About Bassets
Introduction
The Basset's long,velvety ears brush the earth, gathering scents of game to his powerful nose as he maneuvers through brushy fields, marking his progress with glorious song. His shortened legs and gay tail make him easy to follow on foot as he flushes game into the open with a relentless drive. The Basset is often considered a clown with his baleful Emmett Kelly countenance and odd build, but he is actually quite agile and intelligent and has a reputation as a steadfast family friend. A gentle dog, he is well-suited to families with children and usually gets along well with other dogs. The Basset's demeanor is rooted in his purpose, he was developed in France as a sent hound of uncommon talent to locate and flush a variety of game from rabbits and foxes to deer and wild boars. His name comes from "bas," the French word for short or low-set. Descended from the Bloodhound, that super-sleuth of dogdom known as the St. Hubert Hound, the Basset is second only to that ancestor in his scenting ability and shares the same laid-back temperament and ability to work in teams. The Basset Hound Club of America notes that the exact history of the dog is unknown, but that the dog gained popularity among the aristocracy and the working classes in France in the late 18th Century. The English learned about the breed that was easy to follow on foot, and later both the British and the French brought the Basset to the colonies. General Lafayette reportedly gave a pair of the hounds to George Washington. Here sportsmen used the dog to trail fox, raccoon, opossum, and squirrel and to flush rabbits and pheasants. Although the Basset came to the US in colonial times, the breed did not come into its own in this country until early in the 20th Century. In 1920, several easterners imported dogs from leading kennels in England, and development of the heavier, bigger-boned American-type Bassets began.
The "Look"
The Basset Hound's close-to-the-ground chassis, gay tail, and long, long ears make it a breed of distinction. The dogs should be no more than 14 inches at the shoulder, but, because of the heavy bones and muscles, can weigh between 40 and 80 pounds. They are much longer than tall, a conformation that can cause back problems if the dog is not managed properly. The Basset head is unique. The skull is rounded, the muzzle deep, and the skin loose on the face and heavily wrinkled over the brow when the dog's head is lowered to sniff the trail.. The combination of pendulous ears, face wrinkles, and pendulous lips gathers scent towards the nose where it belongs. The Basset's short legs end in massive paws. The front feet turn slightly outward to balance the width of the shoulders. The hind feet point forward. The coat is short, hard, and dense, and the color and pattern are that of typical hounds with tri-color (black, red, and white), red and white, lemon and white. mahogany and white, or blue.
Character
The Basset Hound is a suitable dog for a family, apartment living, hunting, tracking, obedience, and multiple-pet households. He is extremely loyal, needs only moderate exercise, and is relatively easy to train (although he can be stubborn at times). His biggest faults as a home companion are his melodious voice, his penchant for following his nose wherever it takes him, and his slobber.Some Basset Hounds have a tendency to howl when left alone for long periods of time. They will also wander away from home if not kept in a securely locked fenced area.
Health
Although he is generally healthy, the Basset is susceptible to several genetic conditions and to glaucoma, obesity, gastric torsion, panosteitis, ear infections, and allergies. His long back predisposes him to disc problems and can cause problems if he is overweight, out of condition, or jumps on and off furniture. He is also subject to von Willebrand's disease, a genetic blood disease similar to hemophilia, cherry eye, and to elbow and hip dysplasia. Panosteitis is a wandering lameness of unknown cause and cure. Puppies generally outgrow the condition by two years of age. Like other deep-chested breeds, Bassets should be fed twice a day throughout their lives to minimize chances of bloat and torsion. They should have a daily walk and a moderate diet to avoid the problems that can come with becoming overweight. They should not be allowed to climb stairs to often as this may lead to hip, elbow, or back problems. More info on Basset Health
Original Purpose
Basset Hounds are descended from the old St. Hubert hounds. Used to trail and drive game away, the Basset has had such famous admirers as King Edward VII and Shakespeare. The Basset was bred for hunting small game. The Basset's long ears were developed to stir up and hold the scent for their strong nose to smell. The folds of skin under the chin, called the dewlap, help trap and hold the scent. Wrinkles about the head and face also aid in holding the scent. Their large feet make them steady and the heavy bones make them sturdy. With their short legs they are ideal for slow trailing which allows hunters to follow on foot. The Basset is used primarily to hunt rabbit although they were first used on other small game such as pheasant.
