Today’s featured dog in the “Breeds 101” series is the Basset Hound. Known for their incredible sense of smell, long ears, and low-key personality the Basset Hound has been beloved for years.
Originating in sixth-century France, the Basset Hound is thought to be descendants of the hounds bred by the friars at the St. Hubert Abbey. The term basset actually means low in French, which described their low to the ground stature compared to taller hounds descendants such as the Bloodhound that came from similar breeding lines.
According to the American Kennel Club breed standard, the Basset Hound “possesses in marked degree those characteristics which equip it admirably to follow a trail over and through difficult terrain. It is a short-legged dog, heavier in bone, size considered, than any other breed of dog, and while its movement is deliberate, it is in no sense clumsy. In temperament it is mild, never sharp or timid. It is capable of great endurance in the field and is extreme in its devotion.”
Basset Hounds come in a variety of standard color combinations but there are no standard markings. The standard colors are: black & white, black brown & white, black tan & white, black white & brown, black white & tan, brown black & white, lemon & white, mahogany & white, and red & white.
Standing up to 15 inches tall and weighing between 40-65 pounds, this hound is stocky yet strong. The average life expectancy for Basset’s is 12-13 years. The Basset Hound has a voice, rather than barking they are known to bay which loud, distance traveling howl.
Known for its keen sense of smell, long and low body with large floppy ears, the Basset Hound has been the choice for hunters in search of small game for years.
Ranking at 36 out of 195 on the American Kennel Club’s most popular breeds list, the Basset Hound is a well loved breed by small game hunters and families alike.
The short coated Basset is still very prone to shedding. Frequent brushing will help remove loose hair and help keep their skin healthy. Ear cleaning is also very important in the grooming routine for Basset Hounds because there is limited air circulation under their long ears which can leave them more prone to ear infections.
Bred for endurance, rather than speed, in order to stay with hunters on foot, the Basset Hound loves a good walk or the opportunity to play in a pack. They don’t have huge exercise requirements though and are more than happy to spend a majority of their time lounging around (possibly they are part of Penny Lane Pup‘s breed mix, given their skills at couch potatoing).
Known for their independence, Bassets can be harder to train. Since these hounds were bred to focus on a track without distraction, they can appear to be ignoring commands or seem aloof. If training is consistent and persistent it can succeed though.
Most health issues, aside from ear infections, should be screened for in advance by breeders. The Basset Hound Club of America outlines these conditions which are: “hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, glaucoma, hypothyroidism, bleeding disorders, and luxating patella.”
Appearing many times in pop culture, Bassets have been seen on the big screen and in print. Cartoon portrayals have been seen in Disney movies such as The Great Mouse Detective and The Princess and the Frog, and Tex Avery’s character Droopy is also modeled after a Basset. The Basset Hound has also made their way into the houses of some human celebrity owners, including: Elvis Presley, Doris Day, and Clint Eastwood.
Sure, they may look a little goofy, but Basset Hounds are pretty doggone amazing, in our opinion.