The Basset Hound dog breed originated in sixth-century France, a country renowned for its hounds. The breed was developed to hunt small prey such as rabbits due to its long ears that assisted in stirring up the scent and prey instincts.
Basset Hounds are still used to catch small prey in several parts of the world today, including the United States. However, when they’re not hunting small animals – they’re calm and collected family dogs who adore their owners and children.
Affectionate, relaxed, and intelligent – Basset Hound puppies also make great first-time pets for parents who are new to the dog universe.
About The Hound Dog Breeds
A hound is a type of hunting dog that was originally bred to chase or track prey. Hounds are also used as gun dogs as they help hunters identify the location of their prey or recover shot quarry. They were the first kind of hunting dogs.
Hounds are strong dogs that possess a variety of characteristics that go well with their ability to hunt. Some use their powerful sense of scent to chase their prey, while others possess an extraordinary gift of stamina to run down quarry.
There are three types of hounds – sighthounds, scenthounds, and others that use both – sight and smell to track their prey.
Some of the breeds of the Hound Dogs include:
- Harrier
- Basenji
- Basset Hound
- Beagle
- Bloodhound
- Borzoi
- Cirneco dell ‘Etna
- Dachshund
- Afghan Hound
- English Foxhound
- American Foxhound
- Grand BassetGriffon Vendeen
- Ibizan Hound
- American English Coonhound
- Greyhound
About The Basset Hound Dog Breed
Basset Hounds are adorable dogs with an even temper and plenty of love to give. Basset Hounds are a friendly breed and will get along well with other pets, including dogs and cats. In fact, you will notice your four-legged BFF happily socializing and playing with other dogs.
However, don’t count on them to offer their services as watchdogs as they tend to be a little too friendly with everyone, including strangers.
Moreover, Basset Hounds have a calm temperament; they can adapt to most living situations quite easily. This adorable breed is also happy with only moderate physical activity – it will be more than happy to take a morning walk with you and also glad to cuddle on a couch on a lazy Sunday morning.
Temperament
The Basset Hound is a calm-tempered dog with a good sense of humor. It will use its puppy dog eyes to get out of trouble or even to get some extra treats. Although it makes it look innocent and aloof – it’s an intelligent dog breed that knows how to get what they want.
It will communicate itself through body language and frequent tail wagging – it is up to you to decide how easily you will choose to get manipulated by these adorable yet clever beings.
Like other hounds, Basset Hounds are fierce and independent and will chase a scent even far away from home. This prey instinct, however, can land them into trouble as they may risk their lives walking or running on roads or may even get lost. So, ensure a leash for these naughty dogs while on walks.
Since they tend to be affectionate and are good-natured dogs, they get along well with other dogs and children.
Intelligence
Although the Basset Hound is stubborn and may not easily follow your commands, they are smart dogs who possess instinctive intelligence.
Instinctive intelligence is the ability of the dog to perform the skill or purpose for which it was originally bred. It is a natural ability that dogs do not need to be trained for. For example, the Basset Hound was originally bred to track the scent of their prey, and they’re clearly amazing at that purpose.
So, it is safe to say that if dogs were ranked for their instinctive intelligence instead of obedience – the Basset Hound would rank at the top!
Types of Basset Hound
If you’re going to be welcoming a Basset Hound into your home, it’s important to be aware of the types of Basset Hounds so you pick the right companion for life.
- BassetArtesian Normand
This Bassetartesian Normand originated by crossing two French strains of the Basset Hounds; one of their parent-breed was from Normand and the other from Artois. These adorable dogs stand between 12 to 14 inches high and are known to be energic, outgoing, and good-natured dogs.
- BassetFauve De Bretagne
The BassetFauve is a small and rectangular breed that was developed to track prey such as rabbits, hare, and more. The medium-sized breed stands between 12.5 to 15.5 inches tall and makes for a great family pet. It is a cheerful and obedient dog that would be a loyal friend to you for life!
- Grand BassetGriffon Vendeen
Descended from the Grand Griffon, a large breed with a rough coat, this tall and fast breed typically stands at 15 to 17 inches and is known for its graceful and dashing looks. However, it is equally stubborn and less biddable than other Basset hound breeds.
