by Lauren R. Tharp
The name “Basset Hound” roughly translates to “rather low hound.” Whether this is referring to their height (they certainly are “rather low” to the ground!) or their facial expression (Droopy Dog was a Basset Hound!) has yet to be determined. Other famous Basset Hounds besides Droopy include Columbo’s dog, Dog; Lassie’s best friend, Porky; and Sherlock, the lucky pup Elvis Presley sang “Hound Dog” to on The Steve Allen Show. Bassets are currently the 25th most popular breed in the United States according to AKC registration records.
Physical Traits
Size & Weight: Small, but heavy-bodied. Basset Hounds are low to the ground, measuring 10-14 inches in height, but they can weigh between 40 and 85 pounds! (And, although they’re short, they’re very long!—They can easily reach the tops of tables for tasty, unguarded, tidbits!)
Coat & Color: Their coat is short-haired, smooth, and prone to shedding. They’re available in all “hound” colors, but the most common are black, tan, and white tri-color; red and white bi-color, or lemon and white bi-color. Gray and/or blue is sometimes seen, but it’s rare.
Other: The Basset’s extraordinary sense of smell is second only too the Bloodhound!
Life Expectancy: 10-15 years.
Temperament
Loving, gentle, and often a little bit silly, Basset Hounds will never cease to amuse, entertain, and just plain make you say “awww.” Basset Hounds are quick learners and require only a moderate amount of training. They’re a good choice for first timers and are a perfect dog for families. However, while these hounds generally seem lethargic in character (exercise requirements are minimal, but not non-existent), they come alive when on the trail of an interesting scent—always keep your Basset on a leash when out walking!
Wags:
- Great with children and other pets! Docile and incredibly gentle, these hounds make friends easily and are generally comfortable with strangers.
- The perfect “urban” dog. Great living indoors, even in smaller homes/apartments.
- Grooming needs are slim to none. You won’t be spending hours with a brush in hand with this pup!
Challenges:
- The Basset Hound has a few “unique” problems that could get you in trouble if not watched. For instance, due to their short legs, they’re terrible swimmers—if you’re a fan of water activities (or own a pool), you’ll want to keep a very close eye on your hound!
- Droopy Dog? Try drool dog. These little guys are known for their slobbering.
- Howling can disturb neighbors.
If you are interested in finding a Basset Hound in Florida, contact:
Basset Hound Rescue Parrish, FL 34219 941-776-5110 www.floridabassetrescue.com [email protected]A special thanks to Dog Mountain for use of this featured image of the Basset Hound by Stephen Huneck.