Basset Hounds

Appearance:

Body: The body is strong-boned, long, heavy and low with a deep chest, loose skin and trailing belly.

Coat: Smooth and short-haired coat that sheds a lot. The coat is hard and thick providing protection against any type of weather.

Color: Found in All of the hound colors but usually seen in red and White (red spots on white fur), closed red and white (a solid red color with white feet and tails), and lemon and white.

Ears: Large and loosely folded.

Eyes: Brown or hazel and sunken..

Feet: Very large and very heavily padded.

Head: Large and long but well-proportioned to the body with a well-domed skull and pronounced occiput. Teeth are large.

Legs: Forelegs are short, powerful, and well-boned. Hind legs are well-rounded and powerful.

Neck: Long, muscular and arched.

Size:
Weight: 50 - 65 pounds (23 - 29kg)
Height: 13 - 15 inches (33 - 38cm)

Tail: Set high and curled to the side.

Behavior

Recommended for children

The Basset Hound is a calm, friendly, easygoing dog who likes to clown-around and is among the worst when it comes to begging or stealing any food or crumbs he can get. They're loyal and good around children but difficult to housebreak.

The trademarks of the Basset are their trailing bellies, very large paws and long ears. They drool and have a penetrating, baying-type bark or howl.

Due to their hunting instincts, the Basset Hound can be stubborn and will take off following a scent totally disregarding your commands. For this reason, they're best kept on a leash or in an enclosed area. Bassets are excellent trailing dogs and were once used to hunt hare.

Breed Type

AKC Group: Hound Group (Sent Hound)
The Bassets were bred to have dwarfism, specifically achondroplasia

Care and Grooming

Exercise: Regular exercise is needed to keep the Basset in fit condition. Extra weight on the Basset could lead to medical problems down the line.

Grooming: The Basset sheds lots and has body odor requiring regular attention to grooming.

Health

Life Expectancy: 12 Years

Possible Problems:
Bloat (twisting of the bowl)
Disk problems
Glaucoma (disease of the eye)
Low Thyroid
Luxating Patella (dislocation of the knee)
Ectropion ("cherry eye" - turning out of the eye lid)
Panosteitis (inflammation of bones - more common to younger Bassets)
Von Willebrand disease (bleeding disorder - more common to older Bassets)br />

Because of their long bodies and short legs, Bassets may also be prone to hip dysplasia if their weight is not controlled.

Country of Origin

France