Basset Hound

The Basset is a hound endowed with an incredible sense of smell, which he puts to good use on collective hunting expeditions by his master’s side. Very sociable, he can cohabitate with other animals and actually needs to feel surrounded to be fully content. A short-legged dog, he is none the less active, very enduring, and leaves nothing to be desired compared to his fellow hound-type dogs.
Key facts about the Basset Hound
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Origins and history
He hails from the ‘Basset artésien normand’ (Norman Artesian Basset) which was imported from France to England mid last century, before being crossbred with the Bloodhound- this gave birth to specimens similar to the current breed, but smaller. The last stage in the breed’s development was carried out by the Americans, who took the breed ‘under their wing’ and fashioned a companion dog out of the former hunting dog. After a certain period during which the United States claimed ‘paternity’ over the Basset Hound breed, its official birthplace was (rightfully) reassigned to England by dog experts in 1987, and adopted the British official standards only.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 6 - Scent hounds and related breeds
Section
Section 1 : Scent hounds
Physical characteristics of the Basset Hound
Adult size
Female : Between 13 and 15 in
Male : Between 13 and 15 in
Weight
Female : Between 55 and 66 lb
Male : Between 55 and 66 lb
Coat colour
The Basset Hound is often tricolored (black, white and tan) but can also be bicolored (lemon and white). Any Hound colour is accepted.
Type of coat
The coat is short.
The coat is smooth and close-lying. It should be neither long, soft nor fringed.
Eye colour
The eyes are dark but can go up to a lighter brown in individuals with a lighter coat colour.
Description
The Basset Hound is a truly unique dog: he has short legs which nevertheless have the sturdiest bone structure (in relation to body size) of all the breeds. The frame is sticky and elongated. The head is long but proportionately built, the stop is moderately pronounced. The muzzle is deep and heavy, the lips are pendant. The eyes are very soft and ‘sad-looking’, which renders his gaze irresistibly endearing. The tail, always jovially wagging about, is what truly reflects his character, as he is in fact very cheerful.
Good to know
Nowadays, he is predominantly a companion dog, and is much more widespread in the United States than in Europe, where there is a false perception that flat-dwelling dogs should be small. In reality, the Basset Hound (who is by no means small despite his short legs) is much more calm, still and easy to live with in a flat than most ‘toy’ breeds.
Temperament
Behaviour of the Basset Hound
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Compatibility
Price
The price of a Basset Hound varies depending on its origins, age, and sex. You have to count an average of £840 for dogs registered at the Kennel Club.
With regards to the monthly budget required to meet the needs of a dog this size, you have to estimate an average of £35 per month- including quality nutrition and classic yearly maintenance (vaccines, deworming, etc.).
Grooming
Caring for the Basset’s short coat is not complicated, but does require some diligence in maintaining its quality and beauty: weekly brushes are advised.
What’s more, his ears and drooping eyelids need to be closely monitored to prevent potential infections.
Shedding
The Basset’s hair loss is not overwhelming, but is more pronounced during both molting seasons, which is when brushes will have to be daily in order to eliminate any residual dead hairs.
Nutrition of the Basset Hound
On account of his atypical constitution, the Basset Hound requires nutrition that is consistently and gradually adapted to his age, weight, shape and health throughout his growth. This will help prevent any potential health issues- most notably back issues, once he has already reached maturity.
He can be fed with kibble but they must be premium-quality so as to avoid any risk of malnutrition. Buying any kind of dry food in the supermarket is not an option.
Be careful if you opt for home-cooked food- it is often difficult to calibrate a completely balanced diet. In this case, you might want to consult a vet who will oversee and validate the dog’s nutrition.
Health of the Basset Hound
Life expectancy
Life expectancy is 11 years on average.
Strong / robust
Contrary to popular belief, this dog is an enduring and athletic scent hound, and particularly resilient as well.
Withstand heat
During intense heat, it is of utmost importance to pay close attention to this dog, who can rapidly begin to suffer in extreme temperatures. Walks will need to be scheduled early in the morning and late in the evening, to ensure that the Basset get his share of exercise in more manageable conditions.
Withstand cold
He is quite wary of the cold and of humidity in particular. He should not be left to sleep outside if the weather conditions are not optimal.
Tendency to put on weight
This short-legged dog is particularly vulnerable to weight gain since it can have grave consequences for his elongated spine.
Common illnesses
- Ear infections (otitis, scabies)
- Malassezia Dermatitis (skin condition)
- Glaucoma
- Fragile back (due to his elongated spine)
- Eye infections (due to his pendant eyelids)