Basset Hound

Basset Hound History

Developed by the French, the Basset Hound has a “jolie” look, jolie meaning unconventionally attractive. Basset means “low” in French and refers to the distinctively short height of this hound. 

Likely descendants of the St. Hubert Hound, also the Bloodhound‘s ancestor, Bassets probably developed due to a mutation resulting in a dwarfed or short-legged hound. Possibly the dwarf hounds were kept as novelties and later bred purposefully when their ability to track rabbits was noted.

Jacques du Fouilloux’s 1585 illustrated book about hunting was the first recorded mention of the Basset Hound. The illustrations show that the early French Basset Hounds resembled the present-day Basset Artésien Normand, a dog breed today known in France.

Initially popular with the French Aristocracy, Basset Hounds became hunting dogs after the French Revolution. Although they were imported to Britain around the mid-19th century, they were relatively unknown.

Sir Everett Millais brought a Basset Hound named Model to England from France in 1874. As well as establishing his breeding program, Millais worked with the breeding programs of Lord Onslow and George Krehl to promote the breed in England. Millais is considered the “father of the breed” in England because of his efforts to promote the Basset Hound.

Though the Basset probably came to America during colonial times, the breed didn’t become popular until the early 20th century. In 1885, the American Kennel Club (AKC) started registering Basset Hounds, the first being a dog named Bouncer, but the AKC did not officially recognize the breed until 1916.

American Basset Hounds entered a new era in 1928. A Basset Hound was featured on the cover of Time magazine that year, with a story about the 52nd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden written through the eyes of a Basset Hound puppy. From then on, the Basset Hound grew in popularity due to its charm.

In the 1960s, Bassets dominated pop culture with their appearance in Hush Puppy’s advertising campaign and the launch of Fred Basset’s comic strip. Basset Hounds are currently ranked 28th out of 155 breeds and varieties registered with the AKC, demonstrating their enduring popularity.

People throughout the U.S. celebrate their love of Basset Hounds in unique ways. Thousands of Basset Hounds and their owners gather for picnics and waddles in many regions.

Traits:

Although he is best known as the Hush Puppy dog, the Basset Hound has much more to offer than just advertising. As well as being a slow-paced but keen hunting dog, the Basset Hound is popular as a family companion.

Basset means low in French. Basset Hounds are undoubtedly low to the ground. Due to their heavy bones and muscular bodies typically weigh 50 to 65 pounds despite only being 14 inches tall at the shoulder. They are big dogs with short legs. Known as achondroplasia, their short-legged appearance results from dwarfism. Despite the Basset’s size, he thinks he’s a lap dog and will try to fit in your lap.

Bassets are scent hounds, which means they follow the scent of prey to hunt. The only dog with a better sense of smell is the Bloodhound.

The coats of Basset Hounds are smooth, short, and hard-textured, making them relatively easy to groom. In addition to the classic tri-colour pattern of black, tan, and white, they can also be red and white, closed red and white (solid red with white feet and tail), or lemon and white. You may see gray Bassets (also known as blue Bassets), but these dogs are considered undesirable because they are believed to be genetically deficient.

Basset Hounds have rounded skulls with a deep muzzle and loose skin on their faces, which wrinkles heavily over their brows when tracking. People also think that the sad look Bassets have is part of their charm because of the loose skin on their bodies.

Most Basset Hounds are given up for rescue or adoption because they drool too much. Their loose skin around their mouths also causes them to make quite a mess when they drink. The Basset Hound is not the best pet for a meticulous housekeeper who hates to drool.

As hunting dogs, Basset Hounds have many features that serve a purpose. Low-set, long ears pick up scents, while loose skin around their heads creates wrinkles that reinforce the scent.

Their short legs and slow gait make them easier to follow by foot, as they move more slowly than dogs with longer legs. It is easy for hunters to see these dogs in tall grass thanks to their long tails with white tips. Also, Basset Hounds have massive paws, and their front feet are turned outward slightly to balance their shoulder width.

Joint problems can occur in Basset puppies as they grow. Avoid letting your puppy jump on and off furniture when he plays, and try not to let him overdo things. Although your Basset Hound is strong and amazingly agile, it’s best to discourage him from jumping, such as out of a car. To prevent back injuries, pick him up and support his back.

The Basset Hound is not a good swimmer because two-thirds of its weight is concentrated in the front of its body. A Basset Hound can quickly get into trouble if he falls into a swimming pool.

Generally speaking, Basset Hounds are calm and lazy around the house. They have a pleasant, friendly disposition, and they are loyal to their owners. They do well with other pets because they were initially bred as pack dogs. When left alone for too long, Bassets may become destructive and howl. The baying of their distinctive bark travels far and wide.

Since Basset Hounds are not very active at home, they tend to gain weight and become obese, affecting their backs and legs. Exercise regularly is essential. Taking long walks is enjoyable for Bassets because of their endurance.

As Basset Hounds are prone to bloat (which can be fatal), it’s better to feed them two or three small meals as opposed to one large meal. Watch your Basset for about an hour after eating, and don’t let him exercise too strenuously.

Keep an eye out for his tendency to track when you’re walking your Basset. When he picks up a scent he wants to follow, he can wander off if not on a leash. Without a leash or a fence, Bassets will follow a scent into the street in front of a car.

It is not uncommon for Basset owners to engage their dogs in organized tracking events called basseting. A patient trainer can train Bassets to compete successfully in agility, obedience, and rally, as well as tracking, hunt test, and field trial titles.

Training a Basset requires patience. It cannot be easy to train him unless you can persuade him that it’s something he wants to do. Basset Hounds are willing to obey commands when offered food, but if you don’t offer them a tasty reward, they won’t.

The process of housetraining a Basset can also be challenging, but with patience and persistence, it can be accomplished. Ensure that your training methods are gentle and positive. The Basset Hound is a highly sensitive animal that will shut down if it is rough-treated.

Well-bred Bassets have a relaxed disposition, are even-tempered, and are generally happy dogs. Their gentle nature makes them a wonderful pet for children and other animals. One of their most significant faults is their tendency to drool and howl when lonely or when they are scared. A Basset can make an excellent family companion if you can live with his quirks.

Health

This breed is typically healthy, but like all breeds, they’re prone to specific health conditions. Not every dog in this breed
will get all or any of these ailments, but it’s good to be aware of them if you are thinking about adding this breed to your home.

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat)

Von Willebrand’s Disease

Pan Osteitis (Pano)

Glaucoma

Allergies

Patellar Luxation

Thrombocytopathy

Ectropion

Entropion

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

Ear Infections

Obesity

Hip Dysplasia

Cherry Eye

Regardless of how healthy your dog is, a pet’s health insurance plan can help you stay prepared for any of your dog’s medical needs.