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Basset Hound

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Basset Hound (Sitting, Face)
Sitting, Face

Breed Information

Popularity

2022: #36

2021: #34

2020: #36

2019: #37

2018: #39

2017: #39

2016: #39

2015: #39

Name Basset Hound
Other names Basset, Hush Puppy
Origin France
Breed Group

Hound (AKC:1935)

Scenthound (UKC)

Size Medium
Type Purebred
Life span 10-12 years
Temperament

Affectionate

Devoted

Friendly

Gentle

Sweet-tempered

Tenacious

Height

Male: 12-15 inches (30-38 cm)

Female: 11-14 inches (28-36 cm)

Weight

Male: 50-65 pounds (23-29 kg)

Female: 45-60 pounds (20-27 kg)

Colors

Black and Tan

Brown

Gray

Red

Tricolor

White

Litter Size 6-8 puppies
Puppy Prices

Average $800 - $1500 USD

Usually, the average price of a Basset Hound puppy from a reputable breeder is between $800 and $1,500, while a top-quality Basset Hound puppy can cost as high as $3,000 and upward. Their price depends upon the pup’s age, sex, quality, pedigree, and breeder’s location.

Breed Characteristics

Adaptability

5 stars

Apartment Friendly

3 stars

The Basset Hound will do okay in an apartment. They are very inactive indoors but outdoors they will run for hours in play if given the chance. They will do okay without a yard, but should be given plenty of opportunities to run and play to keep healthy and trim.

Barking Tendencies

3 stars

Occassional

Cat Friendly

5 stars

Child Friendly

5 stars

Good with Kids: This is a suitable dog breed for kids. It is also friendly toward other pets and friendly toward strangers.

Dog Friendly

5 stars

Exercise Needs

3 stars

Basset hounds do not require much exercise, but they tend to get excited and energetic once taken outdoors. They should be taken for short walks or allowed to play in the yard. Basset Hounds can live happily in an apartment.

Grooming

2 stars

The oily Basset coat gives the dog a “houndy” odor. Some people like it, some people loathe it. If you’re a loather, you can bathe your Basset weekly to reduce the smell, but it will never completely go away. The rest is basic care. Trim his nails as needed, usually every few weeks, and brush his teeth for good overall health and fresh breath.

Health Issues

3 stars

Hypoallergenic: No

Intelligence

3 stars

Ranking: #71 Full Ranking List

Playfulness

3 stars

Shedding Level

3 stars

Moderate Shedding: The Basset has a short coat that requires daily care because it sheds heavily. Brush it with a rubber curry brush daily if you want to keep all the loose hair under control. The brush removes dead hairs that would otherwise end up on your floor, furniture and clothing.

Stranger Friendly

5 stars

Trainability

3 stars

Moderately Easy Training: Basset hounds must be trained with consistency and patience. You should make the process active and engaging to keep them interested. Basset Hounds may forget to obey when a snack reward is not present. The Basset Hound is known for being difficult to house break.

Watchdog Ability

1 stars

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Basset Hound (Lying, Face)
Lying, Face

Basset Hound Names

Rank Boy Names Girl Names
01 Max Lucy
02 Charlie Millie
03 Gus Molly
04 Finn Scout
05 Bear Bailey
06 Buster Chloe
07 Duke Winnie
08 Ollie Lily
09 Toby Sophie
10 Tank Sugar
100 Cute Puppy Names ›

Overview

The Basset's long, heavy body and short legs make it easy to follow on foot and give it an edge in dense cover. The basset hound has heavier bone, in proportion to its total size, than any other breed. Its thick, tight coat protects it from brambles without becoming caught in them. It is speculated that its long ears may stir up ground scent, and the wrinkles trap the scent around the face. The large muzzle gives ample room for the olfactory apparatus. Such room would not be available in a miniature dog; only a large dog with shortened legs can combine the short height with large muzzle size. The basset's movement is smooth and powerful; it tends to move with nose to the ground.

The Basset Hound is among the most good-natured and easygoing of breeds. It is amiable with dogs, other pets and children, although children must be cautioned not to put strain on its back with their games. It is calm inside, but it needs regular exercise to keep fit. It prefers to investigate slowly, and loves to sniff and trail. It is a talented and determined tracker, not easily dissuaded from its course. Because of this, it may get on a trail and follow it until it becomes lost. It tends to be stubborn and slow-moving. It has a loud bay that it uses when excited on the trail.

History

The Basset Hound (‘Basset’ derives from ‘dwarf’) was bred at St. Hubert’s Abbey in medieval France to trail game. They were bred for sharp noses and short legs to be able to squeeze in under thick foliage, but were not meant to run at fast speeds, so as to prevent them from scaring game away or outrunning human companions. They were especially suited for rabbit hunting. Basset Hounds grew in popularity when Napoleon III kept a few as pets, and became known internationally during the 1863 Paris dog show. They were subsequently brought to America in the late 1800’s. Today, Basset Hounds are a popular pet and remain admired pack hunters. Some American cities, such as Buffalo and New Orleans, have annual Basset Hound-focused festivals and competitions, even crowning King and Queen Bassets. Famous Basset Hounds include comic strip character Fred Basset and the logo for ‘Hush Puppies’ brand shoes.

References

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