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Basset Hound

Breed origin: France
Original purpose: Trailer of small game that hunters could follow on foot.

AKC recognized: 1885
AKC group: Hound

Size: Height: up to 14 inches

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Color: Any hound color.

Life span: 10 to 16 years.

General characteristics/temperament: Basset Hounds are mild, sweet, gentle, devoted, and friendly. They were bred to hunt small game on foot and are capable of great endurance in the field. Their sweet and gentle disposition make them great companions for families with children. New owners must remember that their strong sense of smell and hunting instinct will lead them to follow scents while outside or on walks. When they do pick up a scent, they have the tendency to ignore any commands and follow their nose instead. However, they are highly food-motivated and respond well to treat-based training methods. Basset Hounds should never be made to swim, because the combination of their short legs and long bodies do not allow them the ability to stay above water for very long.

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Good with children? Yes

Good with other dogs? Yes

© Ankevanwyk (Anke Van Wyk) | Dreamstime.com

Suitable canine sports/activities: conformation, obedience, tracking, field trial, pack hunting, agility

Grooming requirement: Minimal grooming required for their short coat. Because of their droopy eyes, the area under the eyeball tend to collect dirt and become clogged with mucus. Wiping their eyes with a damp cloth daily helps to keep the area clean and lessen eye irritation.

Known health problems: Ear diseases, dermatitis, arthritis, gastric dilatation volvulus, colitis, epilepsy, glaucoma, luxating patella, thrombopathia, von Willebrand disease, hypothyroidism.


Additional photos of Basset Hound

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Recommended books for further reading:

Basset Hounds (A Complete Pet Owner's Manual) By Joe Stahlkuppe Published in 2008 96 pages

Basset Hound (A Comprehensive Guide) By Betty A. Stenmark Published in 2003 158 pages

The Basset Hound By Bobbye Land Published in 2006 192 pages

The Basset Hound Owner's Surival Guide By Diane Morgan Published in 1998 248 pages

A New Owner's Guide to Basset Hounds By Joan Urban Published in 1998 160 pages

Bassett Hounds By Joe Stahlkuppe Published in 1997 96 pages

The Guide to Owning a Basset Hound By Lisa Puskas Published in 2001 64 pages

Basset Hound (Your Happy Healthy Pet) By Terry Albert Published in 2008 144 pages

Basset Hound (An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet) By Barbara Wicklund Published in 1996 158 pages

The Official Book of the Basset Hound By Robert Emrey Booth Published in 1999 320 pages

Basset Hound By Marianne R. Nixon Published in 1999 192 pages

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Other websites for additional information:

American Kennel Club breed page
Basset Hound Club of America
Wikipedia breed information page
Basset Hound Club of America Rescue

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Page Last Updated: February 1, 2018

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