Introducing the Basset Hound
Find out all you need to know about the Basset Hound: its characteristics, behavior, education and price.
THE BASSET HOUND
The Basset Hound, an unforgettable silhouette
The Basset Hound, with its long, floppy ears and short legs, is a dog breed that doesn't go unnoticed. Originally from France, the Basset Hound is one of the most popular companions in households around the world, not only for its hunting skills, but also for its temperament. They are extremely loyal, gentle and patient dogs, ideal for families.
They are quiet, affectionate nature makes it a perfect friend for children and adults alike. Although it can be stubborn at times, their intelligence and willingness to please make it easy to train.
BASSET HOUND FACT FILE
This section outlines the unique features of the Basset Hound breed.
Group
Basset Hounds are from the Group 6. They excel as hunters and make ideal family companions.
Size
Basset Hounds are medium-sized dogs with short legs and elongated bodies.
Coat length
The Basset Hound's coat is short, dense and smooth, offering protection from the elements and making it easy to care for.
Coat color
The Basset Hound's coat generally varies from tricolour (black, white and brown) to bicolour (brown and white).
Living environment
Basset Hounds adapt well to a variety of environments, but appreciate spaces where they can sniff and explore, while enjoying the comfort of a warm home.
Sociability
This breed is naturally sociable, friendly with children and gets on well with other animals, making it an excellent family companion.
Health
Basset Hounds are generally in good health, but can be prone to joint problems and certain allergies.
Training
With their calm, thoughtful temperament, Basset Hounds are relatively easy to train, provided you are patient and practise positive training.
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PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The Basset Hound, a distinctive look
The Basset Hound is distinguished by its low, elongated stature, with short but sturdy legs.
Size and weight of the Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is classified as a medium-sized dog. Females generally measure between 11 to 14 inches at the withers, while males can reach 11.8 to 15 inches. In terms of weight, females weigh between 44 and 59 pounds, and males between 50.7 and 66 pounds.
The growth of the Basset Hound is gradual; it reaches its full adult size and weight around 2 years of age. This breed develops slowly, allowing its distinctive body to form properly and harmoniously.
The coat of the Basset Hound
Coat length
The Basset Hound has a short, smooth coat, characterised by its density and soft texture. This compact coat provides effective protection from the elements, without being wavy or fringed.
Coat color
Basset Hounds have a distinctive range of colours, from the classic tricolour (black, brown and white) to the bicolour (brown and white), sometimes with shades of lemon or red.
Coat care
The Basset Hound's coat, which is short and of medium thickness, requires regular but moderate care. Although it sheds steadily throughout the year, a weekly brushing is generally enough to keep the coat clean and minimise shedding.
The frequency of bathing depends on the dog's activities and environment, but a bath every two to three months, or whenever necessary, is recommended to keep his skin and coat healthy. Gentle products specifically designed for dogs are recommended to avoid irritating their sensitive skin.
Other characteristics of the Basset Hound
Physical features
The Basset Hound has a unique, balanced and well-proportioned appearance despite its low stature. The head is broad, with a well rounded skull and deep muzzle. Its oval-shaped eyes are often dark brown, expressing a gentle melancholy. The Basset Hound's ears are one of its most remarkable features: long and floppy, they hang elegantly down the side of the head, well above the eye line.
Their muscular, elongated body is surprisingly robust for its size, with a straight back and broad, deep chest.
TEMPERAMENT & BEHAVIOUR
What is the temperament of Basset Hound ?
Basset Hounds are calm, patient and affectionate by nature. They are extremely loyal and attached to their family, making them ideal companions.
Basset Hound category
Among the hundreds of breeds of dog in various groups, the Basset Hound belongs to group 6. This group, which includes other breeds such as the Beagle and Bloodhound, is made up of dogs known for their excellent sense of smell and stamina in tracking game.
Dogs in this group are often used for hunting, but they are also distinguished by their friendly nature and balanced temperament. The Basset Hound, in particular, is renowned for its exceptional scent and perseverance, while at the same time being a gentle, easy-going dog, appreciated for its quiet companionship in the home.
Behaviour of the Basset Hound
A calm, affectionate temperament
Basset Hounds are renowned for their calm, collected temperament. These dogs are peaceful and patient. They are particularly affectionate towards their owners, frequently showing their affection with tender gestures and a reassuring presence.
To flourish, Basset Hounds need regular attention and a caring presence from their owner.
