Basset Hound: Ultimate Guide to History, Care & Personality
Discover the charming, short-legged scent hound with an aristocratic history and lovable personality
Basset Hound Overview: The Noble Low-Rider
The Basset Hound stands out in the canine world with its distinctive appearance – a long, low-slung body supported by short, powerful legs, topped with a large dome-shaped head, velvety drooping ears, and soulful eyes that give this breed an almost melancholic expression. Despite their somewhat sad appearance, Basset Hounds are known for their friendly, easygoing temperament and unwavering loyalty to their families.
Originally bred in France as hunting dogs, these short-legged hounds have evolved from skilled hunters to beloved family companions while maintaining their keen sense of smell and tracking abilities. Their unique physical characteristics and gentle disposition have made them favorites among dog enthusiasts worldwide.
The Rich History of the Basset Hound
The Basset Hound’s history dates back to sixth-century France, a country renowned for its various hound strains. The breed descended from the St. Hubert Hound, the ancestor of today’s Bloodhound. The name ‘Basset’ comes from the French word meaning ‘dwarf’ or ‘low,’ aptly describing their short stature.
These dogs emerged when a genetic mutation in the St. Hubert strain produced short-legged hounds. Rather than culling these ‘different’ puppies, French monks recognized the potential benefits of these low-set dogs for hunters on foot. The slow pace, combined with an exceptional sense of smell, made Basset Hounds ideal for tracking small game through dense underbrush.
Between the 16th and 19th centuries, the Basset Hound was refined into the breed we recognize today. The breed was well-established enough by the late 16th century to be mentioned in Shakespeare’s works. Their defining characteristic – the short, crooked legs – results from achondroplastic dwarfism, a genetic condition that stunts limb growth while allowing normal development of the body. This gives the Basset its distinctive appearance and massive bone structure, with as much as 25 percent of their body weight carried in bone – proportionally more than any other breed.
Initially popular among French aristocrats for hunting, Basset Hounds became more widely used by commoners after the French Revolution. These hunters needed dogs they could follow on foot, making the slow-paced Basset an ideal choice. The breed arrived in Britain during the 19th century and was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics
The Basset Hound’s appearance is unmistakable and endearing, combining elements that make it one of the most recognizable dog breeds in the world.
Size and Structure
Basset Hounds are medium-sized dogs with a long, low-set body. Males typically stand 12 to 15 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 50 to 65 pounds. Females are slightly smaller but maintain the same proportions. Despite their short stature, these dogs are surprisingly heavy and solid, with substantial bone mass and muscular bodies.
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Signature Features
The breed’s most notable features include:
- Head: Large, dome-shaped with a pronounced occipital bone and deep muzzle
- Ears: Extremely long, velvety ears that hang well past the end of the muzzle when drawn forward
- Eyes: Diamond-shaped, typically brown or hazel with a soft, somewhat melancholic expression
- Skin: Loose and elastic, particularly around the head and neck, forming distinctive wrinkles on the face
- Legs: Short, powerful, and slightly curved with massive paws
- Tail: Long and carried high with a slight curve
Coat and Colors
Basset Hounds have smooth, short coats that are dense and weather-resistant. The classic tri-color pattern (black, white, and tan) is most common, but they also appear in other color combinations such as red and white or lemon and white. Their coats require minimal grooming but do shed moderately year-round.
Temperament and Personality
Despite being ranked 71st out of 79 breeds for ‘working/obedience intelligence’ (mainly due to their independent nature rather than lack of intelligence), Basset Hounds possess a charm and character that endears them to dog lovers worldwide.
Gentle Giants
Basset Hounds are remarkably gentle and patient, making them excellent companions for families with children. They typically get along well with other pets and rarely show aggression. Their laid-back attitude and tolerant nature have earned them a reputation as one of the most easygoing breeds.
Social Nature
These hounds are pack animals at heart and thrive on companionship. They enjoy being part of family activities and can become lonely if left alone for extended periods. While not overly demanding of attention, they do appreciate regular interaction with their human family members.
The Stubborn Streak
Behind those soulful eyes lies a determined and sometimes stubborn character. When a Basset Hound catches an interesting scent, their single-minded focus can make them appear deaf to commands. This isn’t a sign of unintelligence but rather a testament to their breeding as scent-focused hunting dogs. Training requires patience, consistency, and understanding of their independent nature.
Health Considerations
Like all purebred dogs, Basset Hounds are predisposed to certain health conditions. Responsible ownership includes awareness of these potential issues and appropriate preventative care.
