Description: The head is large, with a rounded skull and pronounced occiput. The
plane of the muzzle is parallel to the top of the skull. The skin is loose-fitted and
falls in folds on the head. The velvety ears are very long and should meet beyond
the top of the nose. They should fold and not appear flat. The large teeth should
meet in a scissors or level bite. The lips hand down with loose flews. The sad
brown eyes should show prominent haw. The expression should be kindly without
any harshness. The Basset has a very pronounced dewlap. His chest is very deep
and extends in the front of the forelegs. The paws are big and the hindquarters
are round. Dewclaws may be removed. The dog's movement should be deliberate,
but not clumsy. The coat is short, hard and shiny. There are no rules concerning
color, but some common colors are lemon and white, red and white and black and
white with tan markings.
Temperament: The Basset Hound is sweet, gentle, devoted, peaceful and naturally well-behaved. They
fit into family life well. Their temperament should always be friendly with never an indication of sharpness
or viciousness. They are mild but not timid; very affectionate with its master and friendly with children.
It is incapable of biting, but it may be a bit stubborn. They like to do tricks for food. It has a deep
musical bark. Housebreaking is difficult, but they do well with gentle patient training and positive
reinforcement. With proper training, they are obedient, but when they pick up an interesting smell, it's
sometimes hard to get their attention.
Living Conditions: The Basset hound will do okay in an apartment. They are very inactive indoors but
outdoors they will run for hours in play if given the chance. They will do okay without a yard, but should be
given plenty of opportunities to run and play to keep it healthy and trim.
Life Expectancy: About 10-12 years
Grooming: The smooth, short-haired coat is easy to groom. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and
shampoo only when necessary. Wipe under the ears every week and trim toenails regularly.
Origin: The name Basset Hound comes from the French word "bas" meaning low.
Some sources suggest the Basset Hound may have originated from genetic dwarf
dogs presented in litters of other types of French hunting hounds, however, we do
know that it is a rather old breed, descended directly from the Bloodhound.
Shakespeare described the Basset Hound with the following poetic image: "Ears
which sweep away the morning due." According to research, the true fame of the
Basset Hound began in 1863, when it was presented at the Paris Dog Show. Its
popularity spread to England where a lively dispute arose between two factions of
breeders: Those who wanted to keep the Basset Hound a hunting dog, and those
who wanted to transform it into a companion dog. Situated between these two
factions were the American breeders who proceeded to develop an extremely
pleasing companion dog without sacrificing any of the qualities of the hunter. The
breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885.
If you have any questions about anything or have something
that you'd like to add, feel free to contact me. 580-668-1015
or email me at vernonhorses@yahoo.com!!
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