Basset Hound Puppies: A Guide for New Owners
Are you thinking about adding an adorable, goofy Basset Hound puppy to your family? With their droopy ears, pleading eyes and short stature, Basset puppies are definitely hard to resist. But before you fall head over heels for a Basset pup, it‘s important to learn all about this unique breed to make sure they‘re the right fit for your lifestyle. As a veterinarian and lifelong dog lover, allow me to give you the inside scoop on these charming low-riders!
Basset Hound History and Origins
The Basset Hound‘s origins date back to 16th century France, where they were bred by the aristocracy to hunt small game like rabbits and hare. Their name comes from the French word "bas" meaning "low" – referring to their short legs and low-built body. Friars at the French Abbey of St. Hubert played a key role in selectively breeding Bassets to have an acute sense of smell, with their long ears and loose skin helping to trap and funnel scents towards their nose.
According to the Basset Hound Club of America, Bassets were first imported to England in the mid 1800s, then later to America in the 1880s, where they worked as hunting companions. Over time, they transitioned from the hunting field to beloved family pets known for their calm, sweet nature and comical appearance.
Today, the Basset Hound ranks 39th out of 195 breeds in popularity according to the American Kennel Club. Their droopy charm and unique look has earned them a devoted following around the world.
Basset Hound Breed Characteristics
Basset Hounds have a distinct look that makes them instantly recognizable:
- Long, heavy body with short legs
- Large head with a rounded skull, pronounced eyebrow and deep muzzle
- Long, velvety ears that nearly touch the ground
- Loose, elastic skin and wrinkled brow
- Curved tail that is carried gaily
- Short, dense coat that is usually tricolor (black, white and tan), but can also be bicolor (lemon and white) or solid red/mahogany
Beyond looks, the Basset Hound‘s personality is equally memorable. They are generally calm, patient, gentle and affectionate with a comical, playful side. Bred to work in packs, they tend to get along well with other dogs and aren‘t big barkers. But Bassets do like to "bay" – a deep, musical howl – especially when they catch an interesting scent.
Speaking of scent, The Basset Hound‘s nose is one of the best in the dogdom with an estimated 220 million scent receptors. (For comparison, humans have a mere 5 million.) Their long ears actually help stir up and trap scents close to the nose. Bassets can happily follow an interesting smell for hours with that nose to the ground.
However, that acute sense of smell paired with a strong independent/stubborn streak means Bassets aren‘t always the most obedient students. They are smart problem-solvers but get easily distracted by scents and do things on their own time. First-time dog owners should be prepared for a challenge!
Some other quirks of the Basset personality:
- Laid-back and a bit lazy – happy being couch potatoes
- Love food and prone to obesity if not careful
- Can be diggers and "creative" chewers
- High prey drive towards small critters like squirrels, cats
- Strong pack instinct and dislike being left alone
"Basset Hounds might be low to the ground, but they are high on personality," says Brian Kilcommons, dog training expert and author. "They have an endearing charm and unique sense of humor that is completely their own. But they are also independent thinkers who won‘t do something just because you say so. Training is essential."
Basset Hound Puppy Development
There‘s no denying that Basset puppies are ridiculously cute with their oversized ears, soulful eyes and clumsy antics. During the first few months, those ears will grow faster than the rest of their body, leading to lots of tripping and tumbling. Keep your camera ready, because Basset pups are naturals at creating hilarious and heartwarming moments!
At birth, Basset Hounds are actually quite tiny, usually weighing just 1-2 pounds. But they grow quickly, reaching half their adult weight by 4 months old and nearly full size by 6-8 months. Adult male Bassets average around 50-65 pounds and stand 12-15 inches at the shoulder, while females tend to be a bit smaller at 45-60 pounds and 11-14 inches tall.
Some key milestones in a Basset puppy‘s development:
- 3-7 days: Eyes & ears open
- 3-4 weeks: Begin to play with littermates
- 4-6 weeks: Weaning off mom & onto puppy food
- 7-8 weeks: Ready to go home with new family
- 4-6 months: Adult teeth coming in
- 5-8 months: Ears reaching full length
- 12-18 months: Considered full grown
"That first year with a Basset puppy is full of so many milestones and memories," says Dr. Marty Becker, veterinarian and author. "The key is to enjoy the silly puppy antics but also put the work in with training and socialization to set them up for success."
