Bassett Hounds: What they are... What they aren't... What they give...

Bassett Hounds have some very unique characteristics that make them desirable and also make them a challenge. They are in the class of "scent hounds", the same as a Blood Hound. Ironically, as their look may indicate, they are not the most intelligent breed.

One of the first features that comes to mind any time someone thinks of Basset Hounds is often their seemingly disproportionate body parts. Their ears are too long, their legs too short and their voices (howls) are too loud but as with so many things in nature, there is a method to the madness. Their ears help them smell by capturing and holding a scent, their short legs let them go places taller dogs can't and their howls serve as an alert that they are on the trail while hunting.

The typical Bassett Hounds size is as follows. They usually weigh between 40 & 60 pounds and stand between 13-15 inches tall. A Bassett Hounds color is usually a mixture of black, tan, brown and or white with that ever present tip of white on the tail.Their coats protects them from all kinds of weather. Bassett Hounds have short, thick and course hair that serves as insulation and protection.

Bassett Hounds are really quite lazy even though they are breed as tracking dogs. While true, there is something that happens when they are on the track of a scent. They don't stop for anything even when it puts them in danger and taxes they stamina. Two very good reasons to keep them on a leash.

Other than when on the trail of a scent, they will avoid moving around much, making it vital that they get regular exercise. The exercise must be walking or a steady paced gait, not running. Bassett Hounds are not equipped for fast running. It is like everything to do with Bassett Hounds, slow and steady does it. And speaking of slow and steady, they are really a challenge to train but it can be done with maximal patience (slow and steady). Stubbornness is also part of their personality. It has been said that Bassett Hounds can be taught anything, as long as they want to learn.

Use lots of treats in training as they will become disinterested quickly. Training Bassett Hounds is best accomplished if you start early while they are still young. If you are serious about training your dog the right way, click below for the recommended program.

As with any breed, Bassett Hounds look great and are easiest to maintain if their grooming is attended to daily. They shed a lot and brushing their coat will minimize shedding around the house. Another important point to remember is that their nails need routine care, weekly if possible. Otherwise it could get difficult to handle these dogs while trying to clip their nails. They need to be accustomed to the process.




People love Bassett Hounds for many reasons and the Bassett Hounds have a bag of tricks to keep it that way. They are beautifully behaved most times and are very expressive of their feelings towards their human and animal companions alike . Their signature howl is part of that expression as annoying as it can be at times. At other times, that howl will serve to alert those in the Bassett Hounds presence that something may not be right. Don't get me wrong they are not guard dogs but you can rest assured they will let you know when something is up. Think of them more like a mobile alarm except you don't have to change the battery or reset.

When choosing a pet, Bassett Hounds can be a good choice as they are very loyal and they get very attached to their humans and other pets. They have a normal quiet nature as well as a willingness to tolerate children as long as the children are not too pesky. They are generally quite healthy when properly cared for. Check out the video below about all the dangers as well as guidance on choosing the right food for your dog. Then stick around this site and learn lots more about beautiful Bassett Hounds."