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The first mention of the
Basset Hound is found in a 16th-century text about badger hunting. Dwarfed
short-legged specimens occur in many breeds and have been known since
ancient times, but it is difficult to know at what point such dogs were
purposefully bred and which ones led to the present basset hound. The word
basset is derived from the French word bas, which means “low thing or
dwarf,” so that definitive evidence of the breed may be hard to follow.
Short-legged dogs were used by the French for hunting at a slower pace, but
most of these dogs were dispersed, and their fates undocumented, during the
French Revolution. The history becomes clearer after the revolution, when
greater numbers of commoners took up hunting, often aided by guns. They
needed a dog that they could follow on foot, but that still had great
scenting ability and strong, heavy bone — in essence, a short-legged version
of the pack hounds popular with the aristocracy. Because the basset could
not pursue its quarry at speed, the quarry was less likely to be on the run
and thus presented an easier target for the gunman. The dogs would hunt all
mammals but were especially suited for rabbits and hares. Four different
versions of short-legged hounds were created, with the basset Artesien
Normand most closely resembling today’s basset. In the late 1800s (and again
in 1930), crosses with bloodhounds were made to increase size; the results
were then tempered with subsequent crosses to the Artesien Normand. The
first bassets were brought to England and America in the late 1800s, and
interest in the breed grew gradually. By the mid-1900s, the basset’s droll
expression had won it a place in advertising and entertainment and in many
new pet owners’ hearts.
Basset Hounds are descended from the old
St. Hubert hounds. Used to trail and drive game away, the Basset has had
such famous admirers as King Edward VII and Shakespeare. The Basset was bred
for hunting small game. The Basset's long ears were developed to stir up and
hold the scent for their strong nose to smell. The folds of skin under the
chin, called the dewlap, help trap and hold the scent. Wrinkles about the
head and face also aid in holding the scent. Their large feet make them
steady and the heavy bones make them sturdy. With their short legs they are
ideal for slow trailing which allows hunters to follow on foot. The Basset
is used primarily to hunt rabbit although they were first used on other
small game such as pheasant.
Does the Basset Hound make a good pet?
TOP
YES! The Basset Hound is one of the best
dogs available for a family to love. They are extremely tolerant and love
everyone in the family equally. They are a very gentle, sweet, loyal and
affectionate breed, although they are quite stubborn at times. They get
along well with other pets of various species. They are not an aggressive
watchdog but will learn to give a deep bark as a warning if praised when
sounding off. Otherwise, they will accept visitors with a sniff and return
to a favorite corner. The Basset Hound is a versatile pet who will play with
children, make a skilled hunter, and sit by their owner's side during quiet
times.
How big is the adult Basset Hound and how should they look?
TOP
Height: Not to exceed 15
in. (38 cm) at withers.
Weight: 40 - 60 lb (18.2 - 27.3 kg).
Watchdog: Excellent.
Life Expectancy: 8 - 12 years.
The male Basset Hound at maturity usually
weighs between 55 and 75 pounds, and stands 12-, to not more than 15-inches
tall at the shoulder. They are a big dog on short legs. The female is
usually about 10 pounds lighter and 1-inch or so shorter than the male. Make
no mistake, the Basset grows to be a good size dog, weighing more than most
people expect, due to his heavy bone. As a young dog they need a consistent,
firm, (but not harsh) hand so they will learn not to jump on people. They
are not lap dogs, even though they may think so. The Basset has a large,
well proportioned head, sad, droopy eyes with a prominent haw; and long,
low-set ears and loose facial skin and dewlap. A muscular neck and shoulders
arch above a powerful chest, and the stubby legs are tipped with huge paws.
His low-slung, loose-skinned, body is accented by a tail carried gaily in an
upswept arc.
What is the Basset Hound's temperament?
