Information
Blackvein Design © The Basset Hound Club of Wales 2005 all rights reserved
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In this page we offer you some insight into the breed and information that is essential to anyone who may be contemplating a Basset Hound as a pet or anyone who has already begun the search for a puppy.
THE ORIGIN OF THE BREED
CHARACTER AND TEMPERAMENT
DO YOU REALLY WANT A BASSET HOUND
IS THIS BREED RIGHT FOR YOU
PUPPIES AND BREEDING STOCK
FINDING A REPUTABLE BREEDER
BASSET HOUND WELFARE
CHARACTER AND TEMPERAMENT
DO YOU REALLY WANT A BASSET HOUND
IS THIS BREED RIGHT FOR YOU
PUPPIES AND BREEDING STOCK
FINDING A REPUTABLE BREEDER
BASSET HOUND WELFARE
Origin of the breed
It is widely accepted that the St Hubert hound was the forerunner of today’s Basset Hound. The St Hubert was developed by the abbots of the monastery bearing that name, and located in the French forest region of the Ardennes. St Hubert founded his order during the sixth century. Early accounts describe them as being black and tan with heavy heads, long ears, long bodies and comparatively short and heavy legs. These hounds had a wonderfully keen noses and deep melodious voices. The long ears assisted them in hunting by acting as a sort of “fan”, blowing the scent up from the ground towards the dogs’ noses. (These comments sound remarkably like the Basset Hound we know today!)
As time passed, St Hubert hounds were scattered throughout France and were crossed with local hounds. The name “Basset”, derived from the French - “bas”, meaning “low-set”, there are early reports of a hound that stood less than 16 inches high. Mounted hunters used the dogs bred by the abbots for hunting deer, boar, wolves and stag. While the short-legged variety, was maintained for hunting smaller game afoot, on heavier cover. In France the Basset Hound developed into three main types: smooth coated, half rough coated and the rough coated. Each type had its own followers who preferred the straight-legged type, or full crook. Hunting was a tradition in France, so it is not surprising many of these proficient short-legged hounds were to be found in the kennels of the aristocracy, which as a result of the French Revolution were then dispersed among the peasants.
Searching through literature, one can find references to the St Hubert hound or hounds of that type, which indicates these dogs were imported as long ago as the 15th century. It is said that King James IV of Scotland imported Bassets, which were used to rout game, driving the animals into the open, after which the hunters would release their swift sight hounds that would run down and catch the quarry. Shakespeare mentions their type in “A Midsummer Nights Dream”. However it is not until the 19th century that the Basset as we know it today can be traced. Sir Everett Millias imported “Model” from France, and it is after this when enthusiasm for the breed began and all is very well recorded. The Basset Hound Club was formed in 1883 to encourage the breeding of Basset Hounds for exhibition and hunting. Such eminent people as HRH Princess Alexandra (later to become Queen), Lord Galway, Sir Everett Millias and others became members. The breed now flourished both in the ring and with the sporting fraternity and by 1886 a few packs had been established to hunt hare. However it is worth remembering during WWI many packs were disbanded and the numbers being exhibited dropped dramatically, in fact the Basset Hound Club was a casualty too, being wound up in 1921. Between the wars the breed was kept by the dedicated few. However, we all owe a great debt of gratitude to Miss Peggy Keevil without her efforts during WWII the breed, as we know it in this country would have died out.
It is widely accepted that the St Hubert hound was the forerunner of today’s Basset Hound. The St Hubert was developed by the abbots of the monastery bearing that name, and located in the French forest region of the Ardennes. St Hubert founded his order during the sixth century. Early accounts describe them as being black and tan with heavy heads, long ears, long bodies and comparatively short and heavy legs. These hounds had a wonderfully keen noses and deep melodious voices. The long ears assisted them in hunting by acting as a sort of “fan”, blowing the scent up from the ground towards the dogs’ noses. (These comments sound remarkably like the Basset Hound we know today!)
