BASSET HOUND

Breed Group: Scent Hound

For full breed standards, visit UK Kennel Club or American Kennel Club

Average height: 27.94 - 38.1 cms (11-15 in)

Average Weight: 19.95 - 34 kgs (44 - 75 lbs)

Coat Length: Short

Life Span: 10 - 12 years

Colours: Black & Brown, Tri-color, White & Chocolate, Lemon & White, Black & White, Red & White

HISTORY

Basset Hounds are short-legged hunting dogs, bred originally to drive small prey, such as rabbits and hares, from dense undercover into open terrain where hunters could move in for the kill with spears, nets, or clubs. Their loose skin, low stature, and powerful nose make them skilled at following ground scent trails. Their breed name comes from the French words 'bas' meaning 'low, alongside the suffix 'et' which combines to mean 'rather low'.

L.E.G.S.

Using the L.E.G.S.® model, our breed descriptions offer insights into typical behavior based on Genetics, Learning, Environment, and Self.

Knowing the sort of 'job' a breed was created for can offer valuable insights into the type of life dogs of that breed would most enjoy. But bear in mind, they are all individuals, treat the following as an indication of breed tendencies – not a prediction.

Shedding

minimal <> considerable

Grooming

minimal <> likely to need professional grooming

Barking

relatively quiet <> very vocal

Predatory behaviour around other pets/livestock

low<>high

Response to strangers

happy to greet everyone <> very wary

Affectionate with family

not at all<>very cuddly

Playful

serious<>very playful

Focus on handler (bond)

independent thinker<>very biddable

Excitable/Impulsive

very calm<>easily aroused

Motivated

laid back<>obsessive

Easy to care for

suitable for inexperienced<>challenging

Exercise needs

minimal<>hours daily

Off-lead exercise needs

happy on lead<>needs plenty of freedom

Enrichment needs

basic<>needs challenges

WHY YOU'LL FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR BASSET HOUND

They are fun-loving clowns who don't hesitate to show affection
They love meeting new people
They love to be included in the social scene, whether with humans or with other dogs
Their unique look making them appear more grumpy than they are
Their friendly and outgoing nature
The bond you create with them through the much-needed training they require

WHY THEY MAY BE HARD TO LIVE WITH

They are opinionated and never for a minute think they might be wrong, at least until convinced by other means
They will turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to anything when on the scent of prey
They love to sing opera when excited
Their deep bark / howl / bay
Their need for companionship
Their shedding all-year round
The need for lots of training to be given and working on your connection in the outside world to ensure you can let them off the lead

YOUR BASSET HOUND PUPPY HIGHLIGHTS

Be proactive with management so your Basset's impulses don't rule the day. Keep in mind their genetic need for pursuing the scent, which can lead to impulsive and emotional behaviors on their part. Basset Hounds often struggle with dependency on their humans or other dogs in the household. It's important to help them grow confidence in alone time slowly as a young dog - both home alone and outside in the world without their other dog pals.

Early focus on self-control training is a must and it will probably be life-long training. Love and treasure them for the loving clowns they are and they will reward you will endless laughs!

YOU MAY NEED PROFESSIONAL HELP WITH:

Running away
Recall - being able to let them off-lead, without them following their nose
Separation anxiety
Excessive barking
Skin and yeast conditions

YOUR RELATIONSHIP SURVIVAL KEY

Described as the 'armchair clown', the Basset owns their family as much as any family owns their dog
Be prepared to show your Basset that all good things come through you
Have patience when their genetically engineered nose takes over their brain
Give them an outlet for their need to sniff and hunt and you'll save yourself a lot of headaches
Learning: While they may be known to be "stubborn," Basset Hounds are actually great training dogs. With the right motivation (usually food), you can have lots of fun learning new skills together
Environment: Teaching your Basset early on that they can feel safe solo in your home is important for them to be able to comfortably left alone. Creating a comfortable environment for them to relax in and feel secure is important
Genetics: These dogs are driven by their nose. Offering lots of opportunities for simple scentwork at home or tracking out in the world, will fulfill their needs
Self: As Basset Hounds are prone to obesity and back / elbow conditions, keeping their weight low is important. Regular exercise and play with other dogs can help this. A good quality natural and fresh diet will help not only with their weight but also with potential yeast issues

UPBRINGING

Self-control training is a must! Whether it's intended for when they are being opinionated about something or trying to imitate a freight train pulling on the leash to follow that elusive scent. These nose-driven dogs will flourish in a home that allows them a natural outlet for their genetic desires. Tracking and general scentwork are ideal activities to entertain your Basset. Training is required to ensure that you can feel comfortable letting your Basset Hound off lead on walks and in some environments they may always need to be exercised on a training lead if there is a lot of wildlife present. Hounds can struggle with solo time, so helping your puppy to feel relaxed when left home alone is vital in having the happiest of hounds. Regular exercise will keep your Basset fit for longer - don't let those droopy eyes and plodding demeanor fool you... this breed was bred for stamina!

LIFESTYLE

Bassets need to have outlets for their innate desire to sniff, hunt, and bark, or they can become quite frustrated which can lead to both of you having a hard time working together. Although Bassets were bred for stamina and can easily enjoy long walks, they are also very good at snoozing the day away. Once their food and exercise needs have been met, these dogs are very easy canine companions. Due to their long backs, its important that they avoid lots of jumping on and off furniture, or going up and down stairs. Keeping them active will help them live a longer, more healthy life.

INTERESTS & HOBBIES

Sniffing, sniffing, and more sniffing, followed by eating, sleeping, clowning around, and singing opera songs! Anything to do with their nose will keep your Basset happy! From simple food throws around your garden at home, to engaging in ground-scent tracking hobbies... any activity that allows your Basset to put their nose to the ground will help them have lots of fun. Their droopy eyes and 'stubborn' approach can fool people into thinking these dogs aren't motivated or can't be trained - this is definitely not true and they can flourish with the right motivation. These hounds love using their brains too!

EDUCATION

Your Basset has genetic wiring that leads them to do their own thing, without much thought about how inconvenient it may be for you. They will not 'obey' you, so you will need to convince them that what you want is their idea. Use their love of sniffing as the reward for trying things your way and you'll find them a more willing partner. Creating a strong connection with your Basset Hound - one based on trust using positive reward-based methods is really important to be able to have a successful relationship. Regular training will not only allow your Basset a good mental workout, but it will help them be more focused on you when you go out into the world together. Off-lead reliability can be a struggle with this breed, so working on your connection and building up a strong history of reward when it comes to recalling back to you, will mean your dog can enjoy time off the lead.