Basset Hound Dogs Information

Written by: Debbie Moore and Shawna L. Krautheim

Copyright 1997 to 2010 Dogs and Puppies Central
All rights reserved.

Alternate Names: Hush Puppy

Common Misspellings:  Bassette Hounds, Bassett Hounds, Basete Hounds, Basette Hounds

Learn all about Basset Hound Dogs and Puppies through our indepth guide to the Basset Hound dog breed. You'll find solid information about Basset Hound dog history, Basset Hound life expectancy Basset Hound dog appearance, Basset Hound temperament and personality, Basset Hound health problems, Basset Hound puppy care, training Basset Hound puppy dogs and more. Also includes important information about choosing a responsible Basset Hound dog breeder.

Immortalized as the Hush Puppy for many, the Basset Hound is perhaps one of the most easily distinguishable dogs in the world today. With his soft brown eyes, long velveteen ears and solemn expression, he is the sweet and gentle dog that everyone just wants to hug and dote on. Make no mistake, however, this wily scent hound uses that to his advantage and can be quite demanding, when it comes to wanting his share of the attention.

Back to Menu

Basset Hound Facts

The Basset Hound Dog Breed In Brief

Country of Origin: France

Basset Hound Height: Under 14 inches at the shoulder

Basset Hound Weight: 50-65 pounds

Basset Hound Color Variations: Any recognized hound color and pattern, including tri-color and blue tick

Basset Hound Size Variations: Only comes in the standard size

Basset Hound Exercise Needs: Minimal

Basset Hound Grooming Demands: Minimal

Basset Hound Trainability: Medium Difficult

Basset Hound Life Expectancy: 8-12 years

Average Basset Hound Prices: $750 to $2500, depending on Pedigree

Good With Children: Yes

Good With Other Pets: Usually

Breed Group: Hound

Back to Menu

Basset Hound Dog History

Originating in France during the 6th century, it is believed that the Basset Hound is cousin to the statuesque Bloodhound, the two being descendants of the famous St. Hubert hounds. The general consensus is that the Basset was a mutation of the St. Hubert hounds, which produced a dwarf variety which bred true to type. Discovering these unique little hounds to have their own uses, the breed was most likely cultivated and crossed with other varieties of hound, the end result being a short-legged working dog that possesses scenting abilities that are rivaled only by his cousin, the Bloodhound.

The Basset Hound quickly found favor with hunters, as his short-legged build made him much easier to follow while on foot, than the taller and leggier hounds. Additionally, the Basset Hound's low-to-ground body and long, droopy ears, helped him to pick up scents better. In no time, he found his place as a very useful small game hound, and was employed in the hunting of hare and rabbit across the European countryside. Even today, he is still used for the very same purposes.

Back to Menu

Basset Hound Dog Appearance

There is no missing this unique little hound. Possessing the heaviest bone structure of all the breeds, regardless of his short frame, the Basset Hound adult can prove quite the handful and weights of up to 65 pounds are not uncommon. While his legs are very short and thick, the Basset Hound has a very elongated body type, thick tail and large head. Many will joke that he’s a big dog whose legs have been sawed off.

The Basset Hound can be found in any recognized hound color, with no importance placed upon markings, pattern, or amount of coloring. Some of the more popular shades in the Basset Hound include the lemon, tri-color, and blue-tick hounds. With a coat that is smooth, short and dense, they are well-suited to life in all climates so long as they have humans to bunk with.

Back to Menu

Basset Hound Grooming

Overall, the general care of Basset Hounds is relatively simple - a good brushing, once or twice a week is all he needs to keep his coat shiny and healthy, removing any loose dander from his skin. Bathing the Basset Hound only needs to be done when he begins to "smell like a dog," and is usually preformed once or twice a month. Nails should be given special attention because, do to the lack of activity in the Basset’s general routine, they can tend to grow very long in a short amount of time.

The other area that needs careful attention is a Basset Hound's ears. Due to their length and the heaviness of the ear, Basset Hounds are prone to dirty ears and various infections that can cause great discomfort in the form of itchiness or pain, a distinctive odor, discharge and, if left untreated, can complicate hearing. For this reason, their ears should be cleaned out at least once a week, a practice that you should start with your Basset Hound puppy, in order to get him accustomed to the feeling.

Back to Menu

Basset Hound Exercise Needs

Basset Hounds enjoy being sedentary, and make excellent house and apartment dogs. They are perfectly content to lounge around all day while their owners are at work. If you're looking for a dog to tag along on your daily runs, a Basset Hound is not the best pet for you. While Bassets do need daily exercise, walking is much more their style than running or even jogging.

Exercise is not something that a Basset Hound enjoys at all, unless of course he or she is hot on the trail of a scent. Basset Hounds are known for their exceptional smelling abilities, and were actually bred specifically for that purpose. Smaller than other scent hounds, these dogs were originally bred for the purposes of being able to track scents through areas in which larger hounds are not able to travel.

