Fred's
Basset information
General
information | ACA | UKC | AKC
| Basset Hound FAQ
"Ears which sweep away the morning
due"...William Shakespeare on Basset Hounds
General
information about the world's greatest dog breed
|
Pronunciation
|
Basset
Hound |
|
Description
|
The head is large, with a rounded skull and pronounced occiput. The
plane of the muzzle is parallel to the top of the skull. The skin is
loose-fitted and falls in folds on the head. The velvety ears are very
long and should meet beyond the top of the nose. They should fold and
not appear flat. The large teeth should meet in a scissors or level
bite. The lips hand down with loose flews. The sad brown eyes should
show prominent haw. The expression should be kindly without any
harshness. The Basset has a very pronounced dewlap. His chest is very
deep and extends in the front of the forelegs. The paws are big and
the hindquarters are round. Dewclaws may be removed. The dog's
movement should be deliberate, but not clumsy. The coat is short, hard
and shiny. There are no rules concerning color, but it is usually
white with chestnut or sand-colored markings. |
|
Temperament
|
The Basset Hound is sweet, gentle, devoted, peaceful and naturally
well-behaved. They fit into family life well. Their temperament should
always be friendly with never an indication of sharpness or
viciousness. They are mild but not timid; very affectionate with its
master and friendly with children. It is incapable of biting, but it
may be a bit stubborn. They like to do tricks for food. It has a deep
musical bark. Housebreaking is difficult, but they do well with gentle
patient training and positive reinforcement. With proper training,
they are obedient, but when they pick up an interesting smell, it's
sometimes hard to get their attention. |
|
Height,
Weight
|
Height: Dogs 12-15 inches (30-38cm) Bitches 11-14 inches (28-36cm)
Weight: Dogs 50-65 pounds (23-29kg) Bitches 45-60 pounds (20-27kg) |
|
Health
Problems
|
Do not overfeed these dogs because extra weight places too great a
load on the legs and spine. A problem area is possible lameness and
eventual paralysis because of short legs and a heavy, long body. As
they are prone to bloat, it is also wise to feed them two or three
small meals a day instead of one big large meal. The dog should be
kept observed for several hours after eating a large meal. |
|
Living
Conditions
|
The Basset hound will do okay in an apartment. They are very
inactive indoors but outdoors they will run for hours in play if given
the chance. They will do okay without a yard, but should be given
plenty of opportunities to run and play to keep it healthy and trim. |
|
Exercise
|
To keep the Basset Hound healthy, it should be given plenty of
exercise, but discourage it from jumping and stressing the front legs.
This breed will run and play by the hour when given the chance. |
|
Life
Expectancy
|
About 10-12 years. |
|
Grooming
|
The smooth, short-haired coat is easy to groom. Comb and brush with
a firm bristle brush, and shampoo only when necessary. Wipe under the
ears every week and trim toenails regularly. This breed is a constant
shedder. |
|
Origin
|
The name Basset Hound comes from the French word "bas"
meaning low. Some sources suggest the Basset Hound may have originated
from genetic dwarf dogs presented in litters of other types of French
hunting hounds, however, we do know that it is a rather old breed,
descended directly from the Bloodhound. Shakespeare described the
Basset Hound with the following poetic image: "Ears which sweep
away the morning due." According to research, the true fame of
the Basset Hound began in 1863, when it was presented at the Paris Dog
Show. Its popularity spread to England where a lively dispute arose
between two factions of breeders: Those who wanted to keep the Basset
Hound a hunting dog, and those who wanted to transform it into a
companion dog. Situated between these two factions were the American
breeders who proceeded to develop an extremely pleasing companion dog
without sacrificing any of the qualities of the hunter. The breed was
recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885. Its natural bent is
for hunting both in the den and in the open. It is therefore, used for
the hunting of fox, hare, opossum, and pheasant. Bassets can hunt in
packs or alone. It has an excellent sense of smell, but its reflexes
are a bit slow. Their slow pace is convenient for hunters on foot and
keeps game from being scared out of reach. The Basset's nose is almost
as outstanding as the Bloodhound's. George Washington may have owned
Basset Hounds given to him by Lafayette after the American Revolution. |
|
Group
|
Hound, AKC Hound |
|
Recognition
|
CKC Continental
Kennel Club
FCI F�d�ration
Cynologique Internationale
AKC American
Kennel Club
UKC United
Kennel Club
KCGB Kennel
Club of Great Britain
CKC Canadian
Kennel Club
ANKC Australian
National Kennel Club
NKC National
Kennel Club
NZKC New
Zealand Kennel Club |
Basset
Artesian Normand (from
the American Canine Association)
COUNTRY
OF ORIGIN:
France.
