Tri-State Basset Hound Rescue League, Inc.

ABOUT THE BASSET HOUND

Originally from France, the "Basset" (low-set) was developed as a hunting hound that could be followed on foot. By the 1700's, Basset Hounds were used extensively throughout France. It is believed that at about this time, George Washington received a pair of Bassets as a gift. In the 1800's, Bassets were exported to England and then to the U.S.

Your New Basset Hound will need some time to adjust to your home, and to the fact that (s)he has a new owner. Be patient. House retraining could take time, and your dog needs to learn new habits at the same time you are learning your dog's habits. We expect "accidents" in the first few days in the new home. Missing a meal or two is also not unusual.

A Hunting Hound, the Basset uses its nose (one of the best in the canine world) to find and follow small game. This is instinct, and cannot be unlearned. Therefore, the Basset Hound should never be allowed to run loose, except in a securely fenced yard. A wire fence will do, if it is safely tacked into the ground with tent stays so your dog cannot get under. Bassets are adept at slipping their collars, so your dog should not be put out on a tie line and left untended. We recommend keeping a buckle collar with ID on your dog at all times, but walking him/her with a nylon choke collar. Do not leave a choke collar on your dog in the yard as it can get hung up on a fence and strangle your pet.

The Basset is heavier in bone, size considered, than any other breed. His temperment is mild, his devotion extreme. His scenting abililty, second only to the Bloodhound, has made him an exceptional hunting and trailing dog. His long ears, facial wrinkles, deep muzzle and dewlaps help trap and hold the scent. Sturdy legs and loose skin help him track through brambles and over difficult terrain. While these characteristics might make him amusing in appearance, they are truly functional.

Bassets Have Easygoing Temperments, making males and females alilke excellent pets, given proper discipline and direction. They are strong-willed and intelligent, bred to work independently of humans. They use these traits to their advantage. They are willing dogs, as long as what you wish them to do is what they intended to do right along. Otherwise, you may think your dog has a hearing problem. Patience, lots of praise, tenderness and perseverance (plus a cookie) work wonders..

Train your Basset on the premise that you are smarter than he, and that you are the "pack leader", not your dog. Bassets are sensitive and do not take well to harsh treatment. Usually just the tone of your voice or shake of the collar will do the trick. Most important, don't forget to praise your dog when he pleases you! We all scream at kids and dogs when they're wrong, but we forget to praise them when they're right.

Basset Hounds Love to be loved, and need to be part of the family. If left alone for any length of time, consider getting another dog or cat to keep your Basset company. Boredom cam lead your dog to your favorite rose bush, the sprinkler system, your shoes, etc. They do not need a huge yard or high fence, but their hunting instinct can get them into serious trouble unless they are confined to the house or a securely fenced yard, one they cannot dig out of. Bassets firmly believe that they have the right-of-way in any traffic dispute. The best invention since popcorn...the dog door. A wonderful aid in housetraining, a mind-relaxer knowing your dog can get into the house in bad weather, sudden thunderstorms, fireworks, etc.

Are Bassets Different? Yes! Many people thing of the Basset as a small dog. They are not. A "small" Basset might weigh 35-40 pounds, an average one 50+ pounds, and "large" Bassets weigh in at 65-70 pounds. They are prone to obesity, particularly after age 4 or 5. Feed only high quality dog food and watch those treats! We recommend feeding Bassets twice a day. For the Average Basset, this means 1 1/2 to 2 cups of good quality kibble each meal. The Basset does not need fussy coat care, but because they tend to shed year-round, they should be groomed at least weekly. A rubber curry glove, available at most pet supply stores, serves the purpose well. The insides of the ears need frequent cleaning. The heavy ear leather prevents loss of moisture form inside the ear. A cotton ball with warm water will do the job if ther eis no infection. The outside of the ears will collect dirt because they fall into the water and feed bowls and then drag along the ground. nairs are tough and should be trimmed about every two weeks.

Don't Forget the Yearly Inoculations. Also have your vet do a fecal check (for worms) at least twice a year, and have your dog checked for heartworm every spring before starting him on the preventative.

Questions? If you need advice or information, or if your're encountering a problem, don't be embarrassed to call. We'll do everything possible to help you and your new pet adjust to each other and have a happy life together.

IT'S HARD TO BE HUMBLE WHEN YOU OWN A BASSET HOUND

"We must not forget that it is the Basset's versatility that brought him fame. He is perhaps best known for the lovable nature which led him to be dubbed "the armchair clown". Do not be fooled when you see him sound asleep on his back, or sprawled on his favorite chair (which he has taken away from you). Put a lead on this same dog, take him to a show, and he can give a polished performance....Take him to the field and he can show you how a scent- hound should perform--over, under, and through rough ground, never tiring all day long.

"You need only one Basset to fill the house with laughter, the woods with beautiful music, and the show with an approving ovation....."

The Basset Hound: Avid hunter or couch potato? Melancholy or joyful? Playful or dormant? A picture of dignity or avowed clown?
If you share your home with a Basset Hound, you already know that your pet is all of the above. The Basset Hound's looks belie its personality at almost every turn. Often called “the clown of the dog world,” the Basset’s greatest joy comes in making family and friends laugh- unless, of course, he’s engaged in another favorite pursuit, like snoozing on the couch or following his nose in pursuit of a rabbit.