Featured Breed - Basset Hound
06/26/2019
Basset Hounds are a jovial, mischievous, loyal and stubborn breed! And might I mention, they are some of the cutest puppies out there! They make a wonderful family dog given their low-key demeanor and social nature.
The Basset Hound is a short-legged breed belonging to the hound family. The name Basset is derived from the French word bas, meaning “low set.” They are known for their short legs, long ears, droopy eyes and deliberate sense of smell (second only to the Bloodhound). They are thought to be descendants of St. Hubert’s Hounds which originated in France. St. Hubert of Belgium was the patron saint of the hunt.
The Basset was bred to hunt rabbit and hare. They are well known for their distinct voice, which is akin to a ship’s fog horn. Basset Hounds make a sound called baying when they are hot on the trail of their prey…or urging you to get off their favorite spot on the couch.
This hound is a low-slung, heavy dog, but don’t underestimate their athletic ability. A Basset Hound can break into a run if necessary. They are known more for endurance than speed. They stand around 14-15 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh an average of 55-70 lbs.
Their coat is short, but smooth and comes in a variety of colors, with the most common being tricolor (black, brown, and white) and lemon/white. They are known to shed year round, posing a challenge for pet owners.
Basset Hounds require a regular, moderate amount of exercise to keep them lean, healthy and to prevent obesity. You will have your work cut out for you owning a basset, as they are sometimes known for being lazy. Due to their pendulous nature, basset hound ears may be more susceptible to developing ear infections and will require weekly ear cleaning at a minimum. As a Basset Hound owner, a close eye should be kept on your canine companion when outside as that nose can take them on an adventure at any instant. For this reason, a microchip is strongly recommended for this breed.
Fun Facts
- “Sherlock” was the Basset that Elvis Presley sang “Hound Dog” to on The Steve Allen Show in July, 1956.
- A Basset Hound’s long ears are thought to drag the ground to stir up scent during a hunt.
- “Flash”, the basset hound, was the famous sidekick to Rosco P. Coltrane on The Dukes of Hazzard TV show.
- The Marquis de Lafayette was thought to have given a pack of bassets to George Washington as a gift in 1785 and soon after they became a popular breed in America.
- A basset was chosen as the mascot of the popular Hush Puppies brand. His name is Jason.
To learn more about this one of a kind breed, please visit the Basset Hound Club of America Webpage.