basset hounds

The Basset Hound is easily one of the most recognizable and unique of all hounds. Its magnificent head adorned with long, silky ears and doleful eyes provide the iconic pooch with arguably the most amusing expressions of any breed. Bred to scent track game, the Basset hound is a short-legged scent hound with a sense of smell second only to the Bloodhound.

As a hound and pack dog, Bassets enjoy the company of others, including strangers, children, dogs and even cats. The Basset Hound's good-natured temperament and pleading gaze provide it with an almost comical appearance and accentuate its often hilarious personality. Bassets are known for being slow and lazy, but these hunting dogs love to walk outside and spend time with their families. Beneath that sleepy expression, Basset Hounds are highly intelligent, independent thinkers.

They are sweet and loyal and love to follow their owners around. As hounds, they have a tendency to bark and howl.

Basset Hounds are sweet, long floppy eared, short-legged, medium-sized scent hounds that weigh 35 – 65 pounds and have a life expectancy of 12 – 13 years.  Though Bassett Hounds experience a number of disease conditions, puppies from responsible breeders who carefully screen their breeding dogs are less likely to have problems.  Always contact your veterinarian as soon as you notice any physical or behavioral changes. 

Potential Health conditions:

• Overweight, Obesity

• Bloat, Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)

• Elbow Dysplasia (ED)

• Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD)

• High Intraocular Pressure, Glaucoma

• Progressive Myoclonic Epilepsy, Lafora Disease, LD

• Mucopolysaccharidosis type 1 (MPS1)

• Growing Pains, Panosteitis

• Dislocated Kneecap, Patellar Luxation

• Thrombopathia

• Von Willebrand's Disease (VWD)

• Gum Disease, Periodontal Disease

•  Inward Turned Eyelids, Entropion / Ectropion

• Cherry Eye, Prolapsed Nictitating Membrane Gland (PNMG)
• Allergies

• Ear infections, Otitis

• Dermatitis

Suggested Screening

• Hip evaluation

• Elbow evaluation

• Patella evaluation

• Eye examination

• Primary Open Angle High Intraocular Pressure, Glaucoma (POAG) – DNA test

• Mucopolysaccharidosis type 1 (MPS1) – DNA test

• Lafora disease – DNA test

• Thrombopathia – DNA test

Routine care:

• Spay or neuter

• Routine dental care

• Ear care

• Weight management

• Moderate exercise

Though incredibly cute and affectionate, Basset Hound puppies also possess an independent nature and particularly stubborn temperament. They need strict training to avoid them simply ignoring your commands and doing whatever they please. Ideally, start this training early.

Basset Hounds enjoy lounging, making them prone to weight gain and obesity. Owners need to ensure they get at least one long walk every day. Their floppy ears and wrinkles need regular grooming.

They can be prone to back and spinal issues, so it's best to keep them from jumping off furniture or climbing stairs. Ensure you keep them on a leash or fenced-in since they'll follow a scent wherever it leads!