatomy, the risk of suffering from a herniated disc is significantly higher for a Basset Hound than for many other dog breeds. Due to short legs, a relatively long back and a massive build, the intervertebral discs are often exposed to above-average stress. In addition to pain, neurological deficits such as: coordination disorders, dragging of a leg, ataxia (balance problems), loss of sensation or lameness or even complete paralysis can occur as symptoms of a herniated disc. If you notice one or more of these symptoms in your furry friend, it is advisable to urgently consult your vet. Here you can find more information about herniated discs in dogs
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Frostbite of the scrotum and foreskin: In male dogs this can also happen quickly, especially in winter, due to the anatomy linked to the Basset Hound breed Frostbite occurs in the genital area, which is very close to the ground due to short legs. Additionally, the Basset Hound is also very sensitive to heat, so walks should be tailored to the appropriate time of day in both summer and winter.
Chronic eye and ear infections: The Basset Hound’s eyes and ears are generally very sensitive to inflammation, so you should always keep an eye on them and clean them regularly to rule out infections as much as possible. Another hereditary disease that occurs frequently in the Basset Hound due to the breed is the so-called ectropion: in this eyelid misalignment, the edge of the lower eyelid is turned outwards, so that the eyelids do not close properly and the eyelids do not lie exactly against each other when the eyes are closed. In case of ectropion the conjunctiva is not sufficiently protected by the lowered eyelid, dust, foreign bodies and bacteria can penetrate unhindered, which often causes conjunctivitis. If ectropion is severe, surgery is recommended to correct eyelid misalignment. Incidentally, ectropion is often colloquially referred to as a drooping eyelid, although this is not entirely medically correct.
The Basset Hound’s characteristic large ears and eyes are prone to inflammation.
Do you want to get a basset hound? How do you recognize a healthy animal?
Because Basset Hounds are prone to various diseases when they are overbred, it is important to choose a reputable breeder if you want to purchase a puppy. This should be affiliated with an appropriate club, such as the “Basset Hound Club of Germany”. This is the only way to be sure that good health is important during breeding. A reputable breeder can also provide you with the results of a reproductive fitness test. In adult animals it is necessary to ensure that the typical characteristics of the breed are not too marked, this particularly applies to the eyes, ears and the formation of wrinkles. Also, take a close look at its movement pattern. In puppies it is difficult to assess how traits develop as they grow. To get an idea, you should take a close look at the parents.
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Basset Hound
How much does a Basset Hound puppy cost?
You can buy a Basset Hound puppy from a good and reputable breeder starting from 1000 euros. The lower “prices” should make you suspicious.
Is the Basset Hound a hunting dog?
Yes, Basset Hounds are originally hunting dogs and have retained the associated instincts. If you practice basic obedience early and direct your hunting instinct in the right direction, for example through search or tracking games, a Basset Hound is also suitable as a family dog.
Bassetts are originally hunting dogs and were trained as pack dogs to make their own decisions. Therefore, they can be a little stubborn at times.
A Basset Hound as a family dog – is it possible?
Yes, it’s definitely possible. Basset Hounds bond closely with their owners and are also very patient and friendly with children. However, their high frustration tolerance should not result in their offspring putting too much strain on them. A Basset Hound is so relaxed and forgiving that it is often overlooked that the fuss has actually become too much for him. It is therefore important that the dog has places to retreat where it can be left alone and that children are taught from an early age how to behave correctly with dogs. So Basset Hounds can be great, playful and affectionate family members.
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