SPECIAL
SKILLS: Hound
and family pet.
SIZE:
The shoulder-height is 30-36cm (11 1/4in) for both dogs and bitches.
COAT:
The short-haired coat is dense. Only
tri-colored examples or ones with a white and orange coat are permitted.
White feet are preferred.
CARE
REQUIRED:
Run a rubber brush over the dog occasionally to remove loose hairs.
Keep the ears clean using a recognized brand of ear cleaner for this
purpose - never cotton swabs, which will push any dirt and wax further into
the ear. Keep the claws short by
filing them whenever necessary.
CHARACTER:
This is a sociable, companionable, and friendly dog which is gentle,
independent, and possesses a good scenting nose. The Basset Artesian Normand
has a deep bark which it lets be heard from time to time.
This is usually not a problem if the dog is kept indoors.
TRAINING:
This is a sociable, companionable, and friendly dog which is gently,
independent, and possesses a good scenting nose.
The Basset Artesian Normand has a deep bark which it lets it be heard
from time to time. This is usually not a problem if the dog is kept indoors.
SOCIAL
BEHAVIOR:
In France these dogs live in packs so, obviously, they can get along
happily with other dogs. If they
get to know cats and other animals when they are young they will get along
with them, too. Although these
dogs will bark loudly when visitors arrive, they will still receive a warm
welcome.
EXERCISE:
Take this Basset regularly for longish walks but remember that this is
a dog which will run away if it comes across
the scent of wild animals when it is off the leash.
If this happens, put a piece of your clothing or another item with your
scent on it where the dog disappeared. The
odds are that you will find it as this spot within a few hours or not later
than the next morning.
Basset
Artesian Normand (from
the United Kennel Club)
A group of serious French breeders formed a breed society to combine the
Normand (from Normandy) and Artesien (from Artois) Bassets strains, merging
them to develop the one breed that we have today. Although the breed has been
streamlined from the original cumbersome, unwieldy dog, some people feel that
this resulted in a lack of stamina and hound voice." No one can argue,
however, that the resulting Basset Artesien Normand has a good temperament and
is an energetic extrovert. The appealing nature of the breed makes them
attractive to pet homes and families. Dedicated breeders strive to maintain
the hunting instincts of the breed.
The Basset Artesien Normand was recognized by the United Kennel Club on
January 1, 1995.
The B.A.N. (as it is often referred to), is a well-made, long dog, being
longer than its proportions would call for. It stands firm and balanced. It is
a sound breed, and moves well, with great gaiety.
Because the Basset Artesien Normand is first and foremost a hunting hound,
scars (the result of honorable wounds) shall not be considered faults nor
shall they be penalized by Judges. This includes cuts, nicks, notches on the
ears, and/or ears that are frayed at the edges from working in brush, tall
grass, etc.
Hounds lacking in substance should be penalized.
The breed is extremely intelligent and full of energy. They are eager to
please and are generally obedient. All parts of this dog indicate a long
history of pure breeding and adherence to the standard.
The skull is lean and well sculptured. The domed head is of medium width. The
occiput is apparent. The cheeks are formed, not of muscles but only of skin,
which may form one or two folds (wrinkles). Overall, the head has a clean
appearance.
The stop is marked, but not exaggerated.
The medium-length muzzle is rather wide. It is lightly convex before the
nose.
Faults: Flat head. Wide head.
TEETH -- A full complement of strong, white teeth meet in a scissors or
level bite.
NOSE -- The nose is black and wide, coming a little over the lips. The
nostrils are well open.
EYES -- The large, dark eyes have a calm, serious expression. A haw may be
present.
EARS -- The ears are set as low as possible, never above the line of the
eye. They are supple, very fine and delicate in texture. They are narrow where
attached to the skull, and curl well inward in the characteristic corkscrew
fashion. The ears are very long, with well-pointed ends, which is necessary
for the correct corkscrew turn.
Faults: Flat, thick, or high-set ears.
The neck is fairly long. There may be a dewlap, but it should never be
exaggerated.
The well-muscled shoulders are round, strong and short. The front of the
forelegs often have several folds of skin under the articulation of the first
joint.
FORELEGS -- The short forelegs are heavy boned. A crook or halfcrook is
present, but never so much that the pastern is displaced in the front. A less
than half crook is acceptable as long as the indication of a crook is present.
