Basset Hounds can be found in red and white, tri colour, a combination of three markings; black, tan and white) and bi-colour, a combination of two markings; lemon and white.
Tri-colour Basset Hound
Origins of the Basset Hound
The Basset Hound name originally comes from the French word ‘bas’, which means low. In 1863, the breed was presented at a Paris dog show for the first time; this began the dog’s popularity. This soon spread to England and then America, where breeders started developing a dog which they felt covered both companion/show and hunting traits.
Sizes of typical male and female Basset Hounds
The Basset Hound is classed as a medium, short, relatively heavy dog. A typical male should weigh between 23-29 kg, and have a height of 30-38 cm, whilst a typical female should weigh between 20-27kg and have a height of 28-36cm.
Basset Hound Temperament
Basset Hounds are known to be gentle, sweet, peaceful and naturally well behaved dogs. Bassett Hounds are believed to fit into family life well. They are very affectionate with their masters and friendly with small children. Basset Hounds need a firm, consistent and confident owner who displays natural authority over the dog.
Basset Hound Coats
The Basset Hound has a smooth, short to medium-haired coat, which is easy to groom. Owners must use a firm bristle brush to comb and brush the coat; shampooing only when necessary. Toenails needs regular trimming and it is very important to wipe under the ears every week. The Bassett Hound constantly sheds its coat.
Exercise your Basset Hound
Basset Hounds should be given plenty of exercise to keep healthy; this can include a long daily walk, which keeps the dog mentally stable, whilst discouraging it from jumping and stressing the front legs. Their keen noses tend to make them roam when they pick up a scent, so take extra care when off lead that the dog is in a safe area.
What health problems can Basset Hounds suffer from?
A problem area for Basset Hounds is possible lameness and eventually paralysis because of its short legs and its heavy, long body. Basset Hounds must be fed two or three small meals a day, rather than one large meal, as they are prone to bloating.
The life expectancy of a Basset Hound
Basset Hounds usually live between 10 and 12 years.
The cost of a Basset Hound
The average cost of a Basset Hound puppy is between £300-500. However the price of a puppy will vary depending on what part of the country you live in. In the South of England you could expect to pay as much as £700 or more and in Scotland expect to pay around £475 to £525.
Basset Hound Puppies
Basset Hound puppies are usually born into a litter of around eight puppies. The puppies are very small, lengthy bodied and low to the ground. Basset Hound puppies should be affectionate and friendly.
Dog groups related to Basset Hounds
Tri-colour Basset Hound Puppy
Hound Group
Similar breeds to the Basset Hound
Beagle, Black and Tan Coonhound, Bloodhound, Dachshund (Standard), American Foxhound, English Foxhound, Harrier, Otterhound, Petit Bassett Griffon Vendeen and Rhodesian Ridgeback.
