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Basset Hound breed guide
The American Kennel Club calls the Basset Hound one of the most appealing breeds, a low-slung and low-key hound that is sometimes stubborn and always charming.
It has big-dog strength and stamina from heavy bone, powerful little legs and massive paws.
Temperament
Basset Hounds are very independent. Training may be a challenge because scenthounds of this type were developed to hunt alone and follow a track without distraction. They can seem aloof and uninterested in your commands.
Charming and patient, the Basset has a domed head, extremely long velvety ears, mournful eyes and a wrinkled brow that give it the look of a sad clown.
Lifespan
Basset Hounds live 12 to 13 years. Their long droopy ears need frequent checks, since poor air circulation can lead to infection and shaking the head or scratching at the ears may signal a vet visit.
Breeders check for hip and elbow dysplasia, glaucoma, hypothyroidism, bleeding disorders and luxating patella.
Care
The short smooth coat still needs regular grooming sessions, because the hair can shed heavily.
Basset Hounds are not as active as some breeds but need regular, moderate exercise. A daily walk at a moderate pace usually fills the bill and keeps weight down. Bred to work in a pack, they enjoy canine company.
History
Basset Hounds were bred in France and Belgium and basset is French for low. The friars of the Abbey of St. Hubert are thought to have crossed strains of older French breeds to make a low-built scenting hound that could plod over rough terrain beside a hunter on foot.
Their accuracy and persistence on scent made them a popular choice for French aristocrats.
AKC trait ratings
| Trait | AKC rating | Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Level | 2 of 5 | Couch Potato to High Energy |
| Trainability Level | 3 of 5 | Self-Willed to Eager to Please |
| Shedding Level | 2 of 5 | No Shedding to Hair Everywhere |
| Barking Level | 4 of 5 | Only To Alert to Very Vocal |
| Adaptability Level | 3 of 5 | Lives For Routine to Highly Adaptable |
| Good With Young Children | 5 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Children |
| Good With Other Dogs | 5 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Other Dogs |
| Watchdog/Protective Nature | 3 of 5 | What's Mine Is Yours to Vigilant |