Faults: Forelegs touching or knuckled.
The long body is elegant. The prosternum (breast bone) is prominent. The wide,
round chest descends moderately. The rounded ribs compensate for their lack of
depth by their rotundity.
The wide, well-supported back is straight and level. The loins are slightly
tucked up. The full flanks extend downward. The croup is slightly slanted.
Fault: Flat ribs.
The thighs are well developed. A spherical mass is present where the upper
thigh and croup join.
HIND LEGS -- The hind legs are short, corresponding in balance to the
forelegs. The strong hocks are slightly bent. One or two folds of skin are
often present at the hock joint. There is a slight projection of skin on the
point of the hock.
Faults: Closed hocks.
The feet are placed vertically, with the toes turned out, but not to the
extent that they are deformed. The feet must leave an imprint of a much larger
hound in soft earth or snow.
Faults: Flat feet. Splayed toes.
The long tail (stern) is well attached. It progressively tapers to the end. It
is carried sabre fashion, but never curled over the back. The tail is not to
be held or propped while being shown.
The weather-resistant coat is close, but not too fine. The skin is fine.
Many of the B.A.N.s have a peculiar little curlicue formation of hair on
each hip joint.
The tri-colored or orange-and-white dog is preferred.
Tri-colored dogs have black backs, tan heads and extremities, and white
tips. Hare or badger grizzled backs are acceptable. The lack of white tips is
acceptable, but not encouraged.
The acceptable height range is from 10� inches to 14c inches.
The gait is calm and free.
Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Undershot
bite. Straight legs. Albinism. Spots giving a blue-mottled appearance.
General
breed information (from
the American Kennel Club)
General
Appearance
The Basset Hound possesses in
marked degree those characteristics which equip it admirably to follow a trail
over and through difficult terrain. It is a short-legged dog, heavier in bone,
size considered, than any other breed of dog, and while its movement is
deliberate, it is in no sense clumsy. In temperament it is mild, never sharp or
timid. It is capable of great endurance in the field and is extreme in its
devotion.
Head
The head is large and well proportioned. Its length from occiput to muzzle is
greater than the width at the brow. In overall appearance the head is of medium
width. The skull is well domed, showing a pronounced occipital
protuberance. A broad flat skull is a fault. The length from nose to stop is
approximately the length from stop to occiput. The sides are flat and free from
cheek bumps. Viewed in profile the top lines of the muzzle and skull are
straight and lie in parallel planes, with a moderately defined stop. The skin
over the whole of the head is loose, falling in distinct wrinkles over the brow
when the head is lowered. A dry head and tight skin are faults. The muzzle
is deep, heavy, and free from snipiness. The nose is darkly
pigmented, preferably black, with large wide-open nostrils. A deep liver-colored
nose conforming to the coloring of the head is permissible but not desirable. The
teeth are large, sound, and regular, meeting in either a scissors or an
even bite. A bite either overshot or undershot is a serious fault. The
lips are darkly pigmented and are pendulous, falling squarely in front
and, toward the back, in loose hanging flews. The dewlap is very
pronounced. The neck is powerful, of good length, and well arched.
The eyes are soft, sad, and slightly sunken, showing a prominent
haw, and in color are brown, dark brown preferred. A somewhat lighter-colored
eye conforming to the general coloring of the dog is acceptable but not
desirable. Very light or protruding eyes are faults. The ears are
extremely long, low set, and when drawn forward, fold well over the end of the
nose. They are velvety in texture, hanging in loose folds with the ends curling
slightly inward. They are set far back on the head at the base of the skull and,
in repose, appear to be set on the neck. A high set or flat ear is a serious
fault.
Forequarters
The chest is deep and full with prominent sternum showing clearly
in front of the legs. The shoulders and elbows are set close
against the sides of the chest. The distance from the deepest point of the chest
to the ground, while it must be adequate to allow free movement when working in
the field, is not to be more than one-third the total height at the withers of
an adult Basset. The shoulders are well laid back and powerful. Steepness in
shoulder, fiddle fronts, and elbows that are out, are serious faults. The
forelegs are short, powerful, heavy in bone, with wrinkled skin.
Knuckling over of the front legs is a disqualification. The paw is
massive, very heavy with tough heavy pads, well rounded and with both feet
inclined equally a trifle outward, balancing the width of the shoulders. Feet
down at the pastern are a serious fault. The toes are neither
pinched together nor splayed, with the weight of the forepart of the body borne
evenly on each. The dewclaws may be removed.
