Basset Hound Dog & Puppies

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" The French Aristocrat "
Breed Origins:	France - Middle Ages , first documented reference in 1585
Breed usage:	Hunting Dog: Small Game - badgers, rabbits and hares
Dog Weight:	40 - 60 Pounds
Dog Height:	12 to 14 inches to the shoulder
Cost of Puppies:	From $250 US Dollars

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Information, Facts & Origins of the Basset Hound
The Basset Hound comes from France and is a dog of medium size with a long barrel shaped body with short stumpy legs. It was bred originally to hunt small game such as badger, rabbit and hare. It's origins can be dated back to the 1500's and it is classified as one of the Hound Dog Group which we go on to describe in detail in the section at the bottom of this page. Dog's Name Facts and Dog Names: This dog's name is sometimes mis-spelt as bassett, basett, basitt and bassit hounds.

Basset Hound Dog Names

The Basset - A Scent Hound
The The Basset Hound belongs to the collection of dogs referred to as Scent Hounds, which specialise in following the scent or the smell of its quarry. In fact, the Basset Hound's sense of smell is second only to that of the bloodhound. It wasn’t until the mid 1500's that hounds began to be classified according to their purpose, i.e. sight hounds, scent hounds, etc. Scent Hounds have distinctive characteristics, features and traits which are perfect for their purpose. They have large noses which have deep, open nostrils and their lips are loose and moist, designed to pick up scent particles and follow the trail of an animal. Their ears are long which concentrates the scent on the nose. Their bodies are designed for endurance, an essential asset when following any scent trail. Hunting takes different forms and as man opts for hunting their quarry either on foot or on horseback the scent hounds have been selectively bred to produce small legs, to enable a man to easily follow on foot, or longer legs suited to keep up with a man on horseback. Most scent hounds were used in packs - making a loud, deep baying noise alerting hunters to their location.

As a pet the Basset Hound is affectionate, placid, and loyal loves to be part of the family. Responds well to well controlled discipline and training - they are born hunters and are likely to run off and chase any small moving animal.

Information, Facts & History of the Basset Hound Dog
The Basset Hound is the French aristocrat of dogs. They are of an old French lineage and the first known documented reference to the Basset Hound was in 1585, where it was referred to in the function of badger hunting. It's origins are, however, believed to date back to the Middle Ages. The name Basset derives from
the Middle French from the word 'bas' meaning low. The Basset Hound, with its short legs, was ideal for hunting at a slow pace and displayed strength and endurance. Their original home was believed to be the French provinces of Artois and Flanders. Like many hunting dogs the Basset Hound was originally owned and bred by members of the French Nobility. This all changed with the French Revolution starting in 1789 and ending ten years later in when the Dictatorship of Napoleon was established. French Royalty and Nobility was finished but the commoners started to hunt with the Basset Hounds in their place. As the dogs were of medium build their upkeep was inexpensive and their short legs made them ideal for accompanying a hunter who was on foot. The Basset therefore flourished in this new social environment. Different cross breeding programs were tried with the Artesien Normand most closely resembling today’s basset. Bloodhounds were also used in breeding programs to increase the overall size of the Basset Hound.

Description of the Basset Hound Dog and Puppies - Coat and Colours info
The Basset Hound's coat comes in a range of the following colours tricolour - black, white and tan, red (marmalade) and white or less often lemon and white. The coat is smooth and short-haired.

Dog Health information - potential health problems of the Basset Hound Dog Breed
All owners of dogs and puppies are concerned about the health care of their pets and just as with humans dog health issues arise from time to time. Resolving dog health problems, including those of the Basset Hound, can prove to be costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining dog health insurance. Diseases in dogs may occur because of trauma, infection, immune system abnormalities, genetic factors, or degenerative conditions. Common health problems and questions occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears, Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. Potential health problems of the Basset Hound may be checked via the Dog Symptoms Sorter, but can include:

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia (abnormal development of joints referred to as CHD - Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia)
Entropion (the inversion, or turning inward, of the border of the eyelid against the eyeball)
Gastric Torsion
Patellar Luxation ( The patella, or kneecap, is part of the stifle joint (knee). In patellar luxation, the kneecap luxates, or pops out of place )

Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems
Please click the following link for additional information which we have provided via our:

Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems

Dog photograph

This describes the most common canine health problems concisely but simply without using medical jargon. A section on Dog and Puppy Vaccinations is also included offering information on each of the diseases, symptoms and effects for which immunization vaccines are available. Not sure of the name of the dog or puppy illness? A Dog Illness Symptoms Sorter is also featured. The Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems should only be used as an informational guide and when and if any dog or puppies health problems occur it is essential to raise any questions you may have with a Dog Health care professional.

Description of the Basset Hound Dog and Puppies - Comparative Sizing Pictures & info
The pictures above allow for a useful sizing perspective between an average man (Five feet ten inches) or an average sized woman (Five feet six inches) in comparison to the average sized Basset Hound dog which we have detailed above. These pictures are extremely important as they provide an immediate and accurate visual representation of the height of an average Basset Hound compared to the height of a male or female - essential information but unique to this site. Use the pictures to help to estimate the size of this breed of dog to each the various growing stages of children. Use the pictures to provide a guideline to the adult size of Basset Hound Puppies. The pictures will also prove to be invaluable when comparing the sizes and heights of other dog breeds. The dimensions will vary according to the sex of the dog or puppy. Girl dogs, or bitches, are on average, 2 inches smaller than boy dogs. Another useful piece of information when considering puppies.