As time passed, St Hubert hounds were scattered throughout France and were crossed with local hounds. The name “Basset”, derived from the French - “bas”, meaning “low-set”, there are early reports of a hound that stood less than 16 inches high. Mounted hunters used the dogs bred by the abbots for hunting deer, boar, wolves and stag. While the short-legged variety, was maintained for hunting smaller game afoot, on heavier cover. In France the Basset Hound developed into three main types: smooth coated, half rough coated and the rough coated. Each type had its own followers who preferred the straight-legged type, or full crook. Hunting was a tradition in France, so it is not surprising many of these proficient short-legged hounds were to be found in the kennels of the aristocracy, which as a result of the French Revolution were then dispersed among the peasants.
Searching through literature, one can find references to the St Hubert hound or hounds of that type, which indicates these dogs were imported as long ago as the 15th century. It is said that King James IV of Scotland imported Bassets, which were used to rout game, driving the animals into the open, after which the hunters would release their swift sight hounds that would run down and catch the quarry. Shakespeare mentions their type in “A Midsummer Nights Dream”. However it is not until the 19th century that the Basset as we know it today can be traced. Sir Everett Millias imported “Model” from France, and it is after this when enthusiasm for the breed began and all is very well recorded. The Basset Hound Club was formed in 1883 to encourage the breeding of Basset Hounds for exhibition and hunting. Such eminent people as HRH Princess Alexandra (later to become Queen), Lord Galway, Sir Everett Millias and others became members. The breed now flourished both in the ring and with the sporting fraternity and by 1886 a few packs had been established to hunt hare. However it is worth remembering during WWI many packs were disbanded and the numbers being exhibited dropped dramatically, in fact the Basset Hound Club was a casualty too, being wound up in 1921. Between the wars the breed was kept by the dedicated few. However, we all owe a great debt of gratitude to Miss Peggy Keevil without her efforts during WWII the breed, as we know it in this country would have died out.
Character and Temperament
The character of the Basset Hound makes it an exceptionally loyal and faithful dog with an easygoing temperament, that makes them excellent pets, although it should always be remembered they are very intelligent and strong willed. Whether you decide upon a Basset Hound - a sad eyed, slow moving, as a companion/household pet, or as a show dog, it is a breed that cannot be ignored.
They are willing to please, as long as you don’t mind having what they intended to do in the first place, they have a wonderful knack of going deaf when they don’t want to listen. Love, patience, perseverance, combined with a treat or two often does the trick.
Bassets are pack hounds and need the love and companionship of others, whether that is another animal or a person, they need to be part of the family - their pack. They don’t like being left alone for any considerable length of time, they can be destructive and/or howl. They are a very intelligent, contrary to their looks, try taking a Basset for a walk when it is pouring with rain, it may go as far as the door, look out and see the weather and beat a hasty retreat back to its bed! Is that the actions of a dog with no brain?
It is also worth remembering these are not couch potatoes and they do like a good walk, they were bred for endurance in the field and can walk for hours, however that amount of time out walking is not really necessary unless it is something you enjoy and want to do. You should always follow your breeders advise on exercise for youngsters as they need a special exercise regime until fully grown.
The character of the Basset Hound makes it an exceptionally loyal and faithful dog with an easygoing temperament, that makes them excellent pets, although it should always be remembered they are very intelligent and strong willed. Whether you decide upon a Basset Hound - a sad eyed, slow moving, as a companion/household pet, or as a show dog, it is a breed that cannot be ignored.
They are willing to please, as long as you don’t mind having what they intended to do in the first place, they have a wonderful knack of going deaf when they don’t want to listen. Love, patience, perseverance, combined with a treat or two often does the trick.
Bassets are pack hounds and need the love and companionship of others, whether that is another animal or a person, they need to be part of the family - their pack. They don’t like being left alone for any considerable length of time, they can be destructive and/or howl. They are a very intelligent, contrary to their looks, try taking a Basset for a walk when it is pouring with rain, it may go as far as the door, look out and see the weather and beat a hasty retreat back to its bed! Is that the actions of a dog with no brain?