Body
The rib structure is long, smooth, and extends well back. The ribs are well
sprung, allowing adequate room for heart and lungs. Flatsidedness and flanged
ribs are faults. The topline is straight, level, and free from any tendency to
sag or roach, which are faults.
Hindquarters
The hindquarters are very full and well rounded, and are approximately equal to
the shoulders in width. They must not appear slack or light in relation to the
over-all depth of the body. The dog stands firmly on its hind legs showing a
well-let-down stifle with no tendency toward a crouching stance. Viewed from
behind, the hind legs are parallel, with the hocks turning neither in nor out.
Cowhocks or bowed legs are serious faults. The hind feet point straight ahead.
Steep, poorly angulated hindquarters are a serious fault. The dewclaws, if any,
may be removed.
Tail
The tail is not to be docked, and is set in continuation of the spine with but
slight curvature, and carried gaily in hound fashion. The hair on the underside
of the tail is coarse.
Size
The height should not exceed 14 inches. Height over 15 inches at the highest
point of the shoulder blade is a disqualification.
Gait
The Basset Hound moves in a smooth, powerful, and effortless manner. Being a
scenting dog with short legs, it holds its nose low to the ground. Its gait is
absolutely true with perfect coordination between the front and hind legs, and
it moves in a straight line with hind feet following in line with the front
feet, the hocks well bent with no stiffness of action. The front legs do not
paddle, weave, or overlap, and the elbows must lie close to the body. Going
away, the hind legs are parallel.
Coat
The coat is hard, smooth, and short, with sufficient density to be of use in all
weather. The skin is loose and elastic. A distinctly long coat is a
disqualification.
Color
Any recognized hound color is acceptable and the distribution of color and
markings is of no importance.
Disqualifications
Height of more than 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulder blade.
Knuckled over front legs.
Distinctly long coat.
This
article is from the AKC website
Basset
hound FAQ (Frequently
Asked Questions)
This FAQ was compiled by Judy Trenck ([email protected])
with the help of Judi Kinnear and Mary Louise Chipman. Sources for this FAQ
include but are not limited to the following:
- Handout "All About the Basset Hound", a pamphlet distributed by
the Potomac Basset Hound Club Inc. (original source - Basset Hound Club of
America, Inc.)
- Section from a book on Breed Specific health problems. Basset Hound
information was written by Margaret W. Walton & Calvin Moon DVM.
- Article on paneosteitis that appeared in the Bugler and was written
by Marge Skolnik.
- Letter and Grant Proposal, "Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation of
Immature Basset Hounds with Forelimb Lameness" from M. Joy Weinstein,
V.M.D., Assistant Professor, Surgery Section, Veterinary Hospital of the
University of Pennsylvania.
- AKC Dog Book
- BHCA Membership Directory
If you have any questions, suggestions, or comments you'd like to make regarding
this FAQ, you can email Judy Trenck at [email protected].
Revisions:
- Some dated reference updates and additions by David L. Hendrickson,
8/22/95.
- Noses-L information updated by CTM, 9/95
- Online resources added by CTM, 10/95
- Online resources updated, 11/95, CTM
- Added Basset mailing list, 12/95, CTM
- Added email contact point, and updated addresses, 7/96, CTM
- Updated online resources & links, 11/96, CTM
- Assorted minor corrections, 2/98, CTM
This file is Copyright 1995 by Judy Trenck.
Table of Contents
Basset Hounds are descended from the old St. Hubert hounds. Used to trail and
drive game away, the Basset has had such famous admirers as King Edward VII and
Shakespeare. The Basset was bred for hunting small game. The Basset's long ears
were developed to stir up and hold the scent for their strong nose to smell. The
folds of skin under the chin, called the dewlap, help trap and hold the scent.
Wrinkles about the head and face also aid in holding the scent. Their large feet
make them steady and the heavy bones make them sturdy. With their short legs
they are ideal for slow trailing which allows hunters to follow on foot. The
Basset is used primarily to hunt rabbit although they were first used on other
small game such as pheasant.
YES! The Basset Hound is one of the best dogs available for a family to love.
They are extremely tolerant and love everyone in the family equally. They are a
very gentle, sweet, loyal and affectionate breed, although they are quite
stubborn at times. They get along well with other pets of various species. They
are not an aggressive watchdog but will learn to give a deep bark as a warning
if praised when sounding off. Otherwise, they will accept visitors with a sniff
and return to a favorite corner. The Basset Hound is a versatile pet who will
play with children, make a skilled hunter, and sit by their owner's side during
quiet times.
