Basset Hounds have been used as family pets for centuries, and it's easy to see why. Their calm and gentle nature makes them an excellent choice for families with children.
They are relatively low-maintenance pets, requiring only moderate exercise to stay happy and healthy. This makes them a great fit for busy families who may not have a lot of time to devote to intense training or exercise routines.
Basset Hounds are also natural-born hunters, with a strong prey drive that makes them well-suited for working as hunting dogs. Their keen sense of smell and determination in the face of obstacles make them a valuable asset in the field.
Basset Hound Basics
Basset Hounds are relatively small dogs, typically weighing between 45-65 pounds and standing between 10-15 inches tall.
They have a short, easy-to-maintain coat that requires minimal grooming.
Basset Hounds are known for their calm and gentle nature, making them a great fit for families with children.
Their short legs and long ears make them prone to ear infections, so regular cleaning is essential.
Despite their laid-back personality, Basset Hounds are highly energetic and require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Basset Hound Characteristics
Basset Hounds are short-legged dogs with long, low-set bodies, typically weighing between 40-65 pounds.
Their short legs give them a unique appearance, but it also means they can easily tire out on long walks.
Basset Hounds have long, droopy ears that help them hear scents more clearly.
Their calm and gentle nature makes them a great companion for families with children.
Basset Hounds are relatively easy to groom, requiring only occasional brushing and nail trimming.
Their short coats come in a variety of colors, including tri-color, black and tan, and red and white.
Basset Hounds are prone to ear infections due to their long ears, so regular cleaning is a must.
Their short stature can make them more susceptible to back problems, so regular exercise and a balanced diet are crucial.
Here's an interesting read: How Old Do Basset Hounds Live
Basset Hound History
Basset Hounds originated in France and descended from the St. Hubert Hound, the ancestor of the Bloodhound.
Their short legs were a result of a mutation in the St. Hubert strain. This unique trait made them well-suited for hunting in thick forests.
The French word "basset" translates into "dwarf" or "low", which aptly describes their physical characteristic.
Basset Hounds were bred to track hare and rabbits, and their hunting skills quickly made them popular among French aristocrats.
After the French Revolution, they were also used by commoners who needed a dog that could follow them on foot while hunting.
Discover more: Plott Hound Hunting
Basset Hound as Pet
Basset Hounds make excellent family pets, especially with the right environment. They're highly social and get along well with adults, children, and other pets.
Their independent streak can make training a challenge, but with patience, consistency, and plenty of praise and rewards, they can learn to behave. They're bred to hunt on their own, after all.
Basset Hounds are known for following their noses, so they need a fenced yard or to be on a leash when outdoors to prevent them from wandering off after an interesting scent. They might get distracted and lose sight of their surroundings.
Their low energy levels mean they don't require a lot of exercise, but they still need daily walks or interactive games like fetch or hide-and-seek to keep them happy and healthy. A Basset Hound will happily curl up for a long nap after some exercise.
Basset Hounds are generally good with small children, being gentle and unlikely to get overly excited and accidentally hurt them. However, they're not overly affectionate dogs, so don't expect a loving lap dog.
Their vocal nature means they might howl at unfamiliar sights and sounds, which could be a problem for apartment dwellers. But for those with a yard, it's not usually an issue.
Basset Hound Abilities
Basset Hounds have an incredible sense of smell, with over 220 million scent receptors that help them track scents with ease.
Their long ears move scents up toward their nose, and the loose skin on their face helps to trap scents, making them one of the best sniffers around.
With a sense of smell that's second only to the Bloodhound, Basset Hounds are naturals at hunting and tracking.
Their keen sense of smell is matched by their impressive number of scent receptors, with about 250 million compared to the human nose's 10 million.
Basset Hounds are low-energy dogs that get along well with people and pets, making them ideal companions for those who want affectionate friends for short walks and long cuddle sessions.
Their independent streak means that training requires dedication and patience, but the payoff is well worth it for these amiable companions.
Worth a look: Why Do Basset Hounds Stink
Basset Hound Care
Basset Hounds make excellent family pets, but they do require a right environment to thrive. They are highly social and get along well with adults, children, and other pets.
A fenced yard or a leash is essential when outdoors to prevent them from wandering off after an interesting scent. They are scent hounds, after all!
Curious to learn more? Check out: Scent Hound Dogs
Their vocal nature means they might howl at unfamiliar sights and sounds, which is why they might not be well-suited to living in apartments.
Basset Hounds still require regular exercise, even though their energy levels are low. Plan for daily walks or interactive games like fetch or hide-and-seek.
After a little exercise, Basset Hounds will happily curl up for a long nap.
Basset Hound Facts
Basset Hounds are relatively small dogs, weighing between 45-65 pounds and standing about 10-15 inches tall at the shoulder. Their short stature makes them well-suited for hunting in dense underbrush.
Their distinctive wrinkled skin and long, low-set ears help them track scents that might otherwise go undetected. Basset Hounds are known for their incredible sense of smell.
Basset Hounds are often used for hunting small game like rabbits and hares. Their calm and gentle nature makes them a great breed for families with children.
Their short coats require minimal grooming, but their droopy ears need regular cleaning to prevent infections. Regular exercise is essential to keep Basset Hounds happy and healthy.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Hunting Hounds
Frequently Asked Questions
What two breeds make a Basset Hound?
The Basset Hound was developed by crossing the Bloodhound with smaller French breeds, specifically the Artesian Normand and the Basset d'Artois. This unique ancestry is what gives the Basset Hound its distinctive characteristics.
Are Basset hounds used by police?
Basset Hounds are not typically used by police for tracking and detection tasks, but rather breeds like Bloodhounds and Labrador Retrievers are commonly used for these purposes.
Do people still hunt with Basset hounds?
Yes, people still use Basset Hounds for hunting, particularly in France where they're employed for a variety of game. They also participate in Field Trials and hunting tests to showcase their skills.
Are Basset hounds good sniffing dogs?
Basset hounds have an exceptional sense of smell, with over 220 million smell receptors, making them well-suited for sniffing activities. Their strong olfactory abilities make them a great choice for nose work and other scent-based tasks.
Sources
- Basset Hound Club of America (basset-bhca.org)
- Basset Hound Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care, Facts & Traits (dogster.com)
- Dog Breed Guide: Basset Hounds (petsbest.com)
- 10 Surprising Facts About Basset Hounds That Make Them ... (thepioneerwoman.com)
- the BHCA (basset-bhca.org)
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