The Basset Hound is a scent hound second only to the Bloodhound from which it is descended. It may also have the blood line of dwarfs of many different litters of hunting dogs. Its name is derived from the French word “bas” meaning "low" and was bred to pick up the scent as they follow an animal with long ears that also sweep the ground to pick up scent. They are slow moving dogs that will not scare off game and make it easier for hunters to follow on foot. Bred to hunt in both packs or alone, the Basset Hound hunts both in the den and in the open and is used to hunt fox, hare, opossum and pheasant. They are a hearty breed and make good pets and perform well in the show ring. The breed was first shown in Paris in 1863 and soon became popular in England and then came to America where it was recognized as a breed in the American Kennel Club in 1885.
Though very short it is a heavy dog with males weighing up to sixty-five pounds and standing fifteen inches at the withers. They are longer than wide and have a deep and heavy muzzle with loose hanging flews and pronounced dewlap. The skin hangs loose and falls into folds on the head with soft brown eyes that are slightly sunken with a prominent haw. The ears are extremely long and velvety hanging down toward the ground and they have large teeth with a scissor or even bite. They have a deep chest that extends in front of the front legs and round full hindquarters. The paws are large and the dewclaws can be removed and they have a hard, dense short haired coat with black, tan, white, red, or white with chestnut or sand-colored markings. They have pleasant, deep, mellow bark that becomes a howl when on the scent.
Basset Hounds are gentle with a sweet disposition and a peaceful temperament and well-behaved but only if the owner establishes Alpha Dog status. They are affectionate and good with children and can be trained to do tricks for food. Housebreaking is difficult and the owner must be firm and patient and train them gently. They are a scent hound and off lead with follow a scent so it is advised to keep them on lease when taking them outside a confined area.
Milwaukee area residents who are considering adding a Basset Hound to the family can contact Wisconsin Basset Hound Breeders to be sure to find the best dog to fit your family.