Good Pet?
The Basset Hound is one of the best dogs available for a family to love. They are extremely tolerant and love everyone in the family equally. They are a very gentle, sweet, loyal and affectionate breed, although they are quite stubborn at times. They get along well with other pets of various species. They are not an aggressive watchdog but will learn to give a deep bark as a warning if praised when sounding off. Otherwise, they will accept visitors with a sniff and return to a favorite corner. The Basset Hound is a versatile pet who will play with children, make a skilled hunter, and sit by their owner's side during quiet times.
How Big is the Adult Basset Hound?
The male Basset Hound at maturity usually weighs between 50 and 70 pounds, and stands 12-, to not more than 15-inches tall at the shoulder. They are a big dog on short legs. The female is usually about 10 pounds lighter and 1-inch or so shorter than the male. Make no mistake, the Basset grows to be a good size dog, weighing more than most people expect, due to his heavy bone. As a young dog they need a consistent, firm, (but not harsh) hand so they will learn not to jump on people. They are not lap dogs, even though they may think so. The Basset has a large, well proportioned head, sad, droopy eyes with a prominent haw; and long, low-set ears and loose facial skin and dewlap. A muscular neck and shoulders arch above a powerful chest, and the stubby legs are tipped with huge paws. His low-slung, loose-skinned, body is accented by a tail carried gaily in an up swept arc.
Temperament
Basset Hounds have gentle dispositions. They were bred to be pack dogs and to get along with each other. This makes the male as friendly, mild, and easy to live with as the female. Males are not as aggressive as some other breeds of dogs, and they are usually not as prone to "marking" their territory unless there is an un-neutered male around
Strange Habits?
Some Basset Hounds have a tendency to howl when left alone for long periods of time. They will also wander away from home if not kept in a (securely locked) fenced area. The Basset is so good with kids, and often found in homes with children, great care MUST be taken to assure that gates cannot accidentally be left open when the kids enter and leave the fenced area. When a good scent reaches their nose, there is no telling where they will end up, and unfortunately, the Basset is not good at finding the way home. A responsible owner keeps his Basset as safe from harm as he would any other cherished pet. A Basset with its large deep flews also tends to be more slobbery than other breeds. Some individual Bassets are "drier mouthed" than others, but as a whole the breed is a "wet mouthed" breed. To the prospective Basset owner, this means that that the dog will drool quite a bit, and tend to make a mess while drinking.
Eating
Adult Basset Hounds generally eat between 2 and 4 cups of food per day. (Many dog food labels have you over-feeding your dogs.) Bassets often have a tendency to get fat, partly because their sad look lends their owners to "take pity on them" and give them more food than they require. Overeating is dangerous to all dogs. Puppies, depending on their age, will eat from two to four meals per day in proportion to their size. You should avoid feeding your Basset fad foods; feed a well-balanced, name brand dry food supplemented with a quality canned food and/or other supplements. Many canine nutrition experts feel that vitamin supplements are not needed when using a top quality name-brand dog food. If a vitamin is used, care must be taken to avoid over-supplementing. Check with your veterinarian to see what is best for your dog. Store or generic brand dogs foods should not be used. A pregnant female Basset gradually requires more food and a supplement as recommended by your veterinarian.
Grooming
The Basset Hound does not need fussy coat care due to his hard, short coat which repels dirt and water rather well. However, they should be brushed weekly to remove any loose hair and dirt. Bassets do not shed very much if brushed regularly. The Basset Hound needs a bath only four to six times a year because a good rubdown with a coarse cloth or a hounds glove will remove a great deal of dirt and bring a shine to the coat unless kept inside as they can have a strong hound smell. Regular grooming helps create a bond between owner and pet. Wipe out the insides of the ears once a week. The Basset's heavy ear leather prevents loss of moisture from inside the ear, and, if it is not cleaned out with a cotton ball and a solution recommended by your veterinarian, odor and/or infection can result. Clean the outside of the ears also because they often drape in food and water dishes and pick up dirt from the ground. Trim the nails every 1-3 weeks to allow the dog to walk correctly on his feet and properly support his heavy weight. Puppies need more frequent clipping than the adult. Should you hear the nails clicking on the floor, they need to be cut. Have your veterinarian or breeder show you how to properly clip your dog's nails. Clean your Basset's teeth with a soft toothbrush and water/doggie toothpaste to prevent plaque buildup.