The male Basset Hound at maturity usually weighs between 55 and 75 pounds, and
stands 12-, to not more than 15-inches tall at the shoulder. They are a big dog
on short legs. The female is usually about 10 pounds lighter and 1-inch or so
shorter than the male. Make no mistake, the Basset grows to be a good size dog,
weighing more than most people expect, due to his heavy bone. As a young dog
they need a consistent, firm, (but not harsh) hand so they will learn not to
jump on people. They are not lap dogs, even though they may think so. The Basset
has a large, well proportioned head, sad, droopy eyes with a prominent haw; and
long, low-set ears and loose facial skin and dewlap. A muscular neck and
shoulders arch above a powerful chest, and the stubby legs are tipped with huge
paws. His low-slung, loose-skinned, body is accented by a tail carried gaily in
an upswept arc.
Basset Hounds have gentle dispositions. They were bred to be pack dogs and to
get along with each other. This makes the male as friendly, mild, and easy to
live with as the female. Males are not as aggressive as some other breeds of
dogs, and they are usually not as prone to "marking" their territory
unless there is an unneutered male around.
Some Basset Hounds have a tendency to howl when left alone for long periods of
time. They will also wander away from home if not kept in a (securely locked)
fenced area. The Basset is so good with kids, and often found in homes with
children, great care MUST be taken to assure that gates cannot accidentally be
left open when the kids enter and leave the fenced area. When a good scent
reaches their nose, there is no telling where they will end up, and
unfortunately, the Basset is not good at finding the way home. A responsible
owner keeps his Basset as safe from harm as he would any other cherished pet.
A Basset with its large deep flews also tends to be more slobbery than other
breeds. Some individual Bassets are "drier mouthed" than others, but
as a whole the breed is a "wet mouthed" breed. To the prospective
Basset owner, this means that that the dog will drool quite a bit, and tend to
make a mess while drinking. If you are a fastidious housekeeper, and have an
aversion to dog drool on your floors (and occasionally your walls), then the
Basset Hound is probably not the breed for you. This is an important point,
because one of the major reasons that Bassets are given up for rescue or
adoption is that "the dog drools too much". Time and again those
involved in Basset rescue hear this same old story. So get out your slobber rag
if you want a Basset!
Adult Basset Hounds generally eat between 2 and 4 cups of food per day. (Many
dog food labels have you over-feeding your dogs.) Bassets often have a tendency
to get fat, partly because their sad look lends their owners to "take pity
on them" and give them more food than they require. Overeating is dangerous
to all dogs. Puppies, depending on their age, will eat from two to four meals
per day in proportion to their size. You should avoid feeding your Basset fad
foods; feed a well-balanced, name brand dry food supplemented with a quality
canned food and/or other supplements. Many canine nutrition experts feel that
vitamin supplements are not needed when using a top quality name-brand dog food.
If a vitamin is used, care must be takne to avoid over-supplementing. Check with
your veterinarian to see what is best for your dog. Store or generic brand dogs
foods should not be used. A pregnant female Basset gradually requires more food
and a supplement as recommended by your veterinarian.
The Basset Hound does not need fussy coat care due to his hard, short coat which
repels dirt and water rather well. However, they should be brushed weekly to
remove any loose hair and dirt. Bassets do not shed very much if brushed
regularly. The Basset Hound needs a bath only four to six times a year because a
good rubdown with a coarse cloth or a hounds glove will remove a great deal of
dirt and bring a shine to the coat.
Regular grooming helps create a bond between owner and pet. Wipe out the
insides of the ears once a week. The Basset's heavy ear leather prevents loss of
moisture from inside the ear, and, if it is not cleaned out with a cotton ball
and a solution recommended by your veterinarian, odor and/or infection can
result. Clean the outside of the ears also because they often drape in food and
water dishes and pick up dirt from the ground. Trim the nails every 1-3 weeks to
allow the dog to walk correctly on his feet and properly support his heavy
weight. Puppies need more frequent clipping than the adult. Should you hear the
nails clicking on the floor, they need to be cut. Have your veterinarian or
breeder show you how to properly clip your dog's nails. Clean your Basset's
teeth with a soft toothbrush and water/doggie toothpaste to prevent plaque
buildup. You may want the veterinarian to show you the proper procedure for anal
gland care as another means of keeping your dog odor-free and comfortable.