Experts recommend enrolling Basset puppies in positive reinforcement training classes starting as young as 8-10 weeks old. This early start helps them learn good manners and builds a strong bond with their new owners.
Finding a Basset Hound Puppy
Choosing to add a Basset Hound puppy to your family is a big decision that shouldn‘t be made lightly. Here are some things to consider before you start your search:
Breeder vs. Rescue
There are two main ways of acquiring a Basset puppy: through a breeder or rescue/shelter organization. Both options have their pros and cons.
Going through a responsible breeder allows you to meet the puppy‘s parents, get a full health history, and ask questions about temperament. Good breeders perform health screenings on their breeding stock to avoid passing on genetic conditions. They often offer guidance and support for the life of your pup.
On the flip side, adopting a rescue Basset lets you give a deserving dog a second chance at a happy home. Basset rescues often have pure and mixed puppies as well as adults. The rescue will usually provide basic vetting and can tell you about the dog‘s personality. However, you likely won‘t get papers or know full history.
Wherever you get your Basset, the most important thing is to do your research and ensure it‘s a responsible, ethical source that puts the welfare of their dogs first. Avoid pet stores, online ads or backyard breeders.
What to Look For
When assessing Basset Hound puppies, look for the following:
- Clear, bright eyes with no discharge
- Clean ears that don‘t smell or have redness/dirt inside
- Shiny coat with healthy skin, no bare patches or flakes
- Plump, not pot-bellied appearance
- Outgoing, inquisitive attitude
The breeder or rescue should provide paperwork on the puppy‘s health, vaccines and deworming status. Don‘t be afraid to ask questions and walk away if something seems off. Trust your gut.
Basset Puppy Care 101
Once your Basset bundle of joy is home, the real work (and fun!) begins. Here are the key areas to focus on:
Feeding
Basset pups should eat 3-4 meals per day of a high-quality, puppy-formulated food. Avoid foods with cheap fillers like corn and opt for a named meat protein as the first ingredient. Follow the serving size suggestions on the bag as a starting point and adjust up or down to maintain a healthy weight.
Puppies are notorious chow hounds, so practice portion control and go easy on the treats. Too much weight gain is bad for their joints and sets them up for obesity down the line. I recommend interactive slow feeders to make them work for their food!
Exercise
While Basset Hounds are lower energy than many breeds, they still need daily exercise – usually two 20-30 minute leash walks or play sessions. Avoid stairs or forced jumping until their joints have fully formed. No jogging or biking either!
Mental stimulation is just as crucial as physical. Food puzzles, scent games, trick training and nose work are great ways to keep their sniffer and mind engaged.
Training
Start training your Basset puppy the day you bring them home. Positive reinforcement using treats, toys and praise is the most effective approach for this sensitive yet stubborn breed. Regular training sessions will build your bond and help your pup understand the rules.
Some priority lessons:
-
Potty training: Take them out every 2 hours plus after eating/sleeping. Reward with treats & praise. Never punish accidents.
-
Crate training: Get your pup used to a safe den for times you can‘t supervise. Feed meals in crate and keep sessions short & fun.
-
Basic manners: Teach sit, down, stay, come, leave it, drop it and loose leash walking. Practice every day!
-
Baying/barking: Acknowledge communication but don‘t reward excessive noise. Teach "quiet."
If you feel overwhelmed, enlist help from a certified professional dog trainer versed in positive methods.
Preventive Care
Basset Hounds may be hearty dogs, but they do have some breed-specific health concerns to be aware of:
-
ear infections: Those long, floppy ears trap moisture and debris. Check and clean them weekly.
-
eye issues: Cherry eye, glaucoma, and ectropion are common. Watch for redness, squinting or discharge.
-
joint problems: Their long back and short legs make them prone to IVDD, arthritis and CCL tears. Keep weight down and limit high impact activities.