Information on Grooming and Care of the Basset Hound Dog Breed
The Basset Hound requires a minimum amount of grooming. Bassets tend to drool and need some attention and cleaning of the folds in the face. Regardless of the breeds, a certain amount of grooming and care is necessary to keep dogs and puppies looking at their best. Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health problems are identified as quickly as possible, especially important in puppies and older dogs.

Information on the Temperament and Character of the Basset Hound Dog Breed
The Basset Hound is a very sociable breed, enjoying the company of other dogs and humans, they are placid, affectionate, gentle, and companionable but on the down side can be stubborn. The Basset Hound was developed as an active hunting dog and is liable to give chase to any small, moving animals or pick up a scent and doggedly trace it - not easily dissuaded from its course! This dog makes a good house pet providing it is given lots of attention - it has a fairly low intelligence level so will require a lot of patience during training.

Living conditions and Exercise Requirements of the Basset Hound Dog Breed
The Basset Hound dogs and puppies are well suited to living in the town with access to a yard. It requires regular exercise to keep fit. A daily walk and play in the yard should suffice. Basset hounds take between 18 months and 3 years to fully mature and during this stage are very active.

Basset Hound - Puppies Info and Names
The Puppies section, accessed via the Site Index, provides detailed information about Choosing the right puppy, Puppy Training, Puppy Care and Puppy Behavior, Growth & Development. We recommend that the following considerations should always be taken into account when choosingBasset Hound puppies:

Budget - Purchasing, training, equipment, medication and feeding costs of the breed
Convenience and Grooming time e.g. long or short hair
Personal situation - time available and medical conditions such as allergies, asthma or back pain
Exercising requirements for the Basset Hound breed
Living Conditions for the breed - suitability for puppies
Family - child suitability

Children and Puppies!
The pictures above allow for a useful comparison of sizes providing an accurate portrait of the size of an average Basset Hound - essential information and unique to this site. It should also be noted that the pictures feature adults. The size of puppies are naturally considerably smaller and the full grown size of the animal can easily be forgotten when confronted with cute puppies! The slogan " A dog isn't just for Christmas - it's for life!" was necessitated by well meaning people buying puppies at the Christmas, unaware of the puppies growth rate. The pictures provided make it extremely clear exactly how small puppies will develop and whether it will suit the life and living conditions of the family.

Age comparison between the Basset Hound Dog Breed and a Human
Age comparisons between dogs and humans are always a matter of debate - we hope that the following information clarifies the situation. After the first year of life, a dog is equivalent to sixteen human years. After two years, they are equivalent to a 24 year old, at three years a 30 year old, and each year after, add 5 human years to determine a dog's age.

Life Expectancy of the Basset Hound Dog Breed
The life expectancy for this particular breed is between 9 – 12 years.

Hound Dog Breed Information
As implied by its name the Hound has been bred to chase a quarry by sight or smell, or a combination of both senses. Sighthounds have exceptional eyesight, combined with the speed and stamina necessary to catch the intended prey once seen, typical examples being the Greyhound and the Whippet. Hounds which rely strongly on the sense of smell to follow the trail of a prey, such as the Bloodhound, quite literally follow their noses, speed and eyesight is of less importance.
Characteristics and features have been introduced and strengthened by breeding from animals who already demonstrated the desired traits. Breeding for appearance was only introduced in the 19th Century. Before this time dogs and puppies were bred to increase useful abilities and traits helpful for the duties they were intended for. Thus, the various hound breeds were initially introduced to help man according to specific requirements such as:

Hunting and running down small quarry
Flushing out and Driving game
Vermin Hunting
Guard duties
Tracking

In this day and age only a few hounds still undertake these tasks, but nevertheless, they still harbour the skills and characteristics that made the original Basset Hound dog breeding program successful.

The Hound Breed Group of dogs differ in that some hunt by scent and others by sight. Many hounds are kept in packs, in outdoor kennels. Any dogs and puppies belonging to the Hound breeds require a significant amount of exercise as they have high stamina levels suitable for hunting quarry. There are some breeds in this group who make a distinctive ' baying ' sound - invaluable information should be considering puppies. The pictures above allow for a useful size comparison providing an accurate portrait of the size of an average Basset Hound dog - essential information but unique to this site.

Basset Hound Dog Breed

Examples of other Breeds within the Hound Dog Group
The Hound group of dogs includes the Basset Hound and all of the following breeds:
Afghans, Foxhounds, Basenjis, Bassets, Beagles, Black and Tan Coonhounds, Bloodhounds, Borzoi, Dachshunds, English Foxhounds, Greyhounds, Harriers, Irish Wolfhounds, Norwegian Elkhounds, Otterhounds, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens, American Fox hounds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Salukis, Scottish Deerhounds and Whippets. Dog's Name Facts and Dog Names: This dog's name is sometimes mis-spelt as bassett, basett, basitt and bassit hounds. Pictures and information about all of the above Hound Dog breeds, together with all other dog groups, may be found on this website via the following links:

Dog Breeds - ABC List
Dog Names & Breeds Site Index
Hound Dog Breeds