It is also worth remembering these are not couch potatoes and they do like a good walk, they were bred for endurance in the field and can walk for hours, however that amount of time out walking is not really necessary unless it is something you enjoy and want to do. You should always follow your breeders advise on exercise for youngsters as they need a special exercise regime until fully grown.
Do you really want a Basset Hound?
Sounds a silly question, but there are a few things to consider before you commit yourselves fully. They are perhaps the wrong kind of dog for those who have a pristine house and/or garden. To be owned and loved by a Basset Hound you need a big loving heart and sometimes a bank balance to match!
A few things worth remembering are:
They are wilful and disobedient
They are not couch potatoes.
They do moult leaving their fur around the place.
They do have feet like sponges that leave muddy or dirty footprints on your clean floors.
They do slobber and deposits can be found half way up a wall or on the ceiling.
They do dig up plants from flowerbeds or make holes in the lawn
They do have a knack of reaching the most out of the way places - like the back of kitchen worktops when you have overlooked some tasty morsel.
Sounds a silly question, but there are a few things to consider before you commit yourselves fully. They are perhaps the wrong kind of dog for those who have a pristine house and/or garden. To be owned and loved by a Basset Hound you need a big loving heart and sometimes a bank balance to match!
A few things worth remembering are:
They are wilful and disobedient
They are not couch potatoes.
They do moult leaving their fur around the place.
They do have feet like sponges that leave muddy or dirty footprints on your clean floors.
They do slobber and deposits can be found half way up a wall or on the ceiling.
They do dig up plants from flowerbeds or make holes in the lawn
They do have a knack of reaching the most out of the way places - like the back of kitchen worktops when you have overlooked some tasty morsel.
Is this breed right for you?
Read these points carefully
Bassets are hounds; don’t expect the alertness of a terrier, the protectiveness of a guard dog or indeed the demands for attention or affection of a toy dog. Nor expect the versatility of one of the breeds that can be obedience trained - a basset hound will only disappoint you. To expect a basset to be more than he /she is, is not only unfair to the breed but to the individual dog.
Bassets must be kept home by strong, sturdy fences and gates that close properly, they are a scent hound with a keen nose, second only to that of a Bloodhound. If allowed to escape they will, Basset hounds have been known to become lost and even killed on the roads by following an interesting scent.
Bassets can do very well living in a kennel provided they have the proper exercise, care and attention. However, no Basset should be tied or chained up, nor left alone for any great period of time and it would suffer greatly as a result.
Bassets can be prone to obesity that can be stressful to their long spines. Great care should be given to their feeding and this is probably more important in young dogs than old Bassets, than it is with most other breeds of dog. Ask yourself these questions and be completely honest with your answers.
Do you want a Basset Hound as an ornament or do you want a real dog with many good qualities as a pet?
Are you so captivated with another type of dog that the laid-back nature of the Basset will become dissatisfaction?
Have you owned other dogs that can serve as an indicator on how to treat a Basset?
Are you willing to invest time and money to search for and find the right Basset for you and your family?
Will you or another responsible adult, be at home and help your newcomer to settle in?
Are you willing to stress on your family, friends and visitors that having a Basset around means that doors and gates need to be securely closed?
Are you also willing to stress on them that food should not be left around for the Basset to get hold of, or to feed titbits from the table?
Will you commit to regular veterinary visits for your Basset? Are you willing to follow instructions about healthcare you basset may need throughout its life?
If you have answered all of these honestly and you are convinced a Basset Hound is for you, you have now passed the point of no return - where so many of us have gone before you.
Read these points carefully
Bassets are hounds; don’t expect the alertness of a terrier, the protectiveness of a guard dog or indeed the demands for attention or affection of a toy dog. Nor expect the versatility of one of the breeds that can be obedience trained - a basset hound will only disappoint you. To expect a basset to be more than he /she is, is not only unfair to the breed but to the individual dog.