The Basset Hound claims excellent health. He is not prone to many hereditary
weaknesses that are present in some other breeds. Many of the Basset's health
problems can be attributed to his owner because he allowed his dog to become
overweight, possibly resulting in aggravated arthritis, back problems, or heart
trouble. Physical fitness is as important to the Basset as it is to humans. The
Basset Hound enjoys running and leading an active life. Dogs raised in areas of
the country where they can participate in the popular sport of field trialing
can enjoy particularly good health. The Basset is an endurance dog.
All breeds can carry genetic disorders or hereditary faults. The following
list includes some of the problems that can develop in Bassets.
Von Willebrand's Disease
A hereditary disorder appearing in some Bassets is Von Willebrand's disease, a
platelet disorder resulting in mild to moderately severe bleeding and a
prolonged bleeding time. Careful pedigree analysis and blood testing have
reduced the incidence of this disease by reputable breeders.
Eyes
The Basset is one of the breeds predisposed to glaucoma.
Bloat
Like many other breeds with a deep chest, the Basset is susceptible to gastric
dilatation with torsion of the stomach (bloat). This can be a problem regardless
of age. Torsion or bloat is considered an emergency and action must be taken
immediately.
Paneosteitis
Paneosteitis is an elusive ailment occasionally seen in young Bassets. It is
also known as wandering or transient lameness. Attacks are usually brought on by
stress and aggravated by activity, and up to now, the cause and the cure are
unknown. This mysterious disease causes sudden lameness, but its greatest
potential danger may lie in false diagnosis, resulting in unnecessary surgery. A
puppy will typically outgrow it by the age of two with no long term problems. It
can be quite minor, or so bad that the dog will not put any weight on the leg.
Symptoms may be confused with "elbow displasia", "hip displasia",
"patellar luxation" and other more serious disorders. The most
definite way to diagnose paneosteitis is radiographically. Even with this, signs
can be quite minimal and easily missed. As to treatment, no cure was found in
experimental tests and the only helpful thing found was relief for pain
(aspirin, cortisone, etc.) However, using these, the dog tends to exercise more
and thereby aggravate the condition. Note again: A GREAT MANY VETS ARE
UNAWARE OF THIS DISEASE IN THE BASSET.
In diagnosing the cause of a Basset's lameness, a radiograph of the forelimbs
may indicate a condition called elbow incongruity. (Elbow incongruity is a poor
fit between the 3 bones which comprise the elbow joint.) Studies to date
indicate that elbow incongruity is normal in the Basset and is not the cause of
the lameness. It is also suspected that many of the previously mentioned
unnecessary (panosteitis) surgeries have been performed on Basset Pups just
because radiographs that were taken showed elbow incongruity. A study on
forelimb lameness in the Basset is currently underway at the School of
Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. As previously mentioned they
have determined that elbow incongruity occurs in the Basset but suspect that
incongruity rarely causes the lameness. During the course of the study,
conservative therapy will be recommended for all cases in which panosteitis
appears to be the cause of the lameness. In cases with severe growth deformities
or elbow pain associated with elbow incongruity, surgery may be recommended. If
your Basset develops lameness and is diagnosed with an "elbow
problem", discuss with your veterinarian the possibility of panosteitis.
Allergies
Some Bassets may have allergies to grasses. Hanging t heir head close to the
ground for long periods of time will further aggravate it. If an allergy is
diagnosed, a veterinarian can prescribe a mild eye ointment or other appropriate
treatment.
Ears
The long drooping ear predisposes the Basset to otitis externa, (smelly yucky
ears). This is easily prevented if ear cleaning is done regularly,such as when
nails are clipped. Check with your veterinarian for an ear wash, or make a
preventative cleaning mix of 50% isopropyl alcohol and 50% white vinegar.
Paws
Due to the Basset's large paws, they are prone to interdigital cysts, abscesses
and fungus infections between the digits (toes).
Exercise
As a puppy, the Basset should never be given too much exercise because of the
heavy boned front. Care must also be taken to protect the front when jumping off
anything, stairs, tables, etc.
A purebred, pet quality Basset Hound puppy from a reputable breeder may cost
between $350-$700, depending on the part of the country. The price for a puppy
with show (or breeding) potential will start appreciably higher. Prices of
individual puppys vary according to quality (show or field potential), age,
geographic region, and availability. The puppy should have been checked by a
veterinarian and given appropriate inoculations based on its age. Inoculations
for rabies, distemper, leptospirosis, hepatitis, kennel cough, and parvovirus
are all necessary. A conscientious breeder will have a complete record of all
puppy illnesses, tretements, and inoculations. Beware of a breeder who sells a
puppy without all the necessary shots or proper AKC registration information.
