| Basset Hounds are large dogs with short, heavy, powerful legs. Their head is large and well-proportioned. They have long, downward ears and powerful necks, with much loose skin around their heads that forms wrinkles. This hanging skin structure causes the face to occasionally look said, which for many people, adds to the breed’s charm. Their tails are long and tapering and stand upright with a curve. Their feet are massive, very heavy, with tough heavy pads. |
| Height: |
12-15 inches |
| Weight: |
35-70 pounds |
| Color(s): |
Varied; generally tricolor (black, tan, and white), open red and white (red spots on white fur), closed red and shite (a solid red color with white feet and tails), honey and white (honey colored back, light brown spotty nose and legs, light brown tails with white tip), and lemon and white. |
| Coat: |
Smooth, short, hard and shiny. A rough-haired hound is possible. |
| Description: |
The Basset Hound is a short-legged breed of dog of the hound family. They are a cross between the Bloodhound, the Regular Artisien Normand, and the Basset Artisien Normand. They are scent hounds, bred to hunt rabbits by scent. Their sense of smell for tracking is second only to that of the Bloodhound. The name Basset is derived from the French word “bas”, meaning low; and “basset” literally meaning “rather low”. Their short stature can be deceiving. Bassets are surprisingly long, and can reach things on table tops that dogs of similar heights cannot. Because Bassets are so heavy and have such short legs, they are not able to hold themselves above water for very long, and should never be made to swim. They make great pets. |
| Temperament: |
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| Training: |
Training is a touchy topic when dealing with the Basset Hound breed. Trainers must be persistent with this breed in order to achieve a well-mannered dog, as Bassets have a tendency to listen to their noses instead of verbal commands. While this can lead to stubbornness, it also means they are highly food-motivated (particularly fragrant foods) and tend to respond well to treat-based positive reinforcement methods. Owners need to make the training process lively and entertaining to allow the Basset to learn more efficiently. |
| Care & Grooming: |
If Bassets ears are allowed to dangle on the ground or in food on a daily basis, they are capable of developing chronic and potentially fatal ear diseases. Because of their droopy eyes, the area under the eyeball will collect dirt and become clogged with mucus. It is best to wipe their eyes everyday with a damp cloth. This helps to lessen the build-up of mucus and associated irritation. |
| Shedding: |
Light |
| Health: |
Because of the extremely long ears of Bassets, they are prone to ear disease. In addition to ear problems, Basset Hounds may also have eye issues. Among 226 live Basset Hounds in the 2004 UKC survey, the most common health issues noted by owners were dermatological (i.e. dermatitis), reproductive, musculoskeletal (i.e. arthritis and lameness), and gastrointestinal (i.e. GDV and colitis). Basset Hounds are also prone to epilepsy, glaucoma, luxating patella, thrombopathia, Von Willebrand disease, hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia. |
| Lifespan: |
Median 10-12 years |
| Litter Size: |
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