Basset Hound

The Basset Hound, whose name derives from the French word “bas,” meaning “low” or “short,” is an ancient breed with origins in France and Belgium. They are believed to be descendants of the famed St. Hubert Hound, a breed developed by monks at the St. Hubert Monastery in medieval Belgium. These early hounds were bred for their exceptional scenting ability, stamina, and a low-slung body that allowed them to navigate dense underbrush while tracking game.

Basset Hounds were particularly favored by French aristocracy for hunting small game like rabbits, hare, and sometimes even larger game like deer or boar, often in packs. Their short legs meant hunters could easily follow them on foot. Several types of Basset hounds evolved in France, but the Basset Artesien Normand is considered the primary ancestor of the modern Basset Hound. The breed was introduced to England in the late 19th century, where it was further refined and gained popularity. The American Kennel Club recognized the Basset Hound in 1885 (though not fully accepted until 1916), and their unique appearance and charming demeanor have made them a well-loved breed worldwide.

The Basset Hound is renowned for its generally calm, easygoing, and good-natured temperament. They are typically very friendly and sociable, getting along well with children, other dogs, and even cats, especially if raised with them. They are not usually aggressive and tend to be patient and tolerant. Bassets are deeply devoted to their families and thrive on companionship, often enjoying a good cuddle on the couch.

However, beneath this placid exterior lies a true hound’s determination and stubbornness. When a Basset Hound catches an interesting scent, their world-class nose takes over, and all else (including their owner’s commands) may be ignored. This single-mindedness can make training a significant challenge. They are intelligent but not always eager to please in the way some other breeds are. They are also known for their distinctive, deep, melodious bay, which they may use when excited, on a trail, or if feeling lonely.

The Basset Hound has a short, smooth, dense coat that is relatively easy to care for in terms of brushing. A weekly once-over with a hound mitt or soft bristle brush is usually sufficient to remove loose hair and keep their coat healthy. They are moderate shedders year-round.

The most critical aspects of Basset Hound grooming involve their ears and skin folds. Their very long, droopy ears trap moisture and do not allow for good air circulation, making them highly prone to ear infections. Ears must be checked and cleaned thoroughly every week with a vet-approved solution. The loose skin and wrinkles around their face and dewlap also need regular cleaning and drying to prevent irritation and skin fold dermatitis. Their propensity for drooling means their facial wrinkles may need frequent wiping. Regular nail trims and dental care are also essential.

Basset Hounds have moderate exercise needs. While they are not built for speed or intense athletic pursuits, they do require regular daily activity to maintain a healthy weight and prevent boredom. One or two moderate daily walks are typically sufficient. They enjoy leisurely strolls where they can put their incredible noses to work, sniffing every interesting scent along the way. Allowing them ample time to sniff is important mental stimulation for a Basset.

Due to their strong scenting instincts, Basset Hounds should **always be walked on a leash** and **exercised in a securely fenced area**. If they catch an irresistible scent, they will follow it determinedly and can easily wander off. While they have good stamina for long walks at their own pace, they are not suited for jogging or activities that require a lot of jumping, as this can put stress on their long backs and short legs. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to protect their joints and spine.

Basset Hounds are prone to certain health conditions, many related to their unique conformation. Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock for these issues. Potential health concerns include:

• Ear Infections (Otitis Externa): Very common due to their long, heavy ears trapping moisture and debris.
• Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus – GDV): A life-threatening condition where the stomach twists; Bassets are a deep-chested breed at risk.
• Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): Their long backs and short legs make them susceptible to spinal disc problems.
• Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Malformation of these joints.
• Eye Problems: Including ectropion (outward rolling eyelids), entropion (inward rolling eyelids), glaucoma, and cherry eye.
• Obesity: Bassets love to eat and can easily become overweight, which exacerbates back and joint problems.
• Skin Fold Dermatitis: Infections in their loose skin folds if not kept clean and dry.
• Thrombopathia: An inherited platelet disorder affecting blood clotting.

Diligent ear care, careful weight management, providing ramps to avoid jumping, regular veterinary check-ups, and choosing a puppy from a reputable breeder who conducts health screenings are essential for a Basset Hound’s well-being.

Training a Basset Hound requires a special kind of owner: one with immense patience, a great sense of humor, and an endless supply of high-value treats. They are intelligent but are also famously stubborn and easily distracted by scents. Their primary motivation is often food, which can be used to your advantage in training, but they are not always driven by a strong desire to please their owner in the same way as some other breeds.

Key aspects of training a Basset Hound include:

• Positive Reinforcement: They respond best to reward-based training. Harsh methods will likely result in them shutting down or becoming more obstinate.
• Keep it Short and Sweet: Their attention can wander, especially if there are interesting smells nearby. Keep training sessions brief, fun, and highly rewarding.
• Extreme Patience and Consistency: Don’t get discouraged if progress is slow. Consistency is key.
• Recall (“Come” command): This is notoriously difficult to train reliably in Bassets due to their powerful nose. Practice extensively in safe, enclosed areas, and never trust them off-leash in an unsecured environment.
• House Training: Can sometimes take longer than with other breeds. A consistent schedule and positive reinforcement are crucial.

Early socialization is important to ensure they are well-adjusted. While challenging, a well-trained Basset is a delightful, albeit still somewhat independent, companion.