Also beware of the breeder that wants to sell a puppy prior to 8 weeks. In many
areas it is against the law to sell or transport a puppy younger than this age.
Pet stores tend to change the highest prices for puppies. The source of these
puppies is usually a puppy mill, whose sole motive is breeding for profit, not
temperament, type, or health. Buyer Beware!
Given good care, the Basset can lead a very active 10 years and be active as a
stud dog up to 12 years. (AKC will not register puppies sired by a dog over 12
years of age without written permission of AKC and certification from a
veterinarian.) Bassets enjoy their food in old age and, if allowed, become fat
and lazy. The Basset is an easy keeper and a steady hound and usually lives 8 to
12 years, although there are many that live beyond, to 14,15,16 or even up to 17
years.
YES! Once determining that your dog of bitch is worthy of being bred (be sure to
read the breeding FAQs) the owner of the dog must be prepared to provide the
following.
- A safe, secure, clean area to keep the visiting bitch to be bred (the
bitch always goes to the dog). Can you provide this?
- Bassets do not "free" breed and need to be personally handled/
supervised throughout the entire act of breeding. Are you willing to do
this? Two Bassets left together is a room will only result in two tired,
frustrated, unbred dogs.
- Your male will probably start "marking" (peeing) his territory
in your home. :-(
- Your male may become more aggressive perhaps to you, and your family.
REMEMBER: If you have never had ice cream, you will never miss it. SPAY and/or
NEUTER.
No harder than any other breed, you MUST be consistent.
Only with a great deal of difficulty. With 2/3 of the Basset's weight in the
front, and with such short legs, they can swim only very short distances, and
with great difficulty. If you must go boating with a Basset be certain, you have
provided a life preserver for him or other suitable floatation device. Extra
care must be taken around swimming pools, and the Basset should never be left,
unsupervised in a pool area. Should your Basset be prone to falling in, get him
to swim to the stairs, so that he will learn the way out.
HA, HA, HA, - Only to the uninformed. The value of a Basset should not be based
on its color or markings. The tri-color is the most common, followed by the red
& white. Tri's at times can appear to be black and white, but on closer
inspection, a touch of brown usually can be found. Red & whites can be
almost completely white with just a few spots of tan, or they can be a deep
mahogany color with only a small amount of white. Most come somewhere in
between. There are also lemon & whites. A true lemon is rarely seen. Their
markings are mostly white that fades into areas of very, very light tan. To tell
if it is a true lemon, the puppy, at birth is totally white with no hint of tan.
The light tan color develops as they mature. It should also be noted that the
color and coverage of the marking of the puppy you get at 10-12 weeks will
change as they mature. Every once in a while, you will hear of someone
advertising the "rare" blue Basset (actually it is gray). The standard
states "any recognizable hound color is acceptable", and blue is a
recognized color in some other hound breeds, so it's not illegal - but it is
VERY undesirable. It is a recessive trait resulting in genetically inherited
disorders associated with this color, i.e. periscoping intestines, skin
allergies and food allergies. Be wary of breeders selling these "blue"
bassets. A reputable breeder would not involve themselves in purposely breeding
inferior quality.
There are many local Basset Hound rescue groups, check the Rescue FAQs, part 1,
or if you do not find one in your area contact:
B. H. CARES, Inc.
Greg Gilbert, Chairman: 1865 Bairds Cove, Charleston, SC 29414; [email protected].
Additional Basset Rescue organizations in the United States can be found on
the Daily Drool web page. Included in
this list are BHCare chapters, and other Basset rescue organizations that are
not chapters.
BASSET-L is an email list
for the Basset fancier. To join the list, send email to [email protected].
In the body of the message, include the single line:
subscribe BASSET-L yourfirstname yourlastname
There is also NOSES-L for
the general scent hound fancier. To join the list, send email to [email protected].
In the body of the message, include the single line:
subscribe NOSES-L yourfirstname yourlastname
Daily Drool is a smaller list for
Basset Owners. Membership is limited, so you may have to wait to get on. To
subscribe, use the webpage www.dailydrool.com.
Check the following web pages:
A standard is a written picture of the ideal dog in any breed approved by the
American Kennel Club. It describes the characteristics that set one breed apart
from the others.
