Mary Allen
If the ears don’t stop flapping wildly in the wind, it must be a Basset Hound! We introduce you to the super nose in the profile!
It’s a wonder he doesn’t take off like a helicopter: if a basset hound shakes himself once, his ears will fly. The breed is known for its long floppy ears, short legs, and exceptionally fine sniffing nose. But that’s not the only reason why dogs are highly valued by enthusiasts.
Find out all the important information about the Basset Hound’s character, history, upbringing, and care in our breed portrait of the Basset Hound.
What Does a Basset Hound Look Like?
The basset hound has so many unique characteristics that it’s almost impossible to know where to begin. The dogs have a massive body, lots of wrinkles, long ears, and a slightly doleful or sad expression on their face.
The back of the hound is very long in relation to the short legs. Also, the neck is usually wider than the head. The skin sags slightly, particularly on the head, legs, and chest, creating the Basset Hound’s characteristic folds.
The dog has a short, smooth and soft coat. Acceptable coat colors differ from country to country. Two or three colors of black, white, and brown or lemon and white are typical. However, all other hound colors are also permitted.
Finally, the Basset Hound’s most famous identifying features are its long lop ears and unique nose. He got both from his inbred relative, the Bloodhound. Along with the Bloodhound, the Basset is one of the dog breeds with the longest ears. And the fine nose of the Basset Hound is second only to the Bloodhound in the sense of smell with the most olfactory receptors.
By the way, the combination of lop ears and a fine nose is no coincidence. Thanks to its long ears, the Basset Hound can smell even better. You can find out why in this article.
How Big is a Basset Hound?
The Basset Hound’s small size is due to a form of so-called “dwarf growth.” Despite their bulk, males only reach a height at the withers of 30 to 38 cm and females 28 to 36 cm.
Nevertheless, the height of the withers should not be underestimated, because the dogs are surprisingly long. If they stand up on their hind paws, they can very well steal the cake from the kitchen counter.
How heavy is a basset hound?
What they lack in size, the dogs make up for in weight: males average between 25 and 34 kg and females between 20 and 29 kg.
How old does a basset hound get?
Unfortunately, the Basset Hound is one of the rather short-lived dogs in its size class. The average life expectancy of dogs is about ten to twelve years. This is small compared to other dog breeds of the same size.
The lower life expectancy has mainly to do with the health of the Basset Hound. Unfortunately, this can be affected by numerous diseases.
What character or nature does the Basset Hound have?
The character of the Basset Hound is shaped by two maxims:
- Gentle angel
On the one hand, he is an exceptionally good-natured, easy-going, and friendly dog. The breed is considered very people-related and loyal. Whether it’s a cat, children, or neighbors – the basset hound usually likes and tolerates them all (and with good socialization). Aggressiveness or restlessness are rather foreign to him. While the dog may bark at an (unknown) intruder on its property, it remains controlled and reserved.
- Stubborn boy
On the other hand, the basset hound is also known for its stubborn head. The dogs have a proud character and a strong tendency towards independence and autonomy. The will-to-please, with which i.a. the Labrador inspires its fans is not very pronounced with them. The dog prefers to think twice about whether it really wants to learn this or that trick. If he has also sniffed out an interesting track in the open air, the born hunting dog with the nose can hide everything else. Incidentally, this willfulness has earned the dogs a place on the list of the dumbest dog breeds in the world. That’s not entirely fair, however, because the basset hound is inherently extremely intelligent. He just doesn’t listen, huge eavesdroppers or not.
The History of the Basset Hound
Origins in France
The Basset Hound is thought to have descended from French trackers. As early as the 6th century, short-legged dogs were popular as scent hounds in what is now France. These dogs, in turn, are said to have been used as early as ancient Greece.
The name “Basset” was first mentioned in writing in France in 1585. The breed was able to establish itself over the centuries as a hunting dog for the nobility. With their short legs and super nose, they could easily maneuver through dense undergrowth, following the tracks of the game and finding it.
Today’s Basset Hound from England
In England, in the 1870s, deliberate breeding of a new breed began. An imported French basset hound was crossed with a local Bloodhound. This ultimately resulted in the Basset Hound we know today.
