The Basset Dog Breed: Complete Guide

The Basset Hound is a short-legged breed with a distinctive appearance, weighing between 45-65 pounds and standing 10-15 inches tall at the shoulder.

Basset Hounds have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming, making them a great choice for busy owners.

Their calm and gentle nature makes them an excellent companion for families with children, but they do require regular exercise to stay healthy.

Basset Hounds are known for their strong tracking instinct and were originally bred to hunt small game, such as rabbits and hares.

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Basset Hounds are a medium to large breed with a lifespan of 10-12 years. They originated in France and are descended from French breeds.

Their short, dense, and smooth coat requires low maintenance, but regular brushing and ear cleaning are necessary to prevent ear infections. Basset Hounds are prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia and obesity, so regular exercise and a balanced diet are crucial.

Here are some key characteristics of the Basset Hound breed:

Basset Hounds have an exceptional sense of smell, with over 220 million smell receptors, and their long ears aid in lifting scents from the ground up to their noses.

Basset Hounds are popular for their placid personality and remarkable hunting instincts. Originally bred for hunting small game, they have retained their scent hound abilities.

Their short stature, long, low-set ears, and distinctive baying bark add to their charm and functionality. Basset Hounds are scent hounds with an exceptional sense of smell, second only to the Bloodhound.

Regular exercise is crucial to prevent weight gain and related health issues, as they can be hearty eaters. Gentle and positive training methods work best for these emotionally sensitive dogs.

Here are some key facts about Basset Hounds:

Basset Hounds are calm, loyal, and friendly, making them great with families and other pets. Their unique voices, with howls and a murmuring whine, make for delightful conversations.

The Basset Hound is a stout dog with short, big-boned legs and a long body. Their large paws and big, long, floppy ears with a fine, velvety texture are instantly recognizable.

Basset Hounds have loose skin on their faces that wrinkles when their noses are down, giving them a forlorn expression. This unique feature is a result of their breeding history and is a defining characteristic of the breed.

Their short legs made them well-suited for tracking rabbits through forest undergrowth, and they quickly became popular among French aristocrats and common folk alike. The breed was also favored by hunters due to their exceptional sense of smell.

The Basset Hound's popularity spread beyond France, and they became a beloved breed among hunters in England and the United States. In fact, the American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the Basset Hound in 1885.

Basset Hounds are descended from the St. Hubert hound, a hunting dog with a superior sense of smell, and were bred to stand low to the ground in order to hunt game in heavy ground cover.

If this caught your attention, see: Dog Sense of Smell

Basset Hounds require regular exercise to maintain their weight and overall health, but they're not built for speed, so a leisurely walk with plenty of sniffing time is perfect for them.

They need to be exercised on a leash or in a fenced area to prevent them from following interesting scents and wandering off. Basset Hounds are not good jumpers and may require help getting into vehicles.

To prevent obesity, which can strain their joints, Basset Hounds need to be fed a moderate diet and exercised regularly. They're prone to gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), a life-threatening condition, so it's essential to prevent it by feeding them a large-breed puppy food that slows their growth rate.

Here's a list of essential grooming tasks for Basset Hounds:

Feeding your Basset Hound the right amount of high-quality dog food is essential for maintaining his health and weight. The recommended daily portion ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 cups, divided into two meals.

Each dog is unique, and factors such as size, age, metabolism, and activity level can influence their individual dietary needs. A highly active Basset Hound will require more food than a more sedentary one.

Bassets have a tendency to overeat, making them prone to obesity, so it's crucial to measure their food and feed them twice a day, rather than free-feeding. This will help prevent overeating and maintain a healthy weight.

To ensure your Basset Hound maintains a healthy weight, observe the eye test and the hands-on test: look for a visible waistline and be able to feel, but not see, his ribs with gentle pressure.

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Grooming is a crucial part of Basset Hound care, and it's essential to establish a routine to keep your dog clean and healthy.

Basset Hounds shed heavily, so daily brushing can help manage fur around your house. Their loose skin can trap debris, which can lead to abrasion and infection if left untended. Regular grooming is necessary to prevent this.

