Basset Hound

also known as Hush Puppy, Basset

Pros History


The Basset Hound is a beloved breed with a rich history dating back centuries. The Basset Hound is believed to be a descendant of the St. Hubert Hound, which was developed in the 8th century by monks at the Saint-Hubert monastery in Belgium. This breed was known for its excellent sense of smell and was used for hunting large game such as deer and boar.

Over time, the St. Hubert Hound was bred with other hunting hounds to create a shorter-legged version that was better suited for hunting small game in dense underbrush. This new breed, known as the Basset Hound, quickly gained popularity among French nobility and was eventually exported to other parts of Europe and North America.

The Basset Hound's unique appearance, with their long ears and droopy eyes, was created by breeding various hunting hounds together. The breed was created by breeding Basset Artesien Normand, Basset des Alpes, and Basset Bleu de Gascogne.

The Basset Hound was first officially recognized by the Kennel Club (UK) in 1885 and by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1885. The breed quickly gained popularity in both Europe and America, and soon became a favorite of royalty and commoners alike.

Basset Hounds are known for their excellent sense of smell, which makes them excellent at hunting and tracking. They are also known for their loyalty and loving nature, which makes them great family pets. They are also known for their comical and clownish personalities, which make them popular show dogs.

Despite their short legs, Basset Hounds are quite agile and can keep up with their owners on walks and hikes. They do require regular exercise, however, to keep them healthy and happy.

The breed's name is derived from the French word "bas," meaning low, in reference to their short legs. The Basset Hound's origins can be traced back to ancient France, where they were used by nobility for hunting.

Breed Information


Type

Is Basset Hound a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Basset Hounds originally used for?

trailing rabbits and hare

Lifespan

How Long Do Basset Hounds Live? What is average life expectancy for a Basset Hound? How long can Basset Hounds live?

10-12 years

The average Basset Hound lifespan is somewhere between 10-12 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Basset Hound Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Basset Hound?

What is the average height of a Basset Hound? How big is a Purebred Basset Hound height? Basset Hound dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 12-15 inches (30.5 - 38.1 cm) 7.0 inches (17.8 cm) 13.5 inches (34.3 cm) 13.5 inches (34.3 cm)
Female 11-14 inches (27.9 - 35.6 cm) 7.0 inches (17.8 cm) 12.5 inches (31.8 cm) 12.5 inches (31.8 cm)
What is the average weight of a Basset Hound? How much should Basset Hounds weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 50-65 pounds (23 - 29 kg) 22.5 pounds (10 kg) 37.5 pounds (17 kg) 55.0 pounds (25 kg)
Female 45-60 pounds (20 - 27 kg) 18.5 pounds (8 kg) 35.0 pounds (16 kg) 47.5 pounds (22 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Basset Hounds get fat easily?

They are known for having a strong tendency to become overweight. It is important to find a balance between providing enough exercise and controlling their food intake. To maintain a healthy weight, it is recommended to increase the frequency and duration of daily walks and to engage in more playtime with the Basset Hound.

Hypoallergenic

Are Basset Hounds Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Basset Hound is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Basset Hound personality? What are Basset Hound dogs best known for?

Affectionate
Friendly
Sweet
Tempered
Devoted
Gentle
Tenacious

Shedding Level

Are Basset Hounds heavy shedders? How Much Does a Basset Hound Shed?

Basset Hound dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Basset Hound. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Basset Hound dog?

The Basset Hound breed is one of the worst choice if you want a good watchdog.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Basset Hounds come from?

France

Ancestry

What are Basset Hounds descended from?

basset d’artois, basset normand

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Basset Hound breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

Date of Birth

When were Basset Hounds first bred? How old is the Basset Hound breed?

1500s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Basset Hound?

Hound (AKC:1935)
Scenthound (UKC)

Basset Hound Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Basset Hound eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Basset Hound nose be naturally?

Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Basset Hound coat be naturally?

Pied
Black
White
Red
Brown

Coat Length

How long is a Basset Hounds coat?

The coat of a Basset Hound dog ranges in length from short to medium.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Basset Hound Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Basset Hound?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Basset Hound have in a litter? How many puppies can a Basset Hound have in her first litter?

10-12 puppies per pregnancy

A Basset Hound can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Basset Hounds are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Basset Hound Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Basset Hounds have a lot of health problems?

The Basset Hound is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Basset Hound?

Gastric Torsion
Von Willebrand's Disease
Hypothyroidism
Thrombopathia

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Basset Hounds?

Intervertebral Disc Disease
Glaucoma

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Basset Hound breed?

Eye
Blood
Skeletal
X-Rays
Physical Examination

Basset Hound Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Basset Hounds have a lot of energy?

Basset Hounds may be a good breed for those who prefer a more relaxed lifestyle. They tend to have a lower energy level than other breeds of dogs.

