Basset Hound

Known for their very short legs and very long ears, the gentle Basset Hound has an outstanding sense of smell, second only to the Bloodhound. Its name is derived from bas, the French word for “low thing.”

Originating in medieval France to trail rabbits for hunters, Basset Hounds became very popular during Napoleon’s time. They were brought to America as a gift for President George Washington. After hundreds of years, Bassets still have a very strong hunting instinct.

A Basset Hound appears on the logo for Hush Puppies shoes, and the breed is also referred to by that name.

Personality

Sweet and gentle
Like to howl and bark when they want something
Very loyal to their pet parents

Size

50-65 pounds
Up to 14 inches at the withers (shoulder)

Lifestyle

A fenced yard is essential to prevent them from wandering off to investigate interesting scents
Get along well with other dogs since they were bred to hunt in packs
May become lonely and destructive if left alone for long amounts of time

Training

Can be very stubborn and pretend not to hear your commands
It is best to use a positive approach and offer plenty of rewards

Exercise

They love sleeping almost as much as scent tracking, so daily exercise is necessary to prevent them from becoming overweight couch potatoes
Because of their hunting instinct, they have a strong desire to follow their noses, so they may wander away and become lost if allowed off leash
They may tire quickly while swimming since they are heavy boned and most of their weight is in the front of their bodies.

Coat

Smooth, short and dense
Bi-colored or tri-colored; may be black and white; brown and white; red and white; black, tan and white; or several other combinations of these colors
Easy to care for, but should be brushed weekly
Moderate shedders

Health

Prone to thrombopathia, an inherited disorder that prevents their blood from clotting, causing excessive bleeding
May also suffer from bloat; cherry eye; ear problems; elbow dysplasia; hip dysplasia; glaucoma; intervertebral disc disease; luxating patella; and panosteitis, a painful bone disease.
Tend to become overweight as they age, so exercise and proper nutrition is important

Lifespan

10-14 years

Rescue

Visit Basset Hound Rescue Organizations to find an adoptable Basset Hound near you

PHOTO: Galanza

i Love Dogs, Inc.

i Love Dogs, Inc.’s three websites – ilovedogs.com, ilovedogfriendly.com and findavet.us – provide information and up-to-the-minute news to keep pet parents aware of all things dog. A premium canine vitamins and lifestyle company, i Love Dogs is famous for its line of diamond dog collars. The name says it all — at i Love Dogs, we are committed to the health and happiness of our canine companions.

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Suzi_C 15 pts

I've found that "stubborn" is a mischaracterization. They're not stubborn. They are getting two bits of input -- one from their person, another from their nose. They discern which is more interesting. Want your Basset to listen: BE MORE INTERESTING. Further there's some evidence to support that when the Basset is tracking, its ears physically dampen sound to enhance the scent sense. It's not that they are ignoring YOU, but they can't hear you over the input of their nose. Treats are great motivators for the Basset. and they are hardly "dumb." They are maniacal geniuses.

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