TOP
Basset Hounds have gentle
dispositions. They were bred to be pack dogs and to get along with each
other. This makes the male as friendly, mild, and easy to live with as the
female. Males are not as aggressive as some other breeds of dogs, and they
are usually not as prone to "marking" their territory unless there is an
unneutered male around.
A medium size dog, the Basset Hound is intelligent, good natured, amiable
with dogs and other pets. It is very loyal and devoted to its family. The
Basset Hound requires only minimal coat care, grooming once a week, and its
exercise needs are a short break outside three times a day and a daily walk
pleases it. Obesity can lead to back problems. This breed is rated excellent
with children, and it bonds with the whole family, hence making a Basset
puppy a superb choice as a family pet and watchdog too! A Basset Hound puppy
should have training. Because it is a hunting dog, inclined to wander, a
fenced yard is essential.
Do Bassets have any strange habits?
TOP
Some Basset Hounds have a tendency to howl
when left alone for long periods of time. They will also wander away from
home if not kept in a (securely locked) fenced area. The Basset is so good
with kids, and often found in homes with children, great care MUST be taken
to assure that gates cannot accidentally be left open when the kids enter
and leave the fenced area. When a good scent reaches their nose, there is no
telling where they will end up, and unfortunately, the Basset is not good at
finding the way home. A responsible owner keeps his Basset as safe from harm
as he would any other cherished pet.
A Basset with its large deep flews also tends to be more slobbery than other
breeds. Some individual Bassets are "drier mouthed" than others, but as a
whole the breed is a "wet mouthed" breed. To the prospective Basset owner,
this means that that the dog will drool quite a bit, and tend to make a mess
while drinking. If you are a fastidious housekeeper, and have an aversion to
dog drool on your floors (and occasionally your walls), then the Basset
Hound is probably not the breed for you. This is an important point, because
one of the major reasons that Bassets are given up for rescue or adoption is
that "the dog drools too much". Time and again those involved in Basset
rescue hear this same old story. So get out your slobber rag if you want a
Basset!
How much does a Basset Hound eat?
TOP
Adult Basset Hounds generally eat between 2
and 4 cups of food per day. (Many dog food labels have you over-feeding your
dogs.) Bassets often have a tendency to get fat, partly because their sad
look lends their owners to "take pity on them" and give them more food than
they require. Overeating is dangerous to all dogs. Puppies, depending on
their age, will eat from two to four meals per day in proportion to their
size. You should avoid feeding your Basset fad foods; feed a well-balanced,
name brand dry food supplemented with a quality canned food and/or other
supplements. Many canine nutrition experts feel that vitamin supplements are
not needed when using a top quality name-brand dog food. If a vitamin is
used, care must be taken to avoid over-supplementing. Check with your
veterinarian to see what is best for your dog. Store or generic brand dogs
foods should not be used. A pregnant female Basset gradually requires more
food and a supplement as recommended by your veterinarian.
Are Basset Hounds hard to groom?
TOP
The Basset Hound does not need fussy coat
care due to his hard, short coat which repels dirt and water rather well.
However, they should be brushed weekly to remove any loose hair and dirt.
Bassets do not shed very much if brushed regularly. The Basset Hound needs a
bath only four to six times a year because a good rubdown with a coarse
cloth or a hounds glove will remove a great deal of dirt and bring a shine
to the coat.
Regular grooming helps create a bond
between owner and pet. Wipe out the insides of the ears once a week. The
Basset's heavy ear leather prevents loss of moisture from inside the ear,
and, if it is not cleaned out with a cotton ball and a solution recommended
by your veterinarian, odor and/or infection can result. Clean the outside of
the ears also because they often drape in food and water dishes and pick up
dirt from the ground. Trim the nails every 1-3 weeks to allow the dog to
walk correctly on his feet and properly support his heavy weight. Puppies
need more frequent clipping than the adult. Should you hear the nails
clicking on the floor, they need to be cut. Have your veterinarian or
breeder show you how to properly clip your dog's nails. Clean your Basset's
teeth with a soft toothbrush and water/doggie toothpaste to prevent plaque
buildup. You may want the veterinarian to show you the proper procedure for
anal gland care as another means of keeping your dog odor-free and
comfortable.
