Basset hound: Dog breed characteristics & care

👉 Coming up with a pet name can be fun but tricky. Search no further! According to PetScreening’s 2024 database, the majority of our users name their male Basset Hounds Copper; Charlie is the 2nd most popular male name. Meanwhile, most of our users with female Basset Hounds love Daisy, then Luna.

• Basset hounds have dwarfism. These large dogs with little legs are the result of a form of dwarfism called achondroplasia Trusted Source PubMed Central Archive of biomedical and life sciences journal literature. Go to source . 
• Those little legs serve a purpose. Their short legs keep them close to the ground, making it easy to track scents while hunting. 
• They make excellent Mayors. Victoria, the basset hound, was elected co-mayor of Concord, Ontario, in 2011. She held the office with a serious-looking Great Dane named Nelson.

The basset hound was bred for hunting small game. However, when they’re not trailing rabbits or squirrels in the yard, these dogs are laid-back pals who often love kids and are steadfastly loyal to their owners. Adaptable, affectionate, and all-around low-key, these dogs are a great choice for new pet owners. Despite their protesting, bassets do best with moderate exercise and mental stimulation like puzzles or slow feeders. 

Basset hounds are people and pack-oriented, so they usually respond well to strangers and get along well with other pets. However, like any breed, it’s a good idea to train and socialize your pet early to keep them on their best behavior.

Basset hounds, like all breeds, are prone to certain health conditions. This doesn’t mean that every basset hound will develop health problems, but it’s best to be informed about common issues they may experience to keep your pup happy and healthy. 

• Ear infections. Those long, floppy ears can pick up dirt and debris, which ends up trapped in the ear canal. Check and clean your basset’s ears weekly to help prevent infection. 
• Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV). Also known as bloat or gastric torsion, this life-threatening condition is more common in deep-chested breeds like bassets. It’s best to split your dog’s food into 2-3 smaller meals per day. Contact your vet immediately if you notice a bloated belly, excessive drooling, or gagging without throwing up.
• Hip Dysplasia. Many factors, including genetics, environment, and diet may contribute to this hip joint deformity. 
• Back problems. Basset hounds are especially prone to back problems Trusted Source VCA Hospitals Community of veterinarians with up-to-date veterinary information. Go to source . It may be due to genetics, certain movements, or jumping on or off furniture. Signs include an inability to stand on the rear legs, paralysis, and sometimes loss of bowel and bladder control. Dog ramps are an excellent way to keep your pet from getting injured.

Cost of caring for basset hound

Basset hound puppies often cost between $450 to $1400 from a reputable breeder. However, if you’d rather adopt a pup in need, you can visit your local animal shelters or check out rescue organizations dedicated to this loving breed. 

The first year with your new pal is incredibly exciting, but there are several costs you’ll need to keep in mind. Aside from the cost of the dog itself, you’ll need to consider vaccinations, routine checkups, microchipping, food, toys, a bed, flea and tick medications, heartworm prevention, and anything else your pet may need, which can add up to about $2,600 in the first year. However, after that first year, the price drops to about $1,400, excluding any unexpected medical procedures. Pet health insurance or a pet savings account are great ways to reduce any out-of-pocket expenses. They provide the greatest benefit to owners who sign their pets up early in life.

Basset hounds were originally bred in France and Belgium. The word “basset” comes from the French word “bas,” meaning “rather low.” This breed of dog is thought to descend from the St. Hubert hound, the ancestor of the Bloodhound. The first bassets were most likely the result of a mutation from the St. Hubert strain, which produced a hound with such short legs. This breed was first popular with the French aristocrats, but after the French Revolution, they became hunting dogs for commoners who needed a dog they could follow on foot. Since this breed was designed for stamina rather than speed, it was an excellent choice for hunters who didn’t have access to horses. 

In 1866, the breed made its way to England, but it wasn’t until the late 1800s that the basset hound dog started to become popular. While no one knows for sure when the basset was first introduced in the United States, it wasn’t until 1928 that the breed started gaining popularity with Americans. Bassets entered pop culture in a big way in the 1960s, taking part in the advertising campaign for Hush Puppy shoes and the debut of the Fred Basset comic strip. Today, the basset is one of the most well-loved breeds and holds a special place in our hearts with their droopy eyes, floppy ears, and steadfast loyalty.

Regardless of breed, caring for a new addition to the family can be overwhelming. From your first trip to the vet and scheduling your pup’s vaccinations to puppy-proofing your home and preparing for teething, there’s a lot to do. Here are some basset hound basics to help you prepare for your new pet.

Exercise 

Basset hounds aren’t the most active dog breed, but they do require moderate exercise like a daily walk or playtime outside with other dogs. Since bassets were originally bred to work in a pack, these dogs enjoy spending time with other pets and can be quite playful if they’re in the mood. While this breed doesn’t need constant exercise, they aren’t the best choice for apartment or condo living due to their size and rather vocal nature. Instead, a loving home with a yard to play in will meet this breed’s needs perfectly.

Keep in mind that Basset hounds with health problems, especially hip dysplasia and cervical intervertebral disc disease, may have exercise restrictions Trusted Source VCA Hospitals Community of veterinarians with up-to-date veterinary information. Go to source .

Grooming 

While this breed’s short coat doesn’t require a lot of grooming, bassets can shed quite a bit. A good brushing session once a week can help keep that shedding at bay, along with a quality diet and supplements like fish oil. In addition, since this breed is prone to ear infections, it’s best to check and clean their ears weekly, and you will want to make sure you regularly trim their nails, brush their teeth, and give them the occasional  bath to keep their coats clean and shiny. 

Diet and nutrition 

Basset hounds are prone to bloat, which is a potentially fatal condition. While high-quality dog food is sufficient for their health needs, it’s better to feed them two or three smaller meals a day rather than one large meal. Try to limit your basset’s exercise immediately after eating to avoid any digestive issues, and keep an eye out for any bloating, gagging without vomiting, or signs that your pup isn’t doing as well as they should be. On average, these dogs eat about 1.5 to 2.5 cups of food per day, but you’ll need to talk to your vet to determine proper food portioning for your pup’s individual needs.

Basset hounds are often incredibly independent, and training can be a challenge. Because the breed was developed to hunt independently and follow a scent trail without distraction, they aren’t always the best listeners. While bassets can definitely be trained, it may take a bit more time, consistency, and persistence than other breeds. These dogs do best when trained from a young age and benefit most from positive obedience training.

Not quite sure that a basset hound is right for you? Even if you are, it’s worth taking the time to research and consider other similar dog breeds. Here are a few to get you started:

• Bloodhound. This breed has an independent, curious, and determined personality and shares the basset’s incredible tracking abilities. 
• Dachshund. These small but spunky dogs are brave hunters and curious companions, sharing many physical and personality traits with the basset. 
• Beagle. This happy-go-lucky breed is an excellent hunting dog and lifelong companion that’s perfect for families.