Social Needs

Do Basset Hounds need socialization? How social are Basset Hounds?

Basset Hounds have average social needs compared to other breeds. They are known to be less active and independent than other breeds, and they are content with spending time alone and with their human family.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Basset Hounds get?

The Basset Hound dog requires a moderate amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people who have a moderate amount of time to devote to their pet and enjoy regular physical activity themselves. They also make great family pets as they have the energy to keep up with children and the temperament to be great companions.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Basset Hound have? Do Basset Hounds sleep a lot?

The Basset Hound breed is known for their relaxed and calm nature and tendency to sleep for long periods of time.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Basset Hound drool a lot?

The Basset Hound is a breed that is known for drooling quite a lot. Drooling is the unintentional flow of saliva outside of the mouth and can be a normal characteristic of certain breeds. Basset Hound is one of them. If you dislike the presence of drool and the potential for saliva spots on your clothes, it may be best to consider a different dog breed. Drooling is a normal part of their physiology but it's important to consider if it's something you can handle.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Basset Hounds tend to bark moderately, they bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or to communicate something. They may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Territorial

Do Basset Hounds exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

Basset Hound dogs are not known for their protective nature and may not be the best choice as guard dogs. They do not have a strong drive to defend their territory and may not be inclined to provide protection.

Mouthiness

Are Basset Hounds mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Basset Hound running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Basset Hound dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Basset Hounds enjoy doing? How do I keep my Basset Hound busy?

Playing outside, Cuddling, Car rides, Treats, Nap, Sniffing, Petting, Sniffin, Pattoll, Patrolling, Dog watching, Howling, Getting pets, Sniffing things, Go to Park, Walk, Catch treats, Nose work, Brushing, Eating Snacks, Sniff, Cuddle, Sleep, Walking, Meeting dogs, Meeting people, Kissing, Run, Fetch, High Five

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Basset Hound? How much energy does a Basset Hound have?

Medium

Basset Hounds are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Basset Hound walk each week? How many miles should a Basset Hound walk every week?

7 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Basset Hound, it's at least 7 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Basset Hound should exercise a day? How much activity does a Basset Hound need?

30 minutes

In general most Basset Hounds usually need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Basset Hound?

The Basset Hound is a breed of dog that is known for its low grooming needs.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Basset Hound?

Weekly

Basset Hound should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Basset Hounds?

Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Basset Hound eat?

3 cups

For an average 50-65 pound (23 - 29 kg) Basset Hound feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Basset Hound Cost Daily?

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a Basset Hound is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Basset Hound Cost Per Month?

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a Basset Hound is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Basset Hound Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Basset Hound?

The Basset Hound have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. This breed is an independent "freethinker" and gets on the dumbest dog breeds list since they can also be stubborn — training a Basset Hound is an exercise in patience.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Basset Hound dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Basset Hound dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Basset Hound do well in apartments? Are Basset Hounds good indoor dogs?

The Basset Hound is not an apartment-friendly dog breed. This dog breed is best in a home with a large, fenced-in yard. They are not suited for apartment life and can become destructive due to pent up energy from being in a small space.

Child Friendly

Are Basset Hounds good with kids? Are Basset Hounds good around children?

A Basset Hounds typical characteristics indicate that this breed of dog is an ideal companion for kids and makes them family pets. Their gentle and protective nature and calm mentality make them gel along quickly with the younger humans

Senior-friendly

Are Basset Hounds good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Basset Hounds good with cats? How friendly Basset Hounds are toward cats?

Basset Hounds are very cat friendly dogs. They generally make good companions for cats.

Dog Friendly

Do Basset Hound dogs get along with other dogs? Are Basset Hounds OK with other dogs?

Basset Hounds are very friendly towards other dogs. This breed typically have a happy and affectionate temperament around dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Basset Hound dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Basset Hounds friendly with strangers?

Basset Hounds are very friendly around strangers.

Playfulness

Do Basset Hounds like to play? Are Basset Hounds playful?

Basset Hounds are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Basset Hound easily trained?

Basset Hound dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Friendly
    Basset Hounds are known for their friendly and sociable nature.
  • Cat Friendly
    Basset Hound dogs are recommended for households with cats.
  • Low energy
    They have a low energy level and are happy to laze around the house.
  • Good with children
    They are gentle and patient with children, making them great family pets.

Cons

  • Not Hypoallergenic
    People with allergies should be aware that Basset Hounds may cause allergic reactions.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    Basset Hounds may not be able to handle the distractions of an office.
  • Not Apartment Friendly
    The Basset Hound breed may not be ideal for apartment dwellers.
  • Odor
    The Basset Hound is likely to produce a strong bad odor.
  • Weight
    Basset Hounds are prone to obesity and require a controlled diet.