-
bloat: Deep chested dogs are at higher risk for this life-threatening condition. Feed smaller meals and avoid exercise immediately after eating.
Work closely with your vet on a preventive care plan including regular checkups, vaccinations, parasite control and screenings. Consider pet insurance to offset unexpected medical costs.
Why We Love Bassets
There are so many reasons why Basset Hounds wiggle their way into our hearts and homes! As a lifelong Basset owner myself, here are some of the most endearing:
- That droopy, wrinkled face that makes you smile every time
- The silly antics like tripping over their ears or getting into mischief
- The calm, easygoing attitude that adapts to most situations
- The ability to be a world-class couch potato yet also an enthusiastic sniffer
- That heart-melting gaze and velvety soft ears just made for petting
- The loyal, loving bond they form with their favorite humans
Of course, Bassets aren‘t for everyone. Their stubborn, independent nature can be frustrating. The shedding and drool aren‘t exactly neat. And their scent obsession means they aren‘t always the most obedient.
But for those who appreciate the Basset‘s charms, there‘s truly no other breed quite like them. Opening your heart and home to a Basset Hound means constant laughter, unwavering devotion and endless entertainment.
Basset Hound Fun Facts
Still not convinced that Bassets rule? Sniff on these fun facts:
-
The Basset Hound has the second longest ears of any dog breed. If laid out flat, their ears would be about 1/4 of their body length! Only the Bloodhound‘s are longer.
-
A Basset‘s sense of smell is 40x more powerful than a human‘s. They have about 220 million scent receptors compared to our measly 5 million.
-
The term "Basset" comes from the French word "bas" meaning "low." Their short legs keep their nose close to the ground for optimal scent tracking.
-
Basset Hounds are surprisingly heavy for their size, weighing 50-65 pounds on average. In fact, they have the most bone per pound of body weight of any breed.
-
Bassets don‘t actually "yawn" – they "flew"! This is when their upper lips get stuck on their teeth after a nap, leading to a very silly expression.
-
A group of Basset Hounds is called a "pod," "pack" or "cry". When hunting, a "cry" of Bassets would follow the quarry while the hunters trailed behind on foot.
-
The famous Hush Puppies shoe brand was named after the Basset Hound. The brand‘s mascot is a Basset named Jason.
-
Many celebrity Basset owners past and present including Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Clint Eastwood, President George Washington and Shakira.
-
A Basset Hound‘s tail is thick at the base and tapers to a fine point, giving it a whip-like appearance. An upturned tail tip is a breed hallmark.
-
The world‘s longest dog ears belonged to a Basset named Tigger, measuring 34.9 cm (13.75 in) and 34.2 cm (13.5 in). That‘s a lot of ear!
When a Basset Steals Your Heart
It‘s impossible to be in the presence of a Basset Hound and not break into a goofy grin. From their swaying gait to their droopy jowls to those soulful eyes, everything about this breed oozes charm.
But beyond the adorable exterior lies an intelligent, loving, stubborn, mischievous spirit that captures your heart like no other. Bassets live life on their own terms, approaching each day with a sense of humor and curiosity that‘s utterly infectious.
As a Basset parent, you‘ll never feel alone with your shadow (and his shadow‘s shadow) following you from room to room. You‘ll never be bored with their silly antics and dogged determination to follow their nose. And you‘ll never feel unloved with their droopy head in your lap and liquid brown eyes gazing up at you adoringly.
Yes, Basset Hound puppies take patience, consistency and a whole lot of wet wipes to raise. They aren‘t the easiest breed, but they are so very worth it. Because once a Basset wiggles into your heart, you‘ll wonder how you ever lived without one.
"Basset Hounds are like potato chips – you can‘t have just one," says Lori Bieschke, longtime Basset breeder and enthusiast. "They‘ll make you laugh, they‘ll make you cry, they‘ll make you want to pull your hair out. But they‘ll also teach you about unconditional love, living life to the fullest, and the importance of following your nose."
So if you‘re ready to welcome a droopy bundle of love into your home, do your research, stock up on lint rollers, and get ready for the ride of your life. Because life is just better with a Basset Hound by your side.
