GROUP 4 - HOUNDS

Brief History
The Basset Hound is an ancient scent hound, originating in France in the regions of Artois and Flanders, with the first detailed proof of their existence dating back to 1585 when they were noted as badger dogs. The word “Basset” means “low-set”, “stunted”, or “dwarfed”.

Being a short legged, well boned scent hound the Basset was bred to be followed on foot whilst working as a pack. He enjoys nothing more than being able to cast about with his nose down crisscrossing as he picks up and follows the scent trail, with his tail up. The Basset is especially excellent for hunting rabbit and hare.

Average Life Span
When considering a dog please realise that you are taking it on for its lifetime.

The average life span is 10 to 12 years but can be longer.

Temperament
Placid and affectionate. May be stubborn and determined.

General Breed Description
Basset Hounds are a short legged heavy breed, well boned with considerable substance and some loose skin. They are active and alert, and well suited to both indoors and outdoors. Their origin as a pack hound mean that they integrate very well with humans and other dogs and also gives them the strong scenting instinct which can make them quite wilful. However, with steady and consistent training when young, they grow into well-mannered, interactive family members. They are a slow maturing breed, taking 18 months to 3 years to become adults, and can be quite mischievous puppies.

Bassets come in various distributions of colours of tricolour (black, tan and white) and bicolour (tan and white, lemon and white, reddish brown and white).

Coat and Care Requirements
The coat is short and weather resisting, and easy to care for with a weekly brush and a bath when needed. They have a slight drooping of the lower eye which should be watched for any possible irritation or conjunctivitis, and the ears should be checked, and leathers wiped clean as required.

A quality, well balanced diet is essential to maintain correct weight and guard against bloat.

This breed needs a fully fenced property as their strong scenting instinct makes them wander and they have very little road sense – they just follow their nose. They love a daily walk on a lead or a romp in the park but should be under supervision at all times.

Size
Height: 33 to 38cms (13 to 15ins).

Health
All breeds have individual health issues. When speaking to breeders it is recommended you enquire about breed’s health and what health testing the breeder does. Bassets are a generally healthy breed, however health conditions do occur occasionally. These may include eye conditions such as ectropian, entropian, and glaucoma; they can be prone to gastric torsion (bloat), platelet dysfunction (Basset Hound Thrombopathia), bleeding disorder (Von Willebrands Disease); and joint problems.

Suitability
Basset Hounds make excellent family pets, especially enjoy company, and thrive being part of a family. With sensible training Bassets are enjoyable and colourful canine characters. As with all dogs, you should always supervise young children when interacting with your dog.

In Conclusion
Now you know a little more about this breed. If you have decided this is the dog for you and wish to investigate further, please contact the Breed Club or Dogs Victoria. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog events where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs. With any breed of dog, it is important to research and determine suitability for your lifestyle before committing to a puppy which will be a part of your family for many years to come.

Whilst many breeds are recommended for families, it is imperative that when children are with dogs they are supervised at all times. Basic obedience training is a vital part of dog ownership.

Dogs Victoria is about the responsible ownership of all dogs and in particular the preservation of pure breeds.

Link to Dogs Australia Breed Standard https://dogsaustralia.org.au/breed/detail/130