Basset Hound

• The Basset Hound dog breed is an easily recognizable breed, distinct for its loose-fitting skin, long, velvety ears, and sad, brown eyes. The eyes have a prominent haw and a kind expression.

• Bassets have a large head, large teeth, lips that hang down, a deep chest, and large paws. The coat is hard, short, and shiny, and is usually white with sand-colored or chestnut markings.

• The dog should move deliberately, but not clumsily.

———————— Temperament ————————

• Basset Hounds are devoted, peaceful, sweet, gentle, and well-behaved. They are wonderful family dogs with an always-friendly, affectionate, and mild nature. They are excellent with children.

• Owners should be confident, consistent, and firm to prevent dogs from becoming overly stubborn. Be assertive and clear about the rules of the house. Dogs can learn to be very obedient with proper training, but they do have a tendency to follow their noses.

• Bassets love doing tricks for food, and they have a deep, musical bark.

———————— Height and Weight ————————

• Adult males tend to be 12-15 inches tall and weigh around 50-65 pounds.

• Adult females are generally 11-14 inches tall and weigh about 45-60 pounds.

———————— Living Conditions and Exercise ————————

• The Basset Hound dog breed does well in an apartment setting as long as they receive sufficient exercise.

• This breed is generally inactive indoors, but they will run for hours outdoors if you let them. They can be happy without a yard, but only if given enough opportunity to play and run in other venues.

• To stay healthy and mentally stable, these dogs need a daily long walk.

———————— Life Expectancy ————————

• Well-cared for dogs can be expected to live 10-12 years.

———————— Grooming ————————

• The easy-to-care-for coat requires occasional combing and brushing and shampooing only as necessary. Use a brush with firm bristles.

• Toenails should be trimmed regularly, and owners should wipe under the ears at least once a week.

• They are constant shedders.

———————— History ————————

• The Basset Hound dog breed is an old breed, descended from the bloodhound. Some breeders believe the Basset Hound was developed by breeding genetic dwarf dogs in litters of other hunting hounds.

• Bassets reached the height of their popularity in 1863 after being presented at the Paris Dog Show. They have been bred to be good companion animals with excellent hunting skills.

• Dogs are good at hunting both out in the open and in dens, so they are often chosen for hunting opossum, pheasant, or fox. They hunt in packs and alone. Their sense of smell is almost as keen as the Bloodhound, but their reflexes are slower.

———————— Group and Recognition ————————

• Grouping: Hound, AKC Sporting

• Recognition: CKC, ACR, NKC, APRI, FCI, KCGB, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NZKC

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