The present Standard for Basset
Hounds was accepted by the American Kennel Club in early 1964. Revisions have
been made, as recommended by the Basset
Hound Club of America, Inc., to clarify the old standard and to make
stronger the emphasis on the utility of the breed.
After making the decision to bring a Basset Hound into your home and your heart,
the next most important decision is where to get your dog. If you prefer an
adult, please check with the rescue groups that are listed in the Rescue
Section of this FAQ. Puppies should only be purchased from reputable
breeders. To locate a reputable breeder in your area, contact the Basset Hound
Club of America. They have a listing by state of their members at http://www.basset-bhca.org/.
You may also contact the American Kennel club at http://www.akc.org/
for a referral.
Corresponding Secretary: Janie Dozier, 13219 Holly Tree Lane, Poway CA 92064;
858-748-7081; [email protected].
The Basset Hound Club of America may also be reached by email at [email protected].
To locate current Club Secretaries, contact Mimi Brandoline
(above) or the AKC at (212) 696-8200
|
Arizona
Valle Del Sol BHC
|
California
Greater San Diego BHC
BHC of Sacramento
BHC of Southern California
Northern California BHC
|
Colorado
Timberline BHC
|
Florida
South Florida BHC
Suncoast BHC
|
Hawaii
BHC of Hawaii
|
|
Illinois
Ft Dearborn BHC
Lincolnland BHC
|
Indiana
BHC of Central Indiana
|
Kentucky
Kentuckiana BHC
|
Louisiana
BHC of Greater New Orleans
|
Maryland
BHC of Maryland, Inc
|
|
Massachusetts
Pilgrim BHC
|
Michigan
BHC of Greater Detroit
Looking Glass BHC
Western Michigan BHC
|
Minnesota
GTR Minneapolis St Paul BHC
|
New Jersey
Partroon BHC
|
New York
Capital District BHC
|
|
Ohio
Maumee Valley BHC
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Oklahoma
BHC of Tulsa
|
Oregon
BHC of Portland OR, Inc
Emerald Empire BHC
|
Pennsylvania
BCH of Western PA
Berkshire Valley BHC
Buckeye BHC
Lenape BHC
Rancocas Valley BHC
Susquehanna BHC
Valley Forge BHC
|
Texas
BHC of Greater Fort Worth
BHC of Greater Houston
BHC of Greater San Antonio
Dal-Tex BHC (Dallas, TX)
Highland Lakes BHA
|
|
Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C.
Potomac Basset Hound Club Inc
|
Washington
BHC of Greater Seattle
|
Wisconsin
Badgerland BHC
|
Basset Hound Club of Canada
Dawn-Marie Adams, Secretary
105 Cove Crescent
Stoney Creek ON L8E 5A1
[email protected]
Membership information: $35 (Canadian) for Single, $40 for Family. Membership
Chair - Pat Nurse, [email protected].
Basset Hound Club of British Columbia
Bonnie Tetlock, Secretary
604-522-5366
The Bugler
PO Box 698
McMinnville TN 37110
[email protected]
(Monthly) 1 yr $15.00; First Class - $25.00 per yr; Canada & Mexico $30.00;
Airmail Overseas & SO. America $70.00 (rates as of July 1995)
Tally-Ho
Tally-Ho is the official publication of the Basset Hound Club of America, it is
sent to all members. The Tallyho is not available by subscription anymore.
Recommended reading on the Basset Hound:
The Offical Book of the Basset Hound by Robert E. Booth, 1998
The Basset Hound Owner's Survival Guide by Diane Morgan, 1998.
The Basset Hound, An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet by Barbara
Wicklund (1996).
Basset Hounds, A Complete Pet Owner's Manual by Joe Stahlkuppe (1997).
The Complete Basset Hound ( or The New Complete Basset Hound)
Try to get the 1st edition - blue hard cover - no longer in print, but is better
than her second (yellow cover) book. by Mercedes Braun $16.95
These books may be purchased thru Doctors Foster & Smith (or any
bookstore) 1-800-826-7206
Also see the Country Store section of the BHCA website for additional
publications from the BHCA. (www.basset-bhca.org)
The New Basset Hound by Walton $16.99
AKC Video, Breed Standard Series, The Basset Hound $35.00
(No longer in print) This is the Basset Hound by Ernest H. Hart
Basset Hounds FAQ
Judy Trenck
Email contact: Judy Trenck, [email protected]
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