The Basset Hound: Sweet and Low

Basset Hound

Bassets are instantly recognizable, with their heavy bodies, short legs, long ears, and sorrowful hound dog expressions. But despite its ungainly appearance, the Basset Hound is an excellent hunting dog, excelling in conformation, obedience, tracking, field trialing and pack hunting.

The breed is known for its exceptional sense of smell, and will follow even the faintest scent trail. Basset Hound colors include combinations of black, tan, white, red and other colors common to hound breeds.

The Basset is a French breed, and has been popular since the reign of Napoleon. The breed was introduced to America by the Marquis de Lafayette who presented a number of Basset hounds to President George Washington as a gift.

If you are thinking of getting a Basset you’ll be getting a dog with a sweet gentle nature, and one that makes a great companion. The short coat requires only minimal grooming, but exercise needs are somewhat greater. As hunting dogs, Bassets do need regular exercise. And once outdoors, they’ll try to follow every scent they pick up.

BASSET HOUND FACT FILE

Group: Hound
Country of origin: France
Date of origin: 1500′s
Originally bred for: Tracking game
Current function: Field trials / Companion
Size: Large
Coat length: Short
Shedding: Yes
Grooming requirements: Once a week
Town or Country: Either
Ideal home: Large house
Minimum garden size: Small or medium
Exercise requirements: Up to 1 hour per day
Lifespan: Over 10 years

If you enjoyed this page on the Basset Hound, check out some of the other dog breed links below.

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