The Basset Hound is a distinctive dog with short legs, a long body and characteristic long ears. Despite its calm appearance, the Basset Hound is a true hunting dog. The Basset Hound was developed to follow game trails with its excellent nose and has a great deal of perseverance. It is generally friendly, affectionate and sociable, but can also be quite stubborn. Consistent, positive training and sufficient exercise and mental stimulation are therefore important. Because of its unusual body shape, its health also requires extra attention. The Basset Hound is best suited to an owner who appreciates its independent character and has enough time for companionship, exercise and care.
The history of the Basset Hound has both French and British influences. According to the breed’s history, its predecessors were used in France for hunting in dense and difficult terrain. The name ‘Basset’ is derived from the French word bas, which means ‘low’. The breed was later further developed in Great Britain into the Basset Hound as we know it today. The Basset Hound was used as a scent hound and is specialised in following scent trails. It worked at a relatively steady pace and could cover long distances. Hunting small game, such as hares, was particularly well suited to the way it worked. Its short legs kept its nose close to the ground, while its strong sense of smell helped it follow a trail accurately. Although the Basset Hound is now mainly kept as a companion dog, its original qualities as a hunting dog are still clearly present.
The Basset Hound is known as a calm, friendly and affectionate dog. The Basset Hound originally hunted together with other dogs. As a result, it is generally sociable and likes having people and other dogs around. Being left alone for long periods is therefore less suitable for this breed and, as with any dog, should be taught gradually. At the same time, the Basset Hound is an independent hunting dog. During hunts, it had to be able to follow a scent trail on its own, and this independence can still be seen in its character. As soon as its nose picks up an interesting scent, attention to its owner can temporarily fade into the background. It can therefore be stubborn and persistent. Consistent but friendly training works best. Positive training, patience and interesting rewards help to keep its attention. Its sociable character often makes it suitable for family life, provided it has been well socialised.
The Basset Hound is immediately recognisable by its low build, long back and noticeably long ears. Despite its low stature, it is not a small or lightly built dog. It has a sturdy body, heavy bone structure and powerful, short legs. Its head has a characteristic, calm expression. The ears are set low and are long, narrow and supple. The skin is loose and elastic and forms skin folds in some places, particularly around the head and legs. These skin folds should not be excessive. The Basset Hound has a short, smooth and dense coat. The familiar tricolour combination of black, white and brown is common. Lemon and white and other recognised colours are also possible.
Its short legs and calm appearance can give the impression that the Basset Hound needs little exercise, but this is not the case. The breed was originally a persistent hunting dog and needs daily exercise to remain physically and mentally balanced.
For a healthy adult Basset Hound, allow for about one hour of exercise per day, spread across several walks. The exact requirement varies from dog to dog and depends on factors including age, fitness and health. Long walks where the dog is allowed plenty of time to sniff are very well suited to its natural behaviour. Tracking games, scent work and puzzles also provide good mental stimulation.
Because of its long back and short legs, it is sensible to avoid overexertion. Exercise should be built up carefully, especially for puppies and dogs with joint or back problems. Maintaining a healthy body weight is particularly important, as being overweight increases the strain on the back and joints.
The Basset Hound’s short coat is relatively easy to care for. Regular brushing helps remove loose hair and dirt.
Its long, drooping ears need more attention. Because of their shape, the ear canal is less well ventilated, which means Basset Hounds have an increased risk of ear infections. Check the ears regularly for redness, dirt, an unpleasant smell or excessive scratching. Only use suitable ear care for dogs when necessary and ask your veterinarian for advice if there are any symptoms.
Skin folds also need attention. Keep them clean and dry and check them regularly for redness and irritation. Also check the eyes, paws and nails.
Good dental care is also part of daily care. Ideally, the teeth should be brushed every day with a special dog toothbrush and dog toothpaste.
Because of its characteristic body shape, the Basset Hound is predisposed to various health problems. Some of these are related to breed features such as the long ears, short legs, long back, loose skin and drooping eyelids.
Ear infections are relatively common. The long, drooping ears reduce ventilation of the ear canal, which can create a warm and moist environment. Eye problems also require attention. With ectropion, the lower eyelid turns outwards, meaning the eye may not be adequately protected and irritation or damage can occur. The breed is also predisposed to glaucoma. This causes pressure in the eye to rise, which is painful and can affect vision.
Because of its long body and relatively short legs, the Basset Hound can also be prone to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), in which the discs between the vertebrae become damaged. This can cause back pain and, in severe cases, neurological problems. Skin problems can also occur, particularly around skin folds. Gastric dilatation/gastric torsion is also mentioned as a health risk in the breed. Gastric torsion is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention.
It is therefore important, when buying a Basset Hound, to pay close attention to the health of the parent dogs and to choose a breeder who considers health and welfare more important than exaggerated breed characteristics.
There are several dog breeds that share similarities with the Basset Hound in terms of hunting instinct, appearance or character:
When buying a puppy, it is important not to focus only on the Basset Hound’s characteristic appearance. Some breed features can cause health and welfare problems when exaggerated.
Make sure the parent dogs can move freely and smoothly. The dog should have sufficient clearance between the chest and the ground, and skin folds should not be excessive. Extremely long ears, very drooping eyelids and an excessively heavy build are also not characteristics to deliberately look for. The official breed standard instead emphasises that the Basset Hound should remain a functional working dog that can move freely and powerfully.
Ask the breeder which health tests have been carried out on the parent dogs. Also ask about hereditary conditions that occur within the bloodlines used. A reliable breeder can explain which tests are relevant for the breed and why.
Finally, take a good look at the puppies’ living environment. A puppy should grow up in a clean environment, be well socialised and have contact with different people, sounds and normal everyday situations.
The Basset Hound is a sociable and affectionate dog, but its calm appearance does not automatically mean that it is an easy dog. Its hunting instinct, strong nose and independence require patience and consistent training.
The Basset Hound is suitable for an owner who:
The Basset Hound can be suitable for a motivated beginner, provided they learn about the breed thoroughly and are prepared to invest time in training, socialisation and care. It is generally friendly and sociable, but its independent character can make training more challenging.
Its health also requires extra attention. An owner should be prepared to monitor body weight carefully, check the ears and skin regularly and be alert to problems affecting areas including the eyes, back and joints.
The Basset Hound is particularly well suited to a patient and involved owner who appreciates its friendly character and its stubborn hunting dog instinct.
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