Basset Hound – Hound
Image: Mary Swift/Shutterstock.com
The Basset Hound – Master of All Bassets
Easily the most recognisable of all Basset breeds - who can resist those sad eyes!
Image: TrapezaStudio/Shutterstock.com
Quick Overview
Name: The Basset Hound
Size: 15 inches tall at most
Weight: no more than 75 pounds
Grooming: minimum
Training: Obedience and Socialisation
Exercise: 1 hour a day upwards
Temperament: mild mannered, focused
Origins: France
Lifespan: Around 12 years
Breed Type: Hound
The Origins of the Basset Hound
The Basset is one of 6 cousin breeds that hailed from France. They are said to be second only to the Bloodhound in terms of their sense of smell. This makes them difficult to keep off a leash, or if you live near a rabbit or badger den.
The history of the Basset Hound can be traced all the way back to the scent hounds of Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. There are pictures of short-legged scent hounds in paintings from Ancient Egypt. Added to this, their lineage descends from the Spartan Hound down to the St Hubert’s Hound, and then to the Basset Hound. The first accurate Basset Hound recorded was in France circa 1585. Their other parent breed is thought to be the Norman Staghounds, and the basset is believed to be a mutation of theirs. They weren’t subject to deliberate breeding until 1870, but even then, there was debate. One noble wanted to set a standard, another wanted to create a more unique hound and deliberately bred those with crooked short legs…
The Basset Hound received a boost in popularity during the 19th century when they were used as real hunting dogs to sniff out smaller prey like hare. Since only the nobility could afford to hunt from horseback, it is assumed that the Staghounds with shorter legs were bred to be smaller, in order to better match the pace of hunters that went on foot. It was around the 19th century before bassets were brought to England and by the end of the century there was a UK breed standard. You can now find them in the UK kennel club, who updated the standard in 2010. You can now find them in the AKC and even join the Basset Hound Club, as well.
These are endearing dogs well known for their big sad eyes and long ears that feel like silk. Don’t let those big puppy-dog eyes persuade you to overfeed. You also have to watch them for signs of catching a scent. They get a whiff of something tasty and they are off…
Quirky Basset Hound Facts!
There are fun facts for every breed, so we dug out our favourite things about the Basset Hound to keep you amused. Take a moment and enjoy the Five Minutes Spare fun facts about Basset Hounds:
- Bassets are known as the ‘sad clown’ of the doggy world - only look at those eyes gives it away!
- They were made to hunt, and the skill never leaves them - even a mature dog will be able to catch the odd scent but might not be up for the chase
- Elvis’s famous song ‘hound dog’ was once sung on stage to a basset named ‘Steve’
- The most famous basset hound in history was Droopy, the cartoon dog created by Tex Avery in 1943.
We couldn't resist showing you a quick clip of "Droopy in action"
So as you can see the Basset’s illustrious history is filled with fun and good intentions!
How Do You Groom a Basset Hound?
Make sure their little nails are kept clipped and brush their teeth when their breath gets stinky. If your dog starts rolling around on the floor trying to scratch itself, brush it. They will cast a couple of times a year but other than that their short hair is easy to keep. They are not considered hypoallergenic.
Are They Easy to Train? What About Exercise?
As to exercise, the Basset Hound breed are happy with a good-sized garden and a decent walk every day. They are equally happy hiking alongside you for hours. They are such a loving, easy-going type of hunting dog that they seem too gentle to hurt anything. If you keep them to one-two hours a day of exercise they will do well.
As for training, obedience and socialisation are necessary but socialisation is less important than it is with other breeds. They are a pack hound, who will generally get on with any other dogs in the household. On the other hand, they will also try to eat your rabbit. Be careful what pets you keep with your hunting dog if they aren’t puppies themselves.
Or Health Problems?
This is an old breed with more than a few health problems so be sure to buy from a reputable source. You also need to get certain checks done on them while they are young. Watch out for ear and eye problems, skin issues alongside allergies, yeast infections, bone and joint problems, gastric issues – and obesity. Don’t overfeed your Basset as it is a sure fire way to make them unwell.
Be especially aware that scent hounds will chase a scent. This can lead to them chasing things out of instinct to their detriment.
Where Can I Get a Basset Hound?
These health issues are typically bred out of a species where possible. To get the best hound for your money, so to speak, ensure you choose a registered breeder from your local kennel club’s website. You can also ask at the local shelter for them to put aside any Basset Hounds they receive on your behalf.
Puppy farmers are a real problem in the modern world. They make money off the suffering of their puppies and the mothers. Do not accept them. If you think there is something strange about your dog dealer then get in touch with the RSPCA or the SSPCA if you live in Scotland.
Five Minutes Spare
We have all manner of dog breeds detailed over at Five Minutes Spare. If you enjoy a good read, or if you are shopping for the perfect dog breed for you, you will find all the information you need, there. Otherwise, drop us a follow of Facebook to stay up to date with local celeb news and gossip. We really are a multi-talented bunch.
