10 Interesting Basset Hound Facts To Know (Vet-Verified)

Basset Hounds: 15 Fascinating Facts About These Charming Scent Hounds

Basset hounds are one of the most recognizable and beloved dog breeds, known for their droopy faces, short legs, and gentle personalities. Originally bred as scent hounds to track rabbits and hare, these dogs have a rich history and many unique characteristics. As a veterinarian and dog lover, I find basset hounds to be endlessly fascinating. Here are 15 interesting facts about basset hounds that showcase what makes this breed so special.

1. The name "basset" comes from the French word "bas" meaning "low." This refers to their short stature – adult basset hounds only stand 11-15 inches tall at the shoulder. However, they are surprisingly heavy for their height, weighing 40-80 pounds on average. In fact, basset hounds have the most bone mass per pound of body weight of any dog breed!

2. Those droopy eyes aren‘t just for looks. Basset hounds have a very prominent occiput (bony protuberance on the back of the skull), which causes their skin to droop down and form wrinkles around the eyes, mouth, and neck. This loose skin actually helps them trap scents close to their nose to aid in tracking. The wrinkles and folds need regular cleaning to prevent skin infections.

3. Basset hounds are second only to bloodhounds in scenting ability. Their long, droopy ears sweep scents from the ground up to their nose, while their dewlap (loose, hanging skin under the neck) traps the smells. One basset hound named Morgan has the Guinness World Record for longest ears on a dog, measuring 13.75 inches and 13.5 inches!

4. The basset hound‘s skeletal structure is uniquely suited for scent tracking. Their shoulders are tightly connected, allowing the front legs to rotate freely and cover rough terrain while following a scent trail. The curve of their front legs and the extra-thick paw pads provide shock absorption. Interestingly, the basset hound is the only breed whose front feet are bigger than their hind feet.

5. Originally bred by monks in France, basset hounds were prized for their hunting prowess in the 1500s. Friars at the Benedictine abbey of St. Hubert mixed strains of French breeds to create a dog that could track small game in heavy brush and brambles, as well as tolerate cold, damp weather.

6. Basset hounds didn‘t become popular pets until the 1800s. In 1866, Lord Galway imported a few bassets to England, where they quickly gained status as prized pets of the aristocracy, including Queen Alexandria. They were first brought to America by sporting enthusiasts in the 1880s. President George Washington received a basset hound named Sweet Lips as a gift from the Marquis de Lafayette in 1785.

7. The basset hound‘s temperament is described as friendly, patient, and low-key – but also stubborn. They were bred to be persistent in following a scent, which makes them challenging to train. Positive reinforcement with treats and lots of repetition is essential. They are also notoriously difficult to housetrain and prone to howling, which prospective owners should keep in mind.

8. Although they have a reputation for being a lazy indoor breed, basset hounds actually have high exercise needs and a surprising amount of strength and stamina. They may become destructive if bored or under-exercised. At least one long daily walk is a must to prevent obesity, a common problem in the breed.

9. The short, dense coat of the basset hound sheds constantly. Weekly brushing and occasional baths are necessary to control shedding and doggy odor. Their long, droopy ears are prone to infections and need regular cleaning. Basset hounds also drool quite a bit, so owners need to be prepared for some slobber!

10. Basset hounds are highly food-motivated, which comes in handy for training but also makes them prone to obesity and begging at the table. Measuring portions carefully and limiting treats is important to keep them at a healthy weight. Feeding from puzzle toys can provide mental stimulation.

11. The loose, elastic skin of the basset hound requires special handling techniques. They shouldn‘t wear a regular neck collar, as it can easily slip off. A harness is a safer choice for walks. Their skin is also prone to getting scraped and torn as they track through brush, so checking for cuts is a must after hikes.

12. Basset hounds are very social and hate to be left alone. They thrive on human companionship and get along well with children, other dogs, and even cats. However, their friendliness means they make poor guard dogs – they are more likely to greet an intruder with a wagging tail than an aggressive bark.

13. The basset hound has made many appearances in pop culture over the years, usually portrayed as a goofy, affable, clumsy character. A basset named Flash was Ripley‘s pet in the movie Alien. Several cartoon bassets became famous, including Fred from Smokey and the Bandit and Lafayette from The Aristocats.

14. Like all purebred dogs, basset hounds are unfortunately prone to some inherited health issues, including hip and elbow dysplasia, glaucoma, Von Willebrand‘s disease (a blood clotting disorder), hypothyroidism, and bloat. Responsible breeders perform genetic tests to avoid passing on these problems. The typical lifespan is 12-13 years.

15. Despite their small size, basset hound puppies are quite expensive, ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 from a reputable breeder. They are also a significant commitment in terms of daily care needs and do best with experienced dog owners. For first-time owners, adopting an adult basset hound may be a better option than a puppy.

The basset hound is truly a unique breed with many special qualities. Although they are no longer commonly used as hunting dogs, their powerful noses, endurance, and tenacity live on. Today, these sweet, mellow dogs make loyal and loving family companions for patient owners willing to accommodate their quirks. With proper training, socialization, and care, a basset hound can provide many years of faithful friendship and endless entertainment. Though they may track mud through the house and steal a sandwich when you‘re not looking, it‘s impossible not to smile at their droopy, wrinkly faces and gentle demeanors. It‘s easy to see why this iconic breed has captured hearts for centuries.