Health Problems
The Basset Hound claims excellent health. He is not prone to many hereditary weaknesses that are present in some other breeds. Many of the Basset's health problems can be attributed to his owner because he allowed his dog to become overweight, possibly resulting in aggravated arthritis, back problems, or heart trouble. Physical fitness is as important to the Basset as it is to humans. The Basset Hound enjoys running and leading an active life. Dogs raised in areas of the country where they can participate in the popular sport of field trialing can enjoy particularly good health. The Basset is an endurance dog. All breeds can carry genetic disorders or hereditary faults.
Eyes and Ears
The Basset will need his eyes wiped regularly. The long drooping ear predisposes the Basset to otitis externa, (smelly yucky ears). This is easily prevented if ear cleaning is done regularly,such as when nails are clipped. Check with your veterinarian for an ear wash, or make a preventative cleaning mix of 50% isopropyl alcohol and 50% white vinegar.
Bloat
Like many other breeds with a deep chest, the Basset is susceptible to gastric dilatation with torsion of the stomach (bloat). This can be a problem regardless of age.
Allergies
Some Bassets may have allergies to grasses. Hanging their head close to the ground for long periods of time will further aggravate it. If an allergy is diagnosed, a veterinarian can prescribe a mild eye ointment or other appropriate treatment.
Exercise
As a puppy, the Basset should never be given too much exercise because of the heavy boned front. Care must also be taken to protect the front when jumping off anything, stairs, tables, etc.
What Can I Expect in My Older Basset?
Given good care, the Basset can lead a very active 10 years and be active as a stud dog up to 12 years. (AKC will not register puppies sired by a dog over 12 years of age without written permission of AKC and certification from a veterinarian.) Bassets enjoy their food in old age and, if allowed, become fat and lazy. The Basset is an easy keeper and a steady hound and usually lives 8 to 12 years, although there are many that live beyond, to 14,15,16 or even up to 17 years.
Swimming
Only with a great deal of difficulty. With 2/3 of the Basset's weight in the front, and with such short legs, they can swim only very short distances, and with great difficulty. If you must go boating with a Basset be certain, you have provided a life preserver for him or other suitable floatation device. Extra care must be taken around swimming pools, and the Basset should never be left, unsupervised in a pool area. Should your Basset be prone to falling in, get him to swim to the stairs, so that he will learn the way out.
Registration Types
Limited Registration: Means your dog is AKC registered, but no offspring (if you breed) can be registered with AKC as you don't own the breeding rights. Each registration certificate for such dog shall carry notice of the limitation, and the limitation shall continue, regardless of any change of ownership, unless and until the owner(s) of the litter at birth shall apply to AKC for removal of the limitation." A dog registered with an AKC Limited Registration shall be also ineligible to be entered in a competition in a licensed or member dog show. It is eligible, however, to be entered in any other licensed or member event. These events include: Obedience, Tracking, Field Trials, Hunting Tests, Herding, Lure Coursing, Agility and Earthdog.
Full Registration: Is for breeding dogs and those that are being actively shown in the (dog show) conformation ring. If you are not a breeder, you do not need full registration on your dog. The only difference between Limited and Full reg. is that with Full registration, the papers that you get are bordered in purple instead of orange, and if your dog has pups, they can be registered with AKC if both parents have full registration.
Training
No harder than any other breed, you MUST be consistent.
Housebreaking Tips
Our puppies are put outside at 4 weeks old so they learn to go outside and potty in the grass. They are not used to cold or hot weather because they are kept warm and cool while here. Little puppies can't withstand weather that is to hot or cool without artificial cooling or heat.
Contact me with any questions.
