The Dog Scene

Basset Hound

Photo: Delacroix Helen's Boy With Diamondice owned by Helen and David Cutler

Looking for a Basset Hound puppy or advice? Contact one of the Basset Hound breeders or breed clubs listed below. All dog breeders advertising with us agree to abide by our Code of Ethics.

Basset Hound Books

Group: Hound || Breed Standard

History

The Basset Hound is an old breed originating in France in the 15th century. They were bred as hunters, being dwarfed to make them slower and more manageable on foot. It is certain that they were around in England in the 16th century as they are even mentioned by Shakespeare. The English took the Basset to heart when they were imported in 1870's by Everett Millais. Queen Alexandra also became a great lover of the breed, having several in her kennels. Basset popularity had its ups and downs in the 20th century. The lowest point was during the 2nd World War, where numbers fell to an all time low. The survival of the breed is due entirely to Miss Peggy Keevil, who managed to keep a nucleus of good hounds and after the war imported Bassets from France and America to provide much needed fresh blood. In the 1960's there was an explosion in popularity, mainly due to the Hush Puppies shoes. This was not an entirely happy period for Bassets, as many irresponsible people saw this as a way of making money. Luckily numbers have now stabilised, though there is still a problem with puppy farmers breeding untypical hounds with bad temperaments and selling them to unsuitable homes.

Description

Height: 33-38 cms (13-15 ins)

Basset Hounds are heavily boned hounds with long bodies, short legs and large feet. They have beautiful heads with the most wonderful serious expressions and long ears that sweep the ground when using their very keen nose on the scent. They are very sturdy with plenty of heart and lung room to enable them to track and follow a scent for long periods of time. Bassets come in all colours - tricolour (black, tan & white), red & white, lemon & white, black or red blanket, broken tricolour, hare pied.

Character/Temperament

The word Basset comes from the French meaning dwarfed or low-set. They also were prized for their extremely good sense of smell and for following a scent with great persistence. The persistent side of the breed must always be remembered as it still dominates their character. Basset are pack animals who are good-tempered affectionate and loyal. They are very sociable, loving the company of both humans and other animals. They make a good family pet and will play with children quite happily. A Basset regards his owners as members of the pack and it is natural for him to try and work his way up in the pecking order hoping to become the leader. This is tried out in various ways, and part of their charm for many is in their convenient deafness - or stubborn disobedience! They usually don't take 'NO' for an answer the first time - or even the tenth! A Basset is very good at pretending to be fast asleep - but open the oven door when the joint is cooking and he will be there! Basset Hounds are not usually destructive, and as long as there is a bone or something to chew, he will leave your furniture alone. Some people think they are a lazy breed, but just show them their lead and you will have no peace until they have taken you out!

Breed Health

Basset Hounds are a pretty healthy breed, but there a few things that may crop up. Kkin problems (mainly a yeasty one called Malassezia pachydermatis, which is still being investigated), but there is a good shampoo that keeps it under control. Eyes - occasional problems can be entropion or ectropion (where the eyelids turn in or out) Glaucoma mainly in old age. Structure -They can sustain growth plate damage on front legs but this is mainly due to owners over exercising their puppy, or being allowed to jump on and off furniture and up & down stairs while their joints are still growing. Though Basset Hounds look very appealing and are easy to cuddle when very young it is well to remember that they grow into large dogs. Some can weight up to 80lbs! The average lifespan for a Basset is 11-14 years though we have seen some reach 17!

Breed Care

Each week the inside of the ears should be gently cleaned of excess wax. Nails may need to be cut as Basset feet are well padded and they don't always wear their nails down. Their coat is easy to maintain with a quick brush each day.

Exercise

In adulthood they will require a walk every day as they are built for stamina. Puppies should not be taken on long walks until they are at least 10 months - as their bones are still forming, and any undue strain on their joints should be avoided until they are fully grown. Bassets are pretty placid in the house but they will not usually be comfortable living in a flat without a garden as they needs a fair amount of space. A Basset laid out asleep takes up quite a bit of room - and that is usually in front of the fire! He also enjoys pottering around and having a good sniff and poking his nose into all sorts of corners.

Training

Bassets are very intelligent but use this to their own ends! They are persistent and their owners need to be too, though the offer of a biscuit often helps! See our books on training

For further information, please contact one of the breed clubs of breeders listed below.

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Basset Hound Club (1 vote) Contact: Mrs J Scott-Goldstone Telephone: 01892 531156 Submitted 08 Jan, 2006 , edited 06 Jun, 2007. 92 hits out, 0 hits in. Rate Report Send to Friend Submitter Comments (0)

Basset Hound Club Of Northern Ireland Contact: Mr P Mcgarry Arthur Telephone: 01232 747596 Submitted 08 Jan, 2006 . 193 hits out, 0 hits in. Rate Report Send to Friend Submitter Comments (0)

Basset Hound Club Of Scotland (1 vote) Contact: Mr D T C Sharpe Telephone: 01786 880259 Submitted 08 Jan, 2006 . 122 hits out, 0 hits in. Rate Report Send to Friend Submitter Comments (0)

Basset Hound Club Of Wales (1 vote) Contact: Mrs A Roberts Telephone: 01495 201359 Submitted 08 Jan, 2006 , edited 06 Jun, 2007. 99 hits out, 0 hits in. Rate Report Send to Friend Submitter Comments (0)

Hadrian Basset Hound Club Contact: Mr J A Coddington Telephone: 0191 2854116 Submitted 08 Jan, 2006 . 108 hits out, 0 hits in. Rate Report Send to Friend Submitter Comments (0)

Lancashire, Yorkshire & Cheshire Basset Hound Club (1 vote) Contact: Mrs M Ledward Telephone: 0161 284 2193 Submitted 08 Jan, 2006 , edited 06 Jun, 2007. 151 hits out, 0 hits in. Rate Report Send to Friend Submitter Comments (1)

Midland Basset Hound Club Contact: Mrs C Whitehead Submitted 08 Jan, 2006 , edited 06 Jun, 2007. 164 hits out, 0 hits in. Rate Report Send to Friend Submitter Comments (0)

South Of England Basset Hound Club (2 votes) Contact: Mrs Ergis Telephone: 01202 388195 Submitted 08 Jan, 2006 . 203 hits out, 0 hits in. Rate Report Send to Friend Submitter Comments (0)

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