In 1928 the Basset Hound went “viral” in the US. Time magazine featured a Basset Hound puppy on its front cover and a story about the Westminster Kennel Club’s 52nd annual dog show at Madison Square Garden. The article was written as if through the eyes of the puppy showing the breed’s charm… and the rest was history. In the 1960s, Bassets entered pop culture significantly when they appeared in the Hush Puppy shoe ad campaign. They also made their debut in the famed Fred Basset comic strip.
Basset Hound
Best known as the Hush Puppy dog, the Basset Hound is far more than an iconic advertisement. Renowned for their relaxed, even-tempered, kid-loving nature, they’re are a truly excellent, loyal addition to any family.
Country of Origin
France
Breed Group
Hound dogs
Height
Male 12-15 In
Female 11-14 In
Weight
Male 50-65 Ib
Female 45-60 Ib
Life Span
10-12 years
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In a Nutshell
The instantly recognizable Basset Hound is an endearing favorite of dog lovers worldwide. However, there are just a few quirks that you should know before setting off to adopt this wonderful dog. Firstly, they howl or bay rather than bark when lonely or alert you to strangers, and their sound travels far –your neighbors may not be thrilled. Secondly, they are the kings and queens of drool. Well, with those hanging jowls, what do you expect? And finally, while they’re big – they still think they’re lap dogs and will do their best to fit into yours.
Life With a Basset Hound
Low (1)
High (5)
Energy level
Trainability Level
Amount of Shedding
Tendency of Barking
Exercise Needs
Kid Friendly
Pet Friendly
Looks & Personality
While many dogs will have you trying to guess their breed, the Basset Hound is not mistaken. They’re short but heavy-boned, and those little bowed legs and huge paws have power, strength, and stamina. They are built for endurance and less for speed and move deliberately yet effortlessly. They’re most famous for their big, domed head, long muzzle, piles of baggy skin on their face, and extremely long, soft ears. Their coats are short, smooth, and hard-textured and come in three color patterns – tan, white, and black. Overall, with their mournful-looking eyes and wrinkled brow, they wear the look of a sad clown.
Since Bassets were bred as pack dogs, they love being with their families, are staunchly loyal, and get on with other pets. The Basset is sometimes stubborn while following its scent on a trail, but always a charmer and consistently a favorite worldwide.
Common Health Problems
Basset Hounds are known to be a generally healthy, long-living breed. They don’t suffer from many of the joint issues that many mid or large sized dogs do.
A tip from a vet
Basset Hounds are keen eaters, but since they are not very active at home, they can quickly gain weight and become obese. Obesity can lead to leg and back problems. Therefore, a commitment to exercise is necessary as well as an appropriate diet.
A tip from a trainer
The independent Basset Hound has a reputation for being harder to train than some more eager to please breeds. Training your Basset means understanding his motivation to use his nose and his need for establishing behaviors through repetition and strong leadership. Avoid punishment as a means of correction, as your sensitive Basset may not respond well to this form of correction. Instead, focus on direction when getting your Basset to listen to you by establishing a way to get his attention with leadership, signals, and commands.
Did You Know
Basset hounds are not only known for their long ears, but also their sense of smell. In fact, they have over 220 million smell receptors. Their long ears help left scents off the ground up to their nose.
Basset Hounds sure do have a pair of lungs on them—in fact, they’re considered one of the most melodious dog breeds around. (oops, sorry neighbors).
In 2011, A Basset Hound named Victoria was elected as co-mayor of Concord, Ontario, in 2011. She shared the responsibility with a Great Dane named Nelson
In The News
The History Behind the Breed
Basset Hounds were first bred in France. It is believed that Abbey of St. Hubert friars crossed medleys of older French breeds to produce a low-built scent and tracking hound. The dog would be able to trek over rugged terrain, followed by a person hunting on foot for rabbits and deer. For French aristocracy, hunting was a part of daily life; hence the Basset’s precision and perseverance once onto a scent made them a popular choice.
The first recorded reference to the Basset was in 1585 in La Venerie, an illustrated book on hunting by Jacques du Fouilloux. The illustrations show early French Basset Hounds similar to the current French Basset Artésien Normand dog breed.
Famous Basset Hound Owners
Elvis Presley, David Arquette, Clint Eastwood, Burt Reynolds, Marilyn Monroe, Betty White, Angelina Jolie, Joshua Jackson, Frank Sinatra, George Clooney
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