Basset Hound Facts
The name, Basset Hound, derives from the word 'bas',
which means low in French. Many believe this dog is
a genetic dwarf and were actually born from other litters
of French hounds. It is a direct descendant of the bloodhound.
This breed has been a round for a very long time. At
a Paris dog show in 1863 is the first showing of this
breed. It very quickly became popular in England.
There was a debate that arose about which class it should
remain in. The split revolved around whether keep it
as a hunting dog or change it to a companion dog. American
breeders were already developing a breed that would
maintain the hunting dog characteristics but be a companion
dog. Because of their slow pace basset hounds are very
good for those who hunt while on foot. They are social
and can either hunt alone or in a pack. The first time
that the Westminster Kennel Club showed a basset was
in 1884, The Basset Hound Club of America was created
in 1935.
The AKC formerly recognized the basset hound in 1885
and classified it in the hound class. These dogs are
to be between 12-15 inches in height for the male, the
female is a little smaller at 11-14 inches. The females
weigh a little less also. Their ideal weight is between
45-60 pounds and the male is 50-60 pounds. They have
a life span that ranges from 10 to 12 years.
The body of the basset is well proportioned to be able
to go over difficult terrain while following a trail.
The bone is heavier in their short legs than any other
dog breed. A lot of people think of these dogs as a
little clumsy. The truth is their movements are very
deliberate. The chest should be full and deep and the
head is large yet very proportioned.
The elbows and shoulders in this breed will be close
to the sides of the chest. The back is well extended
and should be smooth and long. A full and round hindquarter
is a must.
In normal hound fashion the tail should have a slight
curve and be a continuation of the spine, no docking
of the tail is necessary. There are no real specifics
in color. Any generally accepted hound color is adequate.
When being shown the distributions of colorings and
markings hold no bearing.
The temperament of this breed is tranquil. They are
well behaved, and have a gentle, devoted disposition.
With this type of personality traits they are ideal
for family life. The may be laid back but do not confuse
it for being timid. They are a bit stubborn but are
very loving with their owners and gentle with children.
They can be trained to be quite obedient but if they
find and interesting smell to track, getting their attention
may prove to be difficult. The basset has a deep melodious
bark.
Because of their low spine and short legs it is important
to not allow them to get overweight. That will put to
much pressure on their spines. This heavy long body
may cause paralysis or lameness. Feeding them in small
portions a few times a day is the best way to help alleviate
bloating which is common in the breed.
They will do very well in a variety of living styles.
The ideal situation is a house with a small yard so
it can run and play. It will also do well in an apartment,
as their indoor behavior is not rambunctious. Just make
sure you are able to included regular exercise in its
routine.
They are shorthaired and require regular brushing. They
do shed constantly and may not be good for allergy suffers.
Only shampoo them when really necessary. Make sure their
nails remain trimmed. Their long ears prevent air from
getting in so it is important that you clean them weekly.
About the Author:
For more information on the Basset
Hound |
Dog Pound