Due to its fast speed, the Grand BassetGriffon is usually used as a hunting dog.
- Petit BassetGriffon Vendeen
Developed to trail hares in the bramble-filled terrain of the Vendee district of France, this breed is around 13 to 15 inches tall and has a bold and alert personality. They’re active, intelligent, and extremely extroverted.
- BassetBleu de Gascogne
The BassetBleu originated from the Grand Bleu de Gascogne, which is an ancient breed from the Gascony region of France. The breed stands at 13 to 15 inches tall and is known to be lively, active, and agile.
The Miniature Basset Hound
The miniature Basset Hound is a new breed that bred by pairing a Bassett Hound with a smaller dog. Although it may look like he Bassett Hound, it is a completely different breed.
To an untrained eye, the miniature Basset hound may look like Basset Hound puppies, as the adults are quite small in size.
Their floppy ears and expressive eyes tend to take everyone’s breath away! The breed is very popular, especially among first-time dog owners, as it is known for its calm and steady temperament.
Since they’re relatively small (eight to fourteen inches), these adorable tiny dogs are comfortable even in smaller spaces which is a great option for those living in smaller houses or apartments.
In addition, miniature Basset Hounds also need less exercise. So, if you’re a couch potato who doesn’t prefer to exercise every day, a miniature Basset Hound might be the one for you!
However, completely depriving your Basset Hound of daily physical activity can cause weight gain leading to health problems. So, some time spent walking and playtime is necessary to keep them fit and healthy along with providing mental stimulation.
Basset Hound puppies, miniature and standard both, tend to be fiercely independent, so it can be challenging to train them to follow your commands. Therefore, it is essential to be patient and socialize them early, along with reward-based training.
What Can I Expect When Caring for A Basset Hound?
Health
The Basset Hound has a lifespan of 8 – 12 years which is considered better than average for dogs.
However, like all other dog breeds, Basset Hounds also suffer from common health problems, the most common health issues are:
- Arthritis
- Joint displacement
- Gastric torsion
- Ear inflammation
- Elbow dysplasia
- Thrombopathy
Moreover, some Basset Hound also suffer from obesity. Therefore, it is essential to feed them a healthy diet and complete their daily exercise.
To identify other health concerns, a vet may advise eye and hip exams for your dog.
Nutrition
To keep your Basset Hound fit and healthy and prevent it from developing health conditions, you must pay attention to its exercise needs, grooming routine, and nutritional requirements.
A balanced and healthy diet for a Basset Hound should contain:
- Protein: Protein is essential for a Hound’s diet as it helps Its growth and development. A Basset Hound should be fed a meal with 18% to 20% of the protein in its daily diet.
- Fat: Fat is an essential source of energy for your pup. It’s what keeps them active during Its exercise and playtime. A Basset Hound should be fed 5% to 8% of fat in its daily diet. However, this percentage should not be exceeded to prevent obesity.
- Vitamins: Vitamins are essential for a well-functioning immune system and body function. A Basset Hound can be fed vitamins through a healthy and balanced diet. The percentage of these vitamins should be 1% to 2%.
Basset Hound Feeding Guidelines:
Like all other dog breeds, Basset Hounds need to be provided with an age-appropriate diet. These adorable dogs will have different nutrition requirements and mealtimes at different life stages.
However, one fact about Basset Hounds – they’re always going to be hungry! And if you feed them every time they come to you with Its sad puppy dog eyes – you put them at risk for obesity. Therefore, it is essential to be careful about Its diet and mealtimes.
Basset Hound puppies need a nutritional diet to grow into healthy adults. The amount of food you should feed your Basset Hound puppies depends on their weight. If your puppy weighs around 4 lbs, it is recommended to feed it 1/3 cup of food.
If your pup weighs around 10 lbs, it is recommended to feed it with ½ cup of food. And a pup weighing around 20 lbs. should be fed 1 ½ cups of food.
For an adult Basset Hound, you will need to bring some changes in diet. Since your four-legged friend will not be as active as it previously was, providing it with the same quantity of food can put it at risk for weight gain.
