Character
Bassets are prized for their extremely good sense of smell and for following a scent with great persistence. The persistent side of the breed must always be remembered as it still dominates their character. Bassets are pack animals who are good-tempered affectionate and loyal. They are very sociable, loving the company of both humans and other animals. A Basset regards his owners as members of the pack and it is natural for him to try and work his way up in the pecking order hoping to become the leader. This is tried out in various ways, and part of their charm for many is in their “convenient deafness” - or stubborn disobedience! They usually don’t take “NO” for an answer the first time - or even the tenth! A Basset is very good at pretending to be fast asleep - but open the oven door when the joint is cooking and he will be there! Basset Hounds are not usually destructive, and as long as there is a bone or something to chew.
Bassets are prized for their extremely good sense of smell and for following a scent with great persistence. The persistent side of the breed must always be remembered as it still dominates their character. Bassets are pack animals who are good-
Exercise and care
Though Basset Hounds look very appealing and are easy to cuddle when very young it is well to remember that they grow into large dogs. In adulthood they will require a walk every day as they are built to keep going all day. They will not be comfortable living in a flat without a garden as they needs a fair amount of space. A Basset laid out asleep takes up quite a bit of room - and that is usually in front of the fire! He also enjoys pottering around and poking his nose into all sorts of corners. Each week the inside of the ears should be gently cleaned of excess wax. Nails may need to be cut as Basset feet are well padded and they don’t always wear them down. Their coat is easy to maintain with a quick brush each day.
ABOUT BASSETS
Conformation
Basset Hounds are heavily boned hounds with long bodies, short legs and large feet. They have beautiful heads with the most wonderful serious expressions and long ears that sweep the ground when using their very keen nose on the scent. They are very sturdy with plenty of heart and lung room to enable them to track and follow a scent for long periods of time
Basset Hounds are heavily boned hounds with long bodies, short legs and large feet. They have beautiful heads with the most wonderful serious expressions and long ears that sweep the ground when using their very keen nose on the scent. They are very sturdy with plenty of heart and lung room to enable them to track and follow a scent for long periods of time
History
The Basset Hound is an old breed originating in France in the 15th century, bred as hunters, being dwarfed to make them slower and more manageable on foot. The word ‘Basset’ comes from the French meaning ‘dwarfed’ or ‘low-set’. They were around in the 16th century as they are even mentioned by Shakespeare. They became popular when they were imported into England in the 1870’s by Everett Millais. Queen Alexandra was also a great lover of the breed, having several in her kennels. Basset popularity has had its ups and downs, the lowest point was during the 2nd World War when numbers fell to an all time low. The survival of the breed is due entirely to Miss Peggy Keevil, who managed to keep a nucleus of good hounds. In the 60’s there was an explosion in popularity, mainly due to the Hush Puppies shoes - not an entirely happy period for Bassets as many irresponsible people saw this as a way of making money. Luckily numbers have now stabilised, though there is still a big problem with puppy farmers breeding untypical hounds with bad temperaments and selling them to unsuitable homes. If you want a Basset puppy, please make sure you buy from a recognised breeder. The Secretaries of the Basset Hound Clubs are the best people to advise you.
The Basset Hound is an old breed originating in France in the 15th century, bred as hunters, being dwarfed to make them slower and more manageable on foot. The word ‘Basset’ comes from the French meaning ‘dwarfed’ or ‘low-