Basset Hound Dog Breed Profile

by Dr. Chris

AKC Group: Hound Group

The Basset Hound, with its large floppy ears, is one of the more iconic easily recognized dog breeds of all time.

History

The Basset Hound originated from the hunting grounds of the abbey of St. Hubert located at the Ardennes Forest. The dogs were brought to England during the Norman Invasion of England in 1066. The English gave it the name blood hound as it demonstrated the greatest scenting ability among other dogs. Later to increase its size they were mixed with the Basset Hound. They are the only living descendent of the earliest scent hounds.

Physical Features

The Basset Hound is a medium to large size dog weighing about 30 to 65 pounds and stands only approximately 12-15 inches tall. The head of the Hound is a strong point of its appearance. The coat comes in a variety of colors and combinations like white and light buff, red and white, mahogany and black and white. The ears are long and soft and meet beyond the nose top and are able to fold.

The legs are strong and powerful with wrinkles of skin on the lower portions. The dog has massive padded feet. The back is level and broad. The breast bone is prominent but the chest is not unduly narrow or deep. The tail is rather long and strong at the base tapering, with moderate coarse hair underneath; when moving it is carried gently curved upward.

Personality

The Basset Hound is very playful, sweet, affectionate and gentle. They are great family pet which is friendly toward children. The Basset is built low to the ground so watch out that children don't climb on its back and possibly hurt it. It is cordial to other pets and family pets. It is not a dominant dog. It is placid, not aggressively dominant.

Common Health Problems

They usually suffer from patellar dislocation and foreleg lameness. They are also prone to ODC, entropion, interveteral disc disease, glaucoma, and bloating due to over feeding.

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