An adult Basset Hound requires one meal a day to keep fit and healthy. However, some pet parents prefer to divide this one meal into two: breakfast and dinner. An adult Basset Hound should have a diet that is less in fats and rich in calcium, protein, and vitamins.
Its generally recommended to feed them dry food or kibble.
Exercise
Basset Hounds need a minimum of 1-hour exercise every day. This includes walks, playtime, and training. Daily exercise will not only keep your Hound healthy and active but also prevent them from getting bored and hence becoming mischievous.
Moreover, some activities and exercises, like jogging and running, should be avoided with your Basset Hounds as they have long backs and short legs.
Training Basset Hounds to follow commands is certainly not an easy task. However, also not impossible. Here are some tips to follow when you’re trying to train your Basset Hound:
- Establish one routine and teach your pup where its food, water bowls, bed, and crates are located
- Teach “Good” and “No” before you teach them to follow other commands
- Do not rely solely on treats – while it may be okay to do in the first few months of training, eventually switch to praise
If you think dog training isn’t for you, you can even hire professional dog trainers in your area to do the task for you. Even a simple Google search such as “dog trainers near me” can provide you with results of some great nearby dog trainers!
Grooming
Basset Hounds have gorgeous coats that are water-resistant and also short. Their coat sheds all year lightly round, so you do not have to worry about extreme shedding. However, your Basset Hound will need weekly brushing with a soft brush.
Since Basset Hounds have long, floppy ears, their ears need to be cleaned more often than other dogs to prevent wax build-up and infection. However, if you have any queries regarding how often your Basset Hounds needs its ears cleaned, consult with your vet to determine what is best for your dog’s needs.
Moreover, an average dog should have its nails clipped every three to four weeks. To trim your Basset Hound’s nails, you will need a sharp nail trimmer and some styptic powder. The styptic powder comes in handy in case you accidentally cut around the coat to stop the bleeding.
Make sure to cut a little of the tip at a time. Another excellent tool you can try, and use is the electric nail groomer that grinds your dog’s nails down instead of cutting them.
How often should you bathe your Basset Hound? We recommend playing by the ear (pun intended).
If your hound has an active lifestyle, i.e., they go on walks every day and play outside, then you may bathe them once a week. On the other hand, if your dog has a moderate lifestyle then, 1 – 2 baths a month may suffice.
Remember that excessive bathing may cause skin problems and your Basset Hound may lose its shiny coat.
Basset Hound Vs. Beagle
Most dog owners tend to face a dilemma when they’re about to purchase or adopt a hound, and the common options that they mostly come down to include the Basset Hound or the Beagle.
In the Basset Hound vs. Beagle comparison, the difference in appearances is quite noticeable. Firstly, Beagles tend to be taller than Basset Hounds. Secondly, Beagles weigh around 10-11 kg (males) and 9-10 kg (females) as adults, while the shorter Basset Hounds approximately weigh 23-29 kg (males) and 20-27 (females).
If we’re going to be comparing both beards by appearance, the beagle tends to have a slimmer and slightly increased proportioned body, whereas the Basset Hound possesses long, hanging ears and droopy eyes with black, brown, and white coats.
The beagle, however, has shorter, perkier eyes with lemon and white, white and tan, or a tri-colored coat. Although every individual dog will have its personality traits, both breeds are known to have a similar temperament; Beagles and Basset Hounds tend to be curious, easy-going, and calm dogs that do not give their owners much to complain about.
Is the Bassett Hound the Dog Breed You Are Looking For?
The Basset Hound is an instinctively intelligent and loving dog that will be perfect for people who may live in small spaces, enjoy a moderately active lifestyle, and have children.
However, you will need to be strong-willed and disciplined to train this stubborn dog; otherwise, it will run circles around you.
Every dog breed, irrespective of its breed, deserves to be loved and cherished. Remember to adopt rather than purchase. You may be giving a dog a chance at a life of love and care that they may otherwise miss. And if you do not adopt, only purchase from reputable Basset Hound breeders!
