The word "Basset" is French and means "low-set", "stunted" or "dwarfed". The first proof of Basset existence is from 1585, denoted as badger dogs. The original home was the regions of Artois and Flanders. It was said the Basset will hunt all animals but is especially excellent for rabbit and hare. The French hounds became known in Britain after the invasion in 1066 by the Normans, but the foundations for the breed as we know it were laid by Sir Everett Millais when he purchased and imported to Britain a hound called Model. By the 1900s packs were established and the breed was popular on the show bench. In 1957 Bassets were sent to Sydney. Today they are found all around Australia.
Average Lifespan
When considering a dog, please realise that you are taking it on for its lifetime. Basset Hounds live from 10 to 12 years of age.
Breed Personality/Characteristics/Temperament
It is fortunate that such a large, solid hound (sometimes likened to a "Labrador on short legs") has such a placid disposition. It should be outgoing but gentle and loving. Like many breeds, Basset Hounds take eighteen months to three years to fully mature. During this juvenile stage they are full of energy and tend to get up to mischief! However, with firm and consistent discipline, these dogs make well-mannered and much-loved family members.
Activities
Basset Hounds compete in conformation (dog shows).
They should be trained in basic levels of obedience. They are not un-intelligent, just stubborn and lazy so they are rarely, if ever, seen competing in the obedience ring.
Compatibility with other pets
Excellent.
Care Requirements
Basset Hounds are enthusiastic eaters and should be fed a well-balanced, quality diet.
They love to come inside the house but will manage quite well outside, provided that they have a cosy draught-free kennel and a safe backyard in which to romp. It is imperative that yards be fully fenced with reliable gates. Bassets (being scenthounds) have very little road sense - they tend to just put their nose to the ground and off they go on their merry way.
In comparison to many other breeds, Basset Hounds need relatively little grooming but still love to be pampered and fussed over! Bassets have a slight drooping of the lower eye, where occasionally dust accumulates. Therefore, eyes should be checked regularly and any discharge or eye change reported to your veterinarian.
Bassets love a daily walk on a lead or a romp in the park but should be under supervision at all times. At home they need room to play in order to gain plenty of natural exercise. Puppies should be discouraged from overly rough play and never allowed to run down stairs. With this breed, continually exercising solely on grass can tend to weaken feet and pasterns, so walks on bitumen roads and/or footpaths should also be given.
Basset Hounds make excellent family pets, especially as they adore the attention of children (although there is a limit to the amount of pushing and pulling they will tolerate from very young children). As with all dogs, they should be supervised around children at all times.
Please Take Note
There is nothing worse than a totally unruly, uncontrollable, spoilt Basset. Remember that as these dogs mature, they need both firm and consistent training in order to learn acceptable manners. Do not let your Basset Hound rule the roost!
There is no correct colour for a Basset Hound. All colours and combinations are correct.
Ideal Owner/s
People who can provide the right facilities and asset the necessary discipline to enable them to enjoy these colourful canine characters to the full. The are well-suited to family life or to life with retirees.
In Conclusion
Now you know a little about the Basset Hound and have decided this is the dog for you or you want more information, make contact with The Basset Hound Club of Victoria or DOGS Victoria. The can provide you with information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs.
Searching for a Basset Hound Puppy
Be sure your puppy comes with ANKC registration paper and pedigree.
There are no required or recommended health checks, but the Basset Hound Club suggests viewing both parents, if possible, to see that their eyes are clear and healthy.
Likewise, check puppies for clear, healthy eyes. Puppies should be moving freely and should be outgoing and happy. Ensure they are kept in clean, adequate facilities.
