Basset Hound
Basset Hounds were originally bred in France as a hound dog. Basset Hounds descend from the St. Hubert Hound, an extinct breed that was similar in appearance to today’s Bloodhounds. Basset Hounds were bred to hunt rabbits and hares. As such, they are stocky, short dogs that are no taller than 15 inches and weigh 40–65 pounds. Their low-to-the-ground build is where the breed gets their name: basset means “short” or “low-set” in French.
Taking Care of the Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are quite friendly and good-natured dogs. They can be recognized by their short legs, smooth short coat, loose skin with wrinkles, droopy face, lips and ears, as well as their tendency to drool.
Though originally bred to hunt hundreds of years ago, Basset Hounds are notoriously low-energy breeds and most popularly used as companion animals today. They can be encouraged to get moving and maintain a healthy weight, and at least one daily walk is suggested by the Basset Hound Club of America (BHCA).
Along with their laid-back nature, Basset Hounds are known for their deep, echoing bark, an excellent sense of smell that can sometimes get them into trouble, and a short, sleek coat that doesn’t require much attention but sheds consistently.
Basset Hound, canine breed developed centuries ago in France and persistently kept, primarily in France and Belgium, as an aristocratic hunting dog. Initially employed in tracking hares, rabbits, and deer, it has been utilized in hunting other game, including birds and foxes. Described as a slow-moving, deliberate hunter, with a deep bellow and a “nose” second only to the Bloodhound in keenness, the American Kennel Club officially recognized the Basset Hound in 1885.
Breed information
- Other name: Basset
- Area of origin: France and Belgium
- Breed group: Hound
- Height at withers: Up to 15 inches (38 cm)
- Weight: 40–65 lbs (18–29 kg)
- Life expectancy: 12–13 years
- Did you know?: Basset Hounds were the namesake for the Hush Puppies line of shoes, launched in 1958. As company legend goes, a traveling sales manager named the shoes for a dish prevalent in the cuisine of the southeastern United States: hush puppies, which are fried balls of cornmeal batter. The reward was allegedly administered to howling hounds to silence them. American rock-and-roll legend Elvis Presley guest-starred on The Steve Allen Show singing the song “Hound Dog” to a top hat-clad Basset Hound named Sherlock.
The Basset Hound is the star of Fred Basset, one of the longest-running comic strips, which first appeared in the Daily Mail on July 8, 1963.
Heavy-boned and short-legged, the Basset Hound has ears long and pendulous and a short coat in any of black, tan to reddish brown, and white. There are numerous regional varieties of Basset Hounds in France.
Features of Basset Hounds
Body size
The medium basset is an easy fit into any family. They’re small enough to crawl up in the automobile with you and don’t require a lot of space to relax. Both males and females typically grow to a similar size.
The typical basset hound size is no more than 15 inches tall. Some are shorter than that and may only be 10 inches off the ground.
Their weight will be slightly different based on their height. A normal full-grown basset hound’s weight can range from 40 to 65 pounds. If you’re concerned your pet is significantly under or over the recommended weight, discuss this with your veterinarian.
Body size. Basset hounds possess a unique size among the breeds. They do not have short legs and long bodies that run low to the ground; they actually do, and they are very powerful. Their body size gives them a lot of endurance — just not much speed.
Proportionate to their size, these canines possess heavier bones than any other breed. These bones are upheld by muscular legs and enormous paws. The paws contain hard pads and evenly distribute the animal’s weight.
Ears are large and droopy and hang far back on their heads and can hang low in loose folds and wrinkles. At rest, these ears even appear to be coming from your basset hound’s neck.
Lifespan
Your basset hound, being a medium breed dog, will probably live more than a decade.
You need to plan on a fairly long life with this dog before you opt to take one home — particularly if you intend to adopt one as a puppy. The Basset is believed to have been bred as a hunting dog by French monks during the Middle Ages. At least he was certainly known to be hunting in packs during the 16th century and gets some reference by Shakespeare in his works. Close to the ground, with long fine ears, which were utilized to seal in the smell, he has sufficient body to carry him through dense undergrowth and he is equipped with flexible, elastic skin to protect him.
But these two useful attributes should not be overdone and the breed must maintain athletic fitness and good ground clearance to keep him in trim for his original role.
Key Facts
- Lifespan: 10–12 years
- Weight: 18–27kg
- Height: 33–38cm
- Colours: Their brief, silky coat is in any colour hound, but most commonly tricolour (black, tan and white) or bicolour (lemon and white)
- Size: Medium
- Kennel Club group: Hound