Basset Hound

Origin & history

The Basset Hound was developed in France and refined in Britain, with its roots in older French scenthounds; the name comes from bas, meaning low, a nod to the short-legged build. The dogs were bred to trail rabbit and hare at a slow, steady pace that hunters could follow on foot, the low body keeping the powerful nose close to the ground and the long ears and loose throat skin thought to help sweep and hold scent. From the mid-nineteenth century British breeders, working partly from imported French hounds, developed the heavier, more exaggerated type recognised today. The breed became widely popular as much for its appearance and gentle nature as for its hunting, and its distinctive look has made it a fixture in advertising and popular culture. It is recognised by the ANKC and the major kennel clubs and remains a well-known companion in Australia.

Temperament

The Basset Hound is gentle, even-tempered and sociable, one of the more placid hounds to live with. It is affectionate and patient with its family and usually very good with children, tolerating handling and noise with calm good humour. Having been bred to hunt in packs it generally gets on well with other dogs, and it tends to be friendly rather than guarded with strangers, which makes it a poor watchdog beyond a deep warning bay. The defining trait is its nose and the stubbornness that comes with it: once on a scent a Basset can ignore everything else, including recall, so off-lead walking in open areas is risky and secure fencing matters. It is intelligent in its own way but famously strong-willed and slow to comply, so training needs patience, consistency and plenty of food motivation, of which this very food-driven breed has no shortage. Bassets are prone to baying and howling and can be vocal when bored or left alone.

Appearance

A short-legged, heavy-boned hound that is long and low, surprisingly substantial and weighty for its height. Most stand only about 33 to 38 cm at the shoulder but weigh a solid 20 to 29 kg, making this a big dog on short legs rather than a small one. The body is long with a deep chest, the skin loose and wrinkled especially about the head and neck, and the bone heavy. The features are unmistakable: very long, low-set velvety ears, large dark eyes with a slightly drooping lower lid that gives the soulful look, and a long muzzle. The coat is short, dense and weatherproof. Colours are usually the classic tricolour (black, white and tan) or lemon and white, with various other hound colours also seen.

Suitability

The Basset Hound suits relaxed households and is adaptable to apartments or houses, as it is calm indoors, though its size, weight and stubbornness need allowing for and stairs are best avoided to protect its back. It fits owners who want an affectionate, low-key companion and can cope with drooling, shedding, a loud voice and a dog that will not always come when called. It can work for a patient first-time owner who understands the stubborn streak and the firm need for weight control and ear care. It is sociable and dislikes long periods alone, when it may bay or become destructive. On climate, the short coat copes reasonably with warmth, but the heavy body, low clearance and tendency to overheat mean Australian summer exercise should be kept to the cooler parts of the day, with shade, water and a careful eye on weight year-round.

Health

Basset Hounds generally live around 10 to 12 years and, because of their exaggerated build, have a number of well-documented health issues that prospective owners should take seriously. The long, low-set ears are very prone to infection and need regular cleaning, and the skin folds, especially around the face and feet, can develop dermatitis. The long back and heavy body make intervertebral disc disease a real risk, made much worse by excess weight, and the breed gains weight very easily, so strict weight control is essential. Hip and elbow dysplasia occur, the deep chest brings some risk of bloat (gastric dilatation and volvulus), and the prominent, droopy eyes are prone to conditions such as entropion, ectropion, cherry eye and glaucoma. Some lines also carry a bleeding disorder. Buy from a breeder who hip scores, screens eyes, breeds for a more moderate, healthier shape, and is honest about the issues in their lines.