Email: jfbassets@yahoo.com
Phone: 678-347-6239
The Basset's long,velvety ears brush the earth, gathering scents of game to his powerful nose as he maneuvers through brushy fields, marking his progress with glorious song. His shortened legs and gay tail make him easy to follow on foot as he flushes game into the open with a relentless drive. The Basset is often considered a clown with his baleful Emmett Kelly countenance and odd build, but he is actually quite agile and intelligent and has a reputation as a steadfast family friend. A gentle dog, he is well-suited to families with children and usually gets along well with other dogs. The Basset's demeanor is rooted in his purpose, he was developed in France as a sent hound of uncommon talent to locate and flush a variety of game from rabbits and foxes to deer and wild boars. His name comes from "bas," the French word for short or low-set. Descended from the Bloodhound, that super-sleuth of dogdom known as the St. Hubert Hound, the Basset is second only to that ancestor in his scenting ability and shares the same laid-back temperament and ability to work in teams. The Basset Hound Club of America notes that the exact history of the dog is unknown, but that the dog gained popularity among the aristocracy and the working classes in France in the late 18th Century. The English learned about the breed that was easy to follow on foot, and later both the British and the French brought the Basset to the colonies. General Lafayette reportedly gave a pair of the hounds to George Washington. Here sportsmen used the dog to trail fox, raccoon, opossum, and squirrel and to flush rabbits and pheasants. Although the Basset came to the US in colonial times, the breed did not come into its own in this country until early in the 20th Century. In 1920, several easterners imported dogs from leading kennels in England, and development of the heavier, bigger-boned American-type Bassets began.
The "Look"
The Basset Hound's close-to-the-ground chassis, gay tail, and long, long ears make it a breed of distinction. The dogs should be no more than 14 inches at the shoulder, but, because of the heavy bones and muscles, can weigh between 40 and 80 pounds. They are much longer than tall, a conformation that can cause back problems if the dog is not managed properly. The Basset head is unique. The skull is rounded, the muzzle deep, and the skin loose on the face and heavily wrinkled over the brow when the dog's head is lowered to sniff the trail.. The combination of pendulous ears, face wrinkles, and pendulous lips gathers scent towards the nose where it belongs. The Basset's short legs end in massive paws. The front feet turn slightly outward to balance the width of the shoulders. The hind feet point forward. The coat is short, hard, and dense, and the color and pattern are that of typical hounds with tri-color (black, red, and white), red and white, lemon and white. mahogany and white, or blue.
Character
The Basset Hound is a suitable dog for a family, apartment living, hunting, tracking, obedience, and multiple-pet households. He is extremely loyal, needs only moderate exercise, and is relatively easy to train (although he can be stubborn at times). His biggest faults as a home companion are his melodious voice, his penchant for following his nose wherever it takes him, and his slobber.Some Basset Hounds have a tendency to howl when left alone for long periods of time. They will also wander away from home if not kept in a securely locked fenced area.
Health
Although he is generally healthy, the Basset is susceptible to several genetic conditions and to glaucoma, obesity, gastric torsion, panosteitis, ear infections, and allergies. His long back predisposes him to disc problems and can cause problems if he is overweight, out of condition, or jumps on and off furniture. He is also subject to von Willebrand's disease, a genetic blood disease similar to hemophilia, cherry eye, and to elbow and hip dysplasia. Panosteitis is a wandering lameness of unknown cause and cure. Puppies generally outgrow the condition by two years of age. Like other deep-chested breeds, Bassets should be fed twice a day throughout their lives to minimize chances of bloat and torsion. They should have a daily walk and a moderate diet to avoid the problems that can come with becoming overweight. They should not be allowed to climb stairs to often as this may lead to hip, elbow, or back problems. More info on Basset Health
Original Purpose
Basset Hounds are descended from the old St. Hubert hounds. Used to trail and drive game away, the Basset has had such famous admirers as King Edward VII and Shakespeare. The Basset was bred for hunting small game. The Basset's long ears were developed to stir up and hold the scent for their strong nose to smell. The folds of skin under the chin, called the dewlap, help trap and hold the scent. Wrinkles about the head and face also aid in holding the scent. Their large feet make them steady and the heavy bones make them sturdy. With their short legs they are ideal for slow trailing which allows hunters to follow on foot. The Basset is used primarily to hunt rabbit although they were first used on other small game such as pheasant.
