Picking your Dog’s
breed is the most important factor in deciding which
puppy to purchase. As each breed is unique in size, temperament
and habits, certain breeds also may have special needs.
Displayed below is special information about the breed
you are interested in. Feel free to ask our breed specialists
any questions you may have regarding the breed you are
looking for.
Brief Background
Basset Hound, sporting dog originally bred in France from the French bloodhound and the Saint Hubert hound.
Appearance
Standing 11 to 15 in. high at the shoulder, the Basset has a long body and heavy bones and weighs 25 to 40 lb. The Basset has deep-set eyes; long, soft, hanging ears; a long head; and a large black nose. Used for tracking and hunting small game and game birds, the basset has a keen sense of smell, second only to that of the Bloodhound.
Temperament
The Basset Hound is one of the best dogs available for a family to love. They are extremely tolerant, gentle, loyal and affectionate. They get along well with other pets. The Basset Hound is a flexible pet who will be happy playing with children, hunting with owner or just sitting with owner in quiet time.
Height: n/a
Weight: n/a
n/a
n/a
Temperament:
The Basset Hound is one of the best dogs available for a family to love. They are extremely tolerant, gentle, loyal and affectionate. They get along well with other pets. The Basset Hound is a flexible pet who will be happy playing with children, hunting with owner or just sitting with owner in quiet time.
Grooming:
The smooth, short-haired coat is easy to groom. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and shampoo only when necessary. Wipe under the ears every week and trim toenails regularly. This breed is a constant shedder.
Origin:
The name Basset Hound comes from the French word "bas" meaning low. Some sources suggest the Basset Hound may have originated from genetic dwarf dogs presented in litters of other types of French hunting hounds, however, we do know that it is a rather old breed, descended directly from the Bloodhound. Shakespeare described the Basset Hound with the following poetic image: "Ears which sweep away the morning due." According to research, the true fame of the Basset Hound began in 1863, when it was presented at the Paris Dog Show. Its popularity spread to England where a lively dispute arose between two factions of breeders: Those who wanted to keep the Basset Hound a hunting dog, and those who wanted to transform it into a companion dog. Situated between these two factions were the American breeders who proceeded to develop an extremely pleasing companion dog without sacrificing any of the qualities of the hunter. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885. Its natural bent is for hunting both in the den and in the open. It is therefore, used for the hunting of fox, hare, opossum, and pheasant. Bassets can hunt in packs or alone. It has an excellent sense of smell, but its reflexes are a bit slow. Their slow pace is convenient for hunters on foot and keeps game from being scared out of reach. The Basset's nose is almost as outstanding as the Bloodhound's. George Washington may have owned Basset Hounds given to him by Lafayette after the American Revolution.