If the basset hound inherited its short legs from its French ancestors, its face, muzzle, and ears in particular are clearly shaped by the Bloodhound.
During the two world wars, the Basset Hound, like some other dog breeds, almost became extinct. However, through the efforts of some breeders, the breed was able to be nursed back to health.
Basset Hound: Proper Keeping and Training
No matter how good-natured, friendly, and relaxed the character of the Basset may be, training the dog requires a lot of experience and sensitivity. You should have a lot of patience, understanding, and loving consistency for the dog in the upbringing. Start training with the puppy.
The Basset Hound has a lot of self-will and a strong sense of self. Submitting to his humans is not his thing at all. The dog is also sensitive to harshness and aggression – in our opinion: rightly so!
Since the Basset Hound descended from inveterate hunting dogs, the dogs bred today also need appropriate employment. Despite their short legs, the Basset Hounds really like to exercise – but rather at their leisurely pace with plenty of breaks to try it out.
Make sure to invest a lot of time in occupying the Basset Hound’s nose as well. Lay tracks, hide objects, and design exciting tracking quests. So you not only make your dog happy but also have a lot of fun planning and executing.
What Grooming Does the Basset Hound Need?
Caring for the coat of the Basset Hound is uncomplicated. Brushing him through with a fur brush several times a week is sufficient here.
Caring for the ears and eyes, on the other hand, requires much more effort. Overbreeding of the deep wrinkles, drooping eyelids, and long ears often leads to inflammation and infection if you are not careful. Therefore, check and clean the affected areas every few days.
Cruel breeding traits in the Basset Hound
Unfortunately, a very unfavorable development began for the basset hound after the world wars – it became popular primarily as a fashion and show dog. Misdevelopments in breeding led to drastic extremes in the dog. These include exaggerated wrinkling, extremely short legs, long ears, drooping eyelids, and a few other traits considered “beautiful” in dog shows.
Unfortunately, this decade-long misbreeding continues to affect the health of the dogs to this day. It is true that many associations now enforce strict standards in breeding. The standard has also been adjusted several times, away from the unnatural external features and back to its original, more natural appearance. But the health impairments of the Basset Hound are still massive.
In Germany, the Basset Hound is now considered a pedigree dog with tormented breed characteristics. At the beginning of 2022, the Animal Welfare Dog Ordinance tightened in Germany: Dogs with tormented breed characteristics are no longer allowed to take part in exhibitions. This also applies to breeding performance tests, breeding approval tests, and dog sport events.
Most breeding associations criticize the changes massively. The VDH argues that all affiliated breeders must meet strict standards and breeding requirements, thereby ensuring the health of the dogs. The tightening of the animal protection dog ordinance would only drive breeders out of the associations – and thus out of the controls. Rather, pet breeding and breeders from abroad should be regulated, according to the VDH. To what extent the basset hound will be helped by this discussion is another question.
What are the typical diseases of the Basset Hound?
Unfortunately, the Basset Hound has to contend with a number of hereditary and breed-related diseases. This is bad for his health. The breed, therefore, has an average lower life expectancy than comparable dog breeds. Typical diseases include:
- Skeletal dysplasia: Abnormal growth of bones and cartilage leading to genetic short stature (achondroplasia).
- elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia
- Inflammation of the ears and eyes
- Inflammation of the folds around the muzzle
- tendency to be overweight
- gastric torsion
- Cancer
- Heart attack
- skin diseases
- epilepsy and other diseases
- mites
How much does a basset hound cost?
The Basset Hound has inspired you and you would like to take a puppy with you? Then buy the puppy only from a registered breeder. You can find a good selection at the Basset Hound Club von Deutschland e. V. and the association Basset-Hound-Freunde von Deutschland e. V. Both clubs are affiliated with the VHD and are therefore subject to high breeding standards.
The breed is rather rare in Germany and there are only a handful of breeders. As a result, the prices for puppies are also high and start at around 1,200 euros. (Also read: 11 Very Rare Dog Breeds)
However, as always, our tip is: Be sure to check the animal shelter to see if there is a basset hound with happily flapping ears waiting for a new home. If you love long walks, have a lot of patience, and enjoy the right search for clues and detective work just as much as the sleuths, then the Basset Hound is definitely the right dog for you.