Good Pet?
The Basset Hound is one of the best dogs available for a family to love. They are extremely tolerant and love everyone in the family equally. They are a very gentle, sweet, loyal and affectionate breed, although they are quite stubborn at times. They get along well with other pets of various species. They are not an aggressive watchdog but will learn to give a deep bark as a warning if praised when sounding off. Otherwise, they will accept visitors with a sniff and return to a favorite corner. The Basset Hound is a versatile pet who will play with children, make a skilled hunter, and sit by their owner's side during quiet times.
How Big is the Adult Basset Hound?
The male Basset Hound at maturity usually weighs between 50 and 70 pounds, and stands 12-, to not more than 15-inches tall at the shoulder. They are a big dog on short legs. The female is usually about 10 pounds lighter and 1-inch or so shorter than the male. Make no mistake, the Basset grows to be a good size dog, weighing more than most people expect, due to his heavy bone. As a young dog they need a consistent, firm, (but not harsh) hand so they will learn not to jump on people. They are not lap dogs, even though they may think so. The Basset has a large, well proportioned head, sad, droopy eyes with a prominent haw; and long, low-set ears and loose facial skin and dewlap. A muscular neck and shoulders arch above a powerful chest, and the stubby legs are tipped with huge paws. His low-slung, loose-skinned, body is accented by a tail carried gaily in an up swept arc.
Temperament
Basset Hounds have gentle dispositions. They were bred to be pack dogs and to get along with each other. This makes the male as friendly, mild, and easy to live with as the female. Males are not as aggressive as some other breeds of dogs, and they are usually not as prone to "marking" their territory unless there is an un-neutered male around
Strange Habits?
Some Basset Hounds have a tendency to howl when left alone for long periods of time. They will also wander away from home if not kept in a (securely locked) fenced area. The Basset is so good with kids, and often found in homes with children, great care MUST be taken to assure that gates cannot accidentally be left open when the kids enter and leave the fenced area. When a good scent reaches their nose, there is no telling where they will end up, and unfortunately, the Basset is not good at finding the way home. A responsible owner keeps his Basset as safe from harm as he would any other cherished pet. A Basset with its large deep flews also tends to be more slobbery than other breeds. Some individual Bassets are "drier mouthed" than others, but as a whole the breed is a "wet mouthed" breed. To the prospective Basset owner, this means that that the dog will drool quite a bit, and tend to make a mess while drinking.
Eating
Adult Basset Hounds generally eat between 2 and 4 cups of food per day. (Many dog food labels have you over-feeding your dogs.) Bassets often have a tendency to get fat, partly because their sad look lends their owners to "take pity on them" and give them more food than they require. Overeating is dangerous to all dogs. Puppies, depending on their age, will eat from two to four meals per day in proportion to their size. You should avoid feeding your Basset fad foods; feed a well-balanced, name brand dry food supplemented with a quality canned food and/or other supplements. Many canine nutrition experts feel that vitamin supplements are not needed when using a top quality name-brand dog food. If a vitamin is used, care must be taken to avoid over-supplementing. Check with your veterinarian to see what is best for your dog. Store or generic brand dogs foods should not be used. A pregnant female Basset gradually requires more food and a supplement as recommended by your veterinarian.
Grooming
The Basset Hound does not need fussy coat care due to his hard, short coat which repels dirt and water rather well. However, they should be brushed weekly to remove any loose hair and dirt. Bassets do not shed very much if brushed regularly. The Basset Hound needs a bath only four to six times a year because a good rubdown with a coarse cloth or a hounds glove will remove a great deal of dirt and bring a shine to the coat unless kept inside as they can have a strong hound smell. Regular grooming helps create a bond between owner and pet. Wipe out the insides of the ears once a week. The Basset's heavy ear leather prevents loss of moisture from inside the ear, and, if it is not cleaned out with a cotton ball and a solution recommended by your veterinarian, odor and/or infection can result. Clean the outside of the ears also because they often drape in food and water dishes and pick up dirt from the ground. Trim the nails every 1-3 weeks to allow the dog to walk correctly on his feet and properly support his heavy weight. Puppies need more frequent clipping than the adult. Should you hear the nails clicking on the floor, they need to be cut. Have your veterinarian or breeder show you how to properly clip your dog's nails. Clean your Basset's teeth with a soft toothbrush and water/doggie toothpaste to prevent plaque buildup.