Even though Basset Hounds don't enjoy exercise, it is vital that they get regular exercise in order to remain healthy and avoid becoming obese. Bassets love to eat with the same level of passion that they loathe to exercise. Left to their own devices, Basset Hounds will eat everything they possibly can. To keep your dog from becoming overweight and developing associated health problems, it is important to closely monitor his or her diet and enforce regular exercise.

Back to Menu

Basset Hound Temperament

Basset Hounds tend to be sweet natured, loving canines. They are gentle, affectionate, and crave attention. Bassets love children and adults alike, and enjoy spending time with their human families. They also tend to get along well with other canines, so they are good choices for households with more than one dog.

Back to Menu

Basset Hound Training

Basset Hounds are notoriously stubborn and can quite often be prone to "selective hearing." Never make the mistake of thinking that Basset Hound puppies are "too dumb" and don’t know what you’re asking of them - chances are that they know, perfectly well, but doing it just isn't very high up on their list of priorities. For the best results, enroll your Basset Hound in obedience classes as soon as possible - while he may not be one for learning tricks and jumping through hoops, you can most likely teach him some basic commands, which will make things much easier for both of you.

Basset Hound Health

Like any breed of dog, the Basset Hound is subject to a variety of health concerns. Your best bet is, when deciding to choose a new Basset Hound puppy, check around with several breeders and ask about the various health issues that can affect these beautiful little dogs. A reputable breeder should be well-versed in the health concerns and should be able to give you more details, as well as showing you the sire and dam of your potential puppy. Some of the health problems that can affect Basset Hounds include:

Glaucoma
Thrombopathia
Hypothyroidism
Hip dysplasia
Patellar luxation

Back to Menu

Is the Basset Hound Right For You?

While a very friendly and affectionate dog, the Basset Hound is still not the dog for everyone. First of all, his size is very deceptive and while he may be under 14 inches tall, it can be difficult for a healthy adult to lift a 65 pound adult Basset. Your own health should be a major factor in deciding on one of these unique dogs, as you will be responsible for properly caring for him.

The Basset Hound is not a heavy exercise project, but he will require frequent walks and he does tend to demand attention. The Basset Hound loves company, even if it is just someone to sit on or lay beside. If you're considering one of these dogs, ensure that you have time to spend some quality time with your new best friend. If you choose a Basset Hound and treat him right, this Hush Puppy will prove a worthy companion.

Back to Menu

Basset Hound Prices

Average Basset Hound Price: $750 - $1000

Price always varies when it comes to the purchase of a quality, home-raised healthy Basset Hound dog or puppy. It's of utmost importance that you place the most weight on acquiring a great Basset Hound puppy from a highly responsible, reputable breeder, and put the price as a secondary concern in making your decision.

Buying a Basset Hound dog or puppy at a cheap price from a breeder of questionable reputation can be a one-way ticket to heartbreak and great additional expense throughout the dog's life, should your Basset Hound puppy have hereditary health problems or behavior and temperament issues (which very often is the case with cheap-priced puppies). Buying from a highly reputable Basset Hound breeder is your best insurance for acquiring a well socialized, healthy puppy of stable temperament.

Basset Hound prices also will vary according to the puppy's conformation; puppies placed as pets and companions will generally be less expensive as show-quality Basset Hound puppies intended to be shown in conformation.

Back to Menu

Finding Basset Hound Puppies For Sale By Reputable Breeders

If you are ready to add an adorable Basset Hound puppy to your family, be sure to check out Dogs and Puppies Central's directory of Basset Hound Puppies For Sale, where you will find photos and information posted by reputable Basset Hound breeders. We actively screen Basset Hound breeders who wish to advertise on our service by asking that they meet and follow our Guidelines For Responsible Dog Breeders. We also ask for - and check - three references from each breeder.

By performing an initial dog breeder screening, it is our hope that we can help put you in touch with a caring, responsible Basset Hound breeder near you. We cannot physically inspect the premises and dogs owned by breeders advertising with us, so you need to be responsible for doing the final inspection and interview.

Let's stop the cruelty of puppy mills. Please help us keep money out of the hands of puppy mills, back yard breeders and pet stores. Buy your Basset Hound puppy only from a responsible, caring hobby breeder that raises their dogs and puppies in a loving home environment.

When you locate that perfect Basset Hound puppy - please be sure to send us some photos to be included in our growing gallery of Basset Hound dog and puppy pictures!

Back to Menu

Additional Basset Hound Resources:

• Basset Hound Wikipedia Profile
• AKC Basset Hound Breed Profile
• Basset Hound Pictures
• Basset Hound Videos

Back to Menu