Basset Hound comes from France, where its Bas means low – a perfect description for this short-legged dog that appears to be all ears. Historians believe he may have descended from the now-extinct St. Hubert Hound.

Athletes work the Basset Hound dog breed in packs to trail hare and deer, where the Basset’s low, sturdy frame is well suited for moving through dense cover.

It is believed that George Washington once owned a pair of Basset Hounds presented to him by the Marquis de Lafayette.

Basset Hound FAQs Frequently Asked Questions:

Let us seek some answers related to the Basset Hound dog breed. Are they hypoallergenic (non-shedding), or do they shed a lot? Do they bark a lot? Are they good guard dogs? Are they good family dogs? Good with children? And many more questions that a potential Basset Hound owner may be concerned about.

Is the Basset Hound a hypoallergenic (non-shedding) breed?

No, Basset Hounds are not hypoallergenic. But, if you groom them properly, a Basset Hound may not bother your allergies. They typically do not shed as much as most other breeds.

Do Basset Hound dogs bark a lot?

Basset hounds may bark a lot, but they can be taught to be quiet.

Is Basset Hound a good family dog?

Basset Hounds are easy-going and pleasant-natured dog breeds. Overall, basset hounds are a sweet and gentle breed, making for a great family pet. Their size, temperament, and loyalty make them good dogs for apartment living. They are known for their social and silly demeanor and ability to make friends with just about anyone. Because of their friendly traits, Basset Hounds are great family dogs.

Are Basset Hounds affectionate? Good with kids?

Yes. The basset hound is a friendly, affectionate, easy-going dog breed. Originally bred for hunting in packs, they tend to be good with other dogs and other pets in general. Basset Hounds are people-oriented and get along well with children.

Are Basset Hounds good guard dogs?

No. Basset Hounds are neither good guard dogs nor good watchdogs. Basset Hounds have a deep bark that may scare strangers but once approached; they are very friendly even with strangers.

Are Basset Hounds aggressive dogs? Do they bite?

Basset Hound is not an aggressive breed of dog. If your Basset Hound is aggressive, this may be because of fear. Basset Hound breed is said to display fear aggression. Basset Hound puppies will nip and sometimes bite, especially during play; this behavior can be dealt with by saying NO and ignoring the puppy as soon as he nips/bites.

Can Basset Hounds swim? Do they like it?

Basset Hounds can swim only if needed to save their life. They do not like to swim. The short leg factor and the fact that they carry two-thirds of their weight in the front of their bodies have them at a disadvantage in water.

How much do Basset Hounds cost? How much is a Basset Hound puppy?

Basset Hound puppies cost about $1,000 to $1,400 from a reputed breeder. Some breeders may charge more for a Basset Hound with top breed lines and a superior pedigree. The cost to buy a Basset Hound varies greatly and depends on many factors. Expect to pay less for a puppy without papers; expect to pay a premium for a puppy advertised as show quality with papers.

The cost to adopt a Basset Hound is around $300 to cover the dog’s expenses before adoption.

How long do Basset Hounds live?

The Basset Hound has an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years.

Ok, so let’s assume you have chosen the Basset Hound as the best dog breed suitable for yourself. You have decided to find yourself a Basset Hound puppy as your next family member. How will you choose the best pup? Let us look at some standard characteristics of the Basset Hound dog breed, which will help you select the right puppy.

Choosing a good Basset Hound puppy

The definition of the best Basset Hound puppy depends on your requirements. Your expectations from an adult Basset Hound can be broadly categorized as follows: Confirmation for show or breeding; obedience; smart guard dog; companion; homely pet.

Although it is tempting to look for all these qualities in one Basset Hound puppy you are planning to buy, it is seldom possible to find all qualities in a single pup.

If you want your Basset Hound puppy to grow up to be a champion in the show ring, you should look for confirmation of the Basset Hound dog breed standards. We have put together a general guideline for selecting an all-around good puppy for you. Our guideline includes breed standards and gives importance to temperament, appearance, physical details, gait, health issues, grooming needs, and maintenance.

Look for the following characteristics while choosing a Basset Hound puppy.

The Basset Hound’s Temperament

Mild in temperament, the Basset is a dependable friend and companion. Don’t let the mournful expression and the languorous appearance fool you. Like any good hound, it only takes a whiff of an interesting scent to get him off and to run. He’s capable of great endurance and can cover a great deal of distance in a short time. Though he adapts well to either city or country living, he requires a daily walk or the equivalent exercise.

Basset Hound’s Coat and Color

The coat should be similar to that of the Foxhound, not too fine and not too coarse, but yet of sufficient strength to be of use in bad weather. The skin loose and elastic. No good hound is a bad color, so that any recognized Fox-hound color should be acceptable.

The Basset Hound’s Head

The head should be large. The skull narrow and of good length, the peak is fully developed, a very characteristic point of the head, which should be free from any appearance of, or inclination to, cheek bumps. It is most perfect when it closest resembles the head of a Bloodhound, with heavy flies and forehead wrinkled to the eyes. The expression when sitting or when still should be very sad, full of reposeful dignity. The whole of the head should be covered with loose skin, so loose in fact that when the hound brings its nose to the ground, the skin over the head and cheeks should fall forward and wrinkle perceptibly. The nose itself should be strong and free from snippiness. While the upper and lower jaws’ teeth should meet, a pig-jawed hound, or one that is underhung, is distinctly objectionable. The eyes should be deeply sunken, showing a prominent haw, and in color, they should be a deep brown. The ears are very long, and when drawn forward, folding well over the nose. They are set on the head as low as is possible and hang loose in folds like drapery, the ends curling inward, in texture thin and velvety.

The Basset Hound’s Neck

The neck is powerful, with heavy pendant dewlaps.

The Basset Hound’s Forequarters

The shoulders are muscular, sloping, and well laid back. The forelegs should be short, very powerful, very heavy in bone, close-fitting to the chest with a crooked knee and wrinkled ankle, ending in a massive paw. A hound must not be “out at elbows.” He must stand perfectly sound and true on his feet, which should be thick and massive, and the weight of the forepart of the body should be borne equally by each toe of the forefeet so far as it is compatible with the crook of the legs.

The Basset Hound’s Body

The chest should be deep and full. The body should be long and low and well ribbed up.

The Basset Hound’s Hindquarters

The quarters should be full of muscle, which stands out so that when one looks at the dog from behind, it gives him a round, barrel-like effect, with quarters “round as an apple.” He should be what is known as “a good dog to follow,” and when trotting away from you, his hocks should bend well, and he should move true all round. A hound should not be straight on his hocks, nor should he measure moreover his quarters than he does at his shoulder.

The Basset Hound’s Tail

The stern is coarse underneath and carried gaily in typical hound fashion.

Faults that are observed in the Basset Hound breed.

“Out at elbows” is a bad fault. Slackness of loin, flat-sidedness, and roach or razorback are all bad faults. Cow-hocks, straight hocks, or weak hocks are all bad faults.

Disqualifications: Unsoundness in legs or feet should absolutely disqualify a hound from taking a prize.

Photo: George Washington was a dog enthusiast and passionate about fox hunting. He kept over 36 hounds, including basset hounds, and had some favorites who went everywhere with him. Washington also helped bring into existence the American Foxhound.

Basset Hound Videos

We hope you enjoyed reading about the Basset Hound dog breed. You may consider sharing your views in the comments section below. Inputs and priceless experiences from dog owners, Basset Hound breeders, and dog lovers, in general, help us better understand the Basset Hound breed. Thank you for your interest.