Common Health Concerns
Basset Hounds may be affected by several hereditary conditions:
- Weight management: Their slow metabolism and love of food make obesity a significant risk
- Joint issues: Elbow and hip dysplasia and luxating patella can affect their mobility
- Ear infections: Their long, droopy ears can trap moisture and debris, creating an ideal environment for infections
- Eye problems: Glaucoma and other eye conditions require regular veterinary check-ups
- Bleeding disorders: Some Bassets are prone to thrombopathia and other bleeding issues
- Hypothyroidism: This hormonal condition affects metabolism and requires lifelong management
Preventative Care
Regular veterinary check-ups, appropriate diet, weight management, and daily ear cleaning are essential components of Basset Hound health care. Responsible breeders conduct genetic testing for common hereditary conditions to minimize health risks in their puppies.
Living with a Basset Hound
Bringing a Basset Hound into your home means adapting to their unique needs and characteristics. Understanding what to expect helps ensure a harmonious relationship with these charming hounds.
Exercise Requirements
Despite their somewhat lazy appearance, Basset Hounds need regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and mental well-being. Daily walks of moderate length are ideal. However, owners should be mindful of their short legs and avoid activities that put excessive strain on their unique skeletal structure, particularly in puppies whose growth plates haven’t fully closed.
Grooming Needs
The Basset’s short coat requires minimal brushing, but they do shed consistently throughout the year. Weekly brushing helps control shedding and distributes skin oils. Their facial wrinkles may need occasional cleaning to prevent skin infections, while their long ears require regular attention to prevent infections.
Training Approach
Training a Basset Hound requires patience and positive reinforcement. Their independent nature and tendency to follow their nose can make obedience training challenging. Short, engaging training sessions with plenty of praise and treats yield the best results. Early socialization is crucial to develop a well-adjusted adult dog.
Family Compatibility
Basset Hounds excel as family pets. Their gentle disposition makes them patient with children, though as with any breed, interactions between dogs and young children should always be supervised. Their moderate energy levels make them suitable for various living situations, from houses with yards to apartments, provided they receive adequate exercise.
The Basset Hound as a Working Dog
While many modern Basset Hounds enjoy lives as beloved pets, the breed’s working heritage remains strong, with some still participating in their traditional roles.
Hunting Capabilities
The Basset’s exceptional sense of smell (second only to the Bloodhound) makes them outstanding tracking dogs. Traditionally used to hunt small game like rabbits and hare, some Bassets still participate in hunting or field trials today. The sport of pack hunting with Basset Hounds continues in France, England, and even parts of the United States.
Scent Work and Competitions
Beyond traditional hunting, many Basset Hounds excel in modern scent work competitions and tracking trials. These activities provide excellent mental stimulation and allow the dogs to use their natural abilities in a structured environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are Basset Hounds good apartment dogs?
A: Yes, Basset Hounds can adapt well to apartment living due to their moderate energy levels and relatively quiet nature. However, they do need daily walks and may occasionally vocalize with their distinctive baying howl.
Q: Do Basset Hounds drool a lot?
A: While not as drooly as some large breeds, Basset Hounds do drool, especially after drinking water or when anticipating food. Their loose jowls contribute to some slobbering, which owners should be prepared to manage.
Q: How long do Basset Hounds typically live?
A: The average lifespan of a Basset Hound is 10-12 years. Proper care, regular veterinary check-ups, and maintaining a healthy weight can help ensure your Basset lives a full and healthy life.
Q: Are Basset Hounds difficult to train?
A: Basset Hounds can be challenging to train due to their independent nature and tendency to follow scents. They’re ranked relatively low for obedience intelligence, not because they lack intelligence, but because they often prioritize their own interests over following commands. Patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement are key to successful training.
Q: Do Basset Hounds have a strong odor?
A: Basset Hounds can have a distinctive ‘hound odor,’ particularly if their facial wrinkles and ears aren’t kept clean. Regular bathing (though not too frequent as it can dry out their skin), ear cleaning, and attention to skin folds help manage any potential odor issues.
Q: Are Basset Hounds good with children and other pets?
A: Yes, Basset Hounds are typically excellent with children and other pets. Their patient, gentle nature makes them tolerant of children’s antics, and their pack mentality usually allows them to get along well with other animals, particularly other dogs.
The Basset Hound combines a noble heritage, distinctive appearance, and lovable personality into one remarkable package. Whether as a hunting companion, show dog, or beloved family pet, this breed continues to capture hearts with its unique charm and unwavering loyalty.
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