Health Problems
The Basset Hound claims excellent health. He is not prone to many hereditary weaknesses that are present in some other breeds. Many of the Basset's health problems can be attributed to his owner because he allowed his dog to become overweight, possibly resulting in aggravated arthritis, back problems, or heart trouble. Physical fitness is as important to the Basset as it is to humans. The Basset Hound enjoys running and leading an active life. Dogs raised in areas of the country where they can participate in the popular sport of field trialing can enjoy particularly good health. The Basset is an endurance dog. All breeds can carry genetic disorders or hereditary faults.
Eyes and Ears
The Basset will need his eyes wiped regularly. The long drooping ear predisposes the Basset to otitis externa, (smelly yucky ears). This is easily prevented if ear cleaning is done regularly,such as when nails are clipped. Check with your veterinarian for an ear wash, or make a preventative cleaning mix of 50% isopropyl alcohol and 50% white vinegar.
Bloat
Like many other breeds with a deep chest, the Basset is susceptible to gastric dilatation with torsion of the stomach (bloat). This can be a problem regardless of age.
Allergies
Some Bassets may have allergies to grasses. Hanging their head close to the ground for long periods of time will further aggravate it. If an allergy is diagnosed, a veterinarian can prescribe a mild eye ointment or other appropriate treatment.
Exercise
As a puppy, the Basset should never be given too much exercise because of the heavy boned front. Care must also be taken to protect the front when jumping off anything, stairs, tables, etc.
What Can I Expect in My Older Basset?
Given good care, the Basset can lead a very active 10 years and be active as a stud dog up to 12 years. (AKC will not register puppies sired by a dog over 12 years of age without written permission of AKC and certification from a veterinarian.) Bassets enjoy their food in old age and, if allowed, become fat and lazy. The Basset is an easy keeper and a steady hound and usually lives 8 to 12 years, although there are many that live beyond, to 14,15,16 or even up to 17 years.
Swimming
Only with a great deal of difficulty. With 2/3 of the Basset's weight in the front, and with such short legs, they can swim only very short distances, and with great difficulty. If you must go boating with a Basset be certain, you have provided a life preserver for him or other suitable floatation device. Extra care must be taken around swimming pools, and the Basset should never be left, unsupervised in a pool area. Should your Basset be prone to falling in, get him to swim to the stairs, so that he will learn the way out.
Registration Types
Limited Registration: Means your dog is AKC registered, but no offspring (if you breed) can be registered with AKC as you don't own the breeding rights. Each registration certificate for such dog shall carry notice of the limitation, and the limitation shall continue, regardless of any change of ownership, unless and until the owner(s) of the litter at birth shall apply to AKC for removal of the limitation." A dog registered with an AKC Limited Registration shall be also ineligible to be entered in a competition in a licensed or member dog show. It is eligible, however, to be entered in any other licensed or member event. These events include: Obedience, Tracking, Field Trials, Hunting Tests, Herding, Lure Coursing, Agility and Earthdog.
Full Registration: Is for breeding dogs and those that are being actively shown in the (dog show) conformation ring. If you are not a breeder, you do not need full registration on your dog. The only difference between Limited and Full reg. is that with Full registration, the papers that you get are bordered in purple instead of orange, and if your dog has pups, they can be registered with AKC if both parents have full registration.
Training
No harder than any other breed, you MUST be consistent.
Housebreaking Tips
Our puppies are put outside at 4 weeks old so they learn to go outside and potty in the grass. They are not used to cold or hot weather because they are kept warm and cool while here. Little puppies can't withstand weather that is to hot or cool without artificial cooling or heat.
Contact me with any questions.
Email: jfbassets@yahoo.com
Phone: 678-347-6239