Are Basset Hounds healthy dogs?
TOP
The Basset Hound claims excellent health.
He is not prone to many hereditary weaknesses that are present in some other
breeds. Many of the Basset's health problems can be attributed to his owner
because he allowed his dog to become overweight, possibly resulting in
aggravated arthritis, back problems, or heart trouble. Physical fitness is
as important to the Basset as it is to humans. The Basset Hound enjoys
running and leading an active life. Dogs raised in areas of the country
where they can participate in the popular sport of field trialing can enjoy
particularly good health. The Basset is an endurance dog.
All breeds can carry genetic disorders or
hereditary faults. The following list includes some of the problems that can
develop in Bassets.
Von Willebrand's Disease
A hereditary disorder appearing in some
Bassets is Von Willebrand's disease, a platelet disorder resulting in mild
to moderately severe bleeding and a prolonged bleeding time. Careful
pedigree analysis and blood testing have reduced the incidence of this
disease by reputable breeders.
Eyes
The Basset is one of the breeds predisposed
to glaucoma.
Bloat
Like many other breeds with a deep chest,
the Basset is susceptible to gastric dilatation with torsion of the stomach
(bloat). This can be a problem regardless of age. Torsion or bloat is
considered an emergency and action must be taken immediately.
Paneosteitis
Paneosteitis is an elusive ailment
occasionally seen in young Bassets. It is also known as wandering or
transient lameness. Attacks are usually brought on by stress and aggravated
by activity, and up to now, the cause and the cure are unknown. This
mysterious disease causes sudden lameness, but its greatest potential danger
may lie in false diagnosis, resulting in unnecessary surgery. A puppy will
typically outgrow it by the age of two with no long term problems. It can be
quite minor, or so bad that the dog will not put any weight on the leg.
Symptoms may be confused with "elbow displasia", "hip displasia", "patellar
luxation" and other more serious disorders. The most definite way to
diagnose paneosteitis is radio graphically. Even with this, signs can be
quite minimal and easily missed. As to treatment, no cure was found in
experimental tests and the only helpful thing found was relief for pain
(aspirin, cortisone, etc.) However, using these, the dog tends to exercise
more and thereby aggravate the condition. Note again: A GREAT MANY VETS ARE
UNAWARE OF THIS DISEASE IN THE BASSET.
In diagnosing the cause of a Basset's
lameness, a radiograph of the forelimbs may indicate a condition called
elbow incongruity. (Elbow incongruity is a poor fit between the 3 bones
which comprise the elbow joint.) Studies to date indicate that elbow
incongruity is normal in the Basset and is not the cause of the lameness. It
is also suspected that many of the previously mentioned unnecessary (Paneosteitis)
surgeries have been performed on Basset Pups just because radiographs that
were taken showed elbow incongruity. A study on forelimb lameness in the
Basset is currently underway at the School of Veterinary Medicine,
University of Pennsylvania. As previously mentioned they have determined
that elbow incongruity occurs in the Basset but suspect that incongruity
rarely causes the lameness. During the course of the study, conservative
therapy will be recommended for all cases in which Paneosteitis appears to
be the cause of the lameness. In cases with severe growth deformities or
elbow pain associated with elbow incongruity, surgery may be recommended. If
your Basset develops lameness and is diagnosed with an "elbow problem",
discuss with your veterinarian the possibility of Paneosteitis.
Allergies
Some Bassets may have allergies to grasses.
Hanging t heir head close to the ground for long periods of time will
further aggravate it. If an allergy is diagnosed, a veterinarian can
prescribe a mild eye ointment or other appropriate treatment.