Sociability and friendship with children
Basset Hounds are very sociable and friendly dogs. Basset Hounds get on well with humans and are generally welcoming to strangers. They also make excellent companions for children, thanks to their gentle, patient nature.
However, it is essential to work on their sociability from a young age to reinforce their friendly behaviour and avoid any shyness or excessive reserve.
Basset Hound's living environment
Adapting to a variety of environments
The Basset Hound is a remarkably adaptable breed of dog, capable of living comfortably in a flat or a house, in an urban or rural setting.
However, the crucial factor in its well-being is the attention and affection it receives from its owner. Regular walks, of at least thirty minutes twice a day, are essential for his physical and mental balance.
Need for outdoor space
Although Basset Hounds adapt easily to different living environments, they benefit greatly from access to outdoor space. This allows them to explore and satisfy their natural curiosity, as well as being physically active.
A nearby garden or green space is ideal for this breed, providing the play and discovery that are vital to its development.
Training the Basset Hound
Training and perseverance
The Basset Hound, although intelligent, can sometimes be stubborn, requiring a patient and consistent approach to training. They may be slower learners than other breeds, but with the right method, based on reward and repetition, they are capable of acquiring good basic skills.
To prevent him from running away or getting lost, especially given his keen sense of smell, a GPS collar like the one offered by Weenect can be a useful and reassuring tool for the owner.
Gentle, consistent training
Despite its sometimes independent appearance, the Basset Hound is a good listener and can respond positively to gentle, consistent training. It's important to start training your Basset Hound from a very young age, particularly for socialisation and basic obedience.
Patience and consistency are key, as this dog can sometimes be obstinate. An approach based on reward and encouragement tends to be more effective than rigid or authoritarian methods.
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HEALTH & NUTRITION
How to take care of the Basset Hound ?
Basset Hounds are generally in good health, but daily attention is essential to prevent disease and infection. Regular care helps to maintain its health and quality of life.
The health of the Basset Hound
Illnesses
Basset Hounds are robust dogs, but like all breeds, they are predisposed to certain ailments. They can be prone to joint problems such as hip dysplasia, as well as eye disease and ear infections due to their long, floppy ears. Skin problems and allergies are also common in this breed.
Monitoring these conditions and regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to preventing these ailments. The life expectancy of a Basset Hound is generally between 10 and 12 years.
Daily care
Regular visits to the vet for vaccinations, worming and pest control are essential. In addition, daily care is necessary, such as brushing the coat to prevent tangles, cleaning the ears to prevent infection, brushing the teeth for dental health, and trimming the claws.
As with any breed, it is important to watch out for any allergies and consult a vet for personalised recommendations. The Basset Hound is not considered a hypoallergenic breed.
Feeding the Basset Hound
Daily needs
A balanced diet rich in proteins and vitamins is essential. We recommend premium kibbles specially formulated for this breed, offering a balanced supply of essential nutrients. If your Basset Hound needs more protein, especially for more active dogs, you can supplement its diet with lean meats such as chicken or beef, while taking care to limit the fat content.
Basset Hounds are known for their sometimes voracious appetites, so they need to have well-regulated meals to avoid becoming overweight. Regular monitoring of its weight is important to ensure its long-term health.
BREEDING OR ADOPTION & COST
What does a Basset Hound cost?
The Basset Hound is a breed prized for its unique personality and distinctive appearance. There are several kennels offering quality puppies.
How to choose your Basset Hound
Finding the right breeder
Choosing a Basset Hound requires careful attention to several aspects. It is crucial to select a serious and responsible breeder. A visit to the kennel is essential to assess the conditions in which the dogs and puppies live, and to observe their behaviour. The state of health of the puppy and its parents must be transparent and verifiable.
Lastly, it's mandatory to have your dog microchipped by the age of 8 weeks and registered on a database like Petlog or Animal Tracker. This is legally required in Great Britain, and failure to comply can result in a
fine. Microchipping can be done by your vet for a small fee, or for free at any Blue Cross center.
The cost of a Basset Hound
The cost of buying a Basset Hound can vary according to a number of criteria, such as lineage, pedigree, the breeder's reputation and the dog's age. In general, the price of a Basset Hound puppy ranges from
and
However, it should not be forgotten that maintaining a Basset Hound, including feeding, veterinary care and other necessities, represents a significant annual cost, which can vary between
and
depending on specific needs and care.
Which dog breed is right for you?
Which dog breed is right for you?
Take the test to find out!
Choosing a dog that matches your personality and lifestyle will ensure your well-being and his!