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Their ears are highly prone to infection, as their length and weight keep air from getting to the canal. Inspect your dog's ears to make sure they don't smell and there is no redness, and wash his ears with a mild cleanser once a week.

Basset Hounds drool excessively, so keep a towel handy and learn to love the slobber. Regularly cleaning the facial wrinkles with a damp cloth is also essential.

To ensure your Basset Hound's dental health, brush their teeth two or three times a week to prevent tartar buildup and bacteria. Daily brushing is even better for preventing gum disease and bad breath.

Trimming their nails once or twice a month is also necessary, as you can hear the nails clicking on the floor if they need a trim.

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Basset Hounds are prone to certain health issues, including gastric torsion and bloat, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

To minimize the risk of these conditions, it's essential to purchase a Basset Hound from a reputable breeder who engages in responsible breeding practices.

Gastric dilatation volvulus is a leading cause of death in Basset Hounds, with a prevalence of 11% according to a 2004 UK Kennel Club survey.

The Basset Hound is also predisposed to glaucoma, with a prevalence of 5.44% according to veterinary data.

In fact, the Basset Hound has one of the highest rates of glaucoma among breeds, making regular eye exams crucial for maintaining your dog's eye health.

Here are some common health issues that can affect Basset Hounds:

Regular check-ups with your veterinarian can help identify any potential health issues early on, allowing for prompt treatment and reducing the risk of complications.

Basset Hounds are generally calm and easygoing, saving their energy for the hunt or the dinner bowl. They are not fighters, being friendly toward strangers, other dogs, and other pets.

Their laid-back approach to life can make training a challenge, as they generally refuse to do anything quickly. This is why patient and gentle training is often recommended.

Basset Hounds are known for their gentle and friendly personality, making them wonderful family pets. They form strong bonds with their owners and are affectionate and loyal.

Their distinctive baying bark and howling add to their charm and unique personality. Basset Hounds bring joy and love to their families with their endearing nature and delightful character.

Basset Hounds are laid-back, friendly dogs who love to take things at their own, often slow pace. They have a stubborn streak that makes housetraining and obedience training challenging.

The Basset Hound is a friendly, outgoing, and playful dog, tolerant of children and other pets. They are sweet, gentle, kind, naturally well behaved, and devoted.

Basset Hounds thrive on finding and tracking scents, but they are not single-minded and can remember where they are and who they're with.

If this caught your attention, see: Basset Hounds Personality

The Basset Hound's size is quite unique, as they typically weigh between 50 to 65 pounds and stand around 13 to 15 inches in height at the shoulder.

Their short legs and long, heavy-boned body give them a distinctive appearance that's both compact and sturdy.

Basset Hounds are surprisingly agile, despite their weight, and can move with grace and elegance.

Their physical traits, including their droopy ears and loose, wrinkled skin, contribute to their charming and iconic appearance.

Adult Basset Hounds weigh between 20 and 35 kilograms, which is relatively heavy-boned for their size.

Their curved sabre tails are held high over their long backs, adding to their overall unique look.

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The Basset Hound's size is quite impressive, weighing between 50 to 65 pounds on average.

Their height at the shoulder is relatively consistent, ranging from 13 to 15 inches.

Basset Hounds are compact dogs with a sturdy build, despite their relatively heavy weight.

Their short legs and long, heavy-boned body give them a unique and endearing look.

Their physical traits, including their droopy ears and loose, wrinkled skin, contribute to their charming and iconic appearance.

Basset Hounds are surprisingly agile and can move with grace and elegance, considering their size.

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Bassets are large, short, solid and long, with curved sabre tails held high over their long backs. An adult dog weighs between 20 and 35 kilograms (44 and 77 lb).

This breed is heavier-boned than any other, relative to its size. The loose elastic skin around the neck is known as the dewlap.

The face tends to have a sad look due to the hanging skin structure, which is a charming feature for many people. The coat is short, generally black, white and tan tricolor or tan and white bicolor, but with many other possible colors.

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