Ears
The long drooping ear predisposes the
Basset to otitis externa, (smelly yucky ears). This is easily prevented if
ear cleaning is done regularly,such as when nails are clipped. Check with
your veterinarian for an ear wash, or make a preventative cleaning mix of
50% isopropyl alcohol and 50% white vinegar.
Paws
Due to the Basset's large paws, they are
prone to interdigital cysts, abscesses and fungus infections between the
digits (toes).
Exercise
As a puppy, the Basset should never be
given too much exercise because of the heavy boned front. Care must also be
taken to protect the front when jumping off anything, stairs, tables, etc.
Given good care, the Basset can lead a very
active 10 years and be active as a stud dog up to 12 years. (AKC will not
register puppies sired by a dog over 12 years of age without written
permission of AKC and certification from a veterinarian.) Bassets enjoy
their food in old age and, if allowed, become fat and lazy. The Basset is an
easy keeper and a steady hound and usually lives 8 to 12 years, although
there are many that live beyond, to 14,15,16 or even up to 17 years.
Are Bassets hard to breed?
TOP
YES! Once determining that your dog of
bitch is worthy of being bred (be sure to read the breeding FAQs) the owner
of the dog must be prepared to provide the following.
-
A safe, secure, clean area to keep the
visiting bitch to be bred (the bitch always goes to the dog). Can you
provide this?
-
Bassets do not "free" breed and need to
be personally handled/ supervised throughout the entire act of breeding.
Are you willing to do this? Two Bassets left together is a room will only
result in two tired, frustrated, unbred dogs.
-
Your male will probably start "marking"
(peeing) his territory in your home. :-(
-
Your male may become more aggressive
perhaps to you, and your family.
REMEMBER: If you have never had ice cream,
you will never miss it. SPAY and/or NEUTER.
Are Bassets hard to housetrain?
TOP
No harder than any other breed, you MUST be
consistent.
Can the Basset Hound swim?
TOP
Only with a great deal of difficulty. With
2/3 of the Basset's weight in the front, and with such short legs, they can
swim only very short distances, and with great difficulty. If you must go
boating with a Basset be certain, you have provided a life preserver for him
or other suitable floatation device. Extra care must be taken around
swimming pools, and the Basset should never be left, unsupervised in a pool
area. Should your Basset be prone to falling in, get him to swim to the
stairs, so that he will learn the way out.
What about colors?
TOP
The value of a Basset should not be based
on its color or markings. The tri-color is the most common, followed by the
red & white. Tri's at times can appear to be black and white, but on closer
inspection, a touch of brown usually can be found. Red & whites can be
almost completely white with just a few spots of tan, or they can be a deep
mahogany color with only a small amount of white. Most come somewhere in
between. There are also lemon & whites. A true lemon is rarely seen. Their
markings are mostly white that fades into areas of very, very light tan. To
tell if it is a true lemon, the puppy, at birth is totally white with no
hint of tan. The light tan color develops as they mature. It should also be
noted that the color and coverage of the marking of the puppy you get at
10-12 weeks will change as they mature. Every once in a while, you will hear
of someone advertising the "rare" blue Basset (actually it is gray). The
standard states "any recognizable hound color is acceptable", and BLUE is
a recognized color in some other hound breeds, so it's not illegal - but it
is VERY UNDESIRABLE. It is a recessive trait resulting in genetically
inherited disorders associated with this color, i.e. periscoping intestines,
skin allergies and food allergies. Be wary of breeders selling these "blue"
bassets. A reputable breeder would not involve themselves in purposely
breeding inferior quality.
What is the AKC Basset Hound breed standard?
TOP
A standard is a written
picture of the ideal dog in any breed approved by the American Kennel Club.
It describes the characteristics that set one breed apart from the others.
The present
Standard
for Basset Hounds was accepted by the American Kennel Club in early 1964.
Revisions have been made, as recommended by the
Basset Hound
Club of America, Inc., to clarify the old
standard and to make stronger the emphasis on the utility of the breed.
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