Bassets must be kept home by strong, sturdy fences and gates that close properly, they are a scent hound with a keen nose, second only to that of a Bloodhound. If allowed to escape they will, Basset hounds have been known to become lost and even killed on the roads by following an interesting scent.
Bassets can do very well living in a kennel provided they have the proper exercise, care and attention. However, no Basset should be tied or chained up, nor left alone for any great period of time and it would suffer greatly as a result.
Bassets can be prone to obesity that can be stressful to their long spines. Great care should be given to their feeding and this is probably more important in young dogs than old Bassets, than it is with most other breeds of dog. Ask yourself these questions and be completely honest with your answers.
Do you want a Basset Hound as an ornament or do you want a real dog with many good qualities as a pet?
Are you so captivated with another type of dog that the laid-back nature of the Basset will become dissatisfaction?
Have you owned other dogs that can serve as an indicator on how to treat a Basset?
Are you willing to invest time and money to search for and find the right Basset for you and your family?
Will you or another responsible adult, be at home and help your newcomer to settle in?
Are you willing to stress on your family, friends and visitors that having a Basset around means that doors and gates need to be securely closed?
Are you also willing to stress on them that food should not be left around for the Basset to get hold of, or to feed titbits from the table?
Will you commit to regular veterinary visits for your Basset? Are you willing to follow instructions about healthcare you basset may need throughout its life?
If you have answered all of these honestly and you are convinced a Basset Hound is for you, you have now passed the point of no return - where so many of us have gone before you.
Puppies and Breeding Stock
If you are interested in purchasing a puppy from a reputable breeder, the Basset Hound Club of Wales can sometimes put in touch with its breeder/members may occasionally have puppies for sale. However the club will not supply information for stud dogs or brood bitches and/or the names and addresses of their owners.
*DISCLAIMER
The Basset Hound Club of Wales is not an organization primarily for the sale of puppies, and it accepts no responsibility for purchases, which may result from enquiries
If you are interested in purchasing a puppy from a reputable breeder, the Basset Hound Club of Wales can sometimes put in touch with its breeder/members may occasionally have puppies for sale. However the club will not supply information for stud dogs or brood bitches and/or the names and addresses of their owners.
*DISCLAIMER
The Basset Hound Club of Wales is not an organization primarily for the sale of puppies, and it accepts no responsibility for purchases, which may result from enquiries
Finding a Reputable Breeder
Having done some research and decided on a Basset Hound, the next task is to find a responsible breeder. The popularity of Basset Hound has soared in recent years and this inevitably means that those who care more about money than the quality of their dogs or the future well being of the breed have become involved. There is often little recourse in the law if you make a bad choice. Buyer beware!
What you should look for. A responsible breeder will be striving to breed the best dogs that they can in terms of type, health and temperament. They will be knowledgeable about the breed and able to answer Basset Houund specific questions that you may have. They will most likely be showing their dogs or have done so in the past and they will be a member of one or more breed organistions. All breed clubs have a Code of Ethics which their members are required to abide by. A responsible breeder will always be able to show you the mother of the puppies. The puppies should be clean and the mother should be in good condition - allowing for the fact that she has just raised a litter of pups. It isn't always possible to see the father since it is common to use stud dogs from outside. You should be provided with a diet sheet and a worming record in addition to a legible pedigree and contact information. Generally, Basset Hound puppies should not be placed in a new home until they are at least 9 weeks old. A responsible breeder will be on hand to offer help and advice after you have bought your puppy for as long as you reasonably might need it. They will also stand by their dogs and be prepared to take the dog back or at the very least help you with re-homing if something goes wrong or you are unable to care for the dog.
It is difficult to offer ironclad guarantees when you are dealing with a living being but by buying your Basset Hound puppy from a reputable breeder you will know that every effort possible has been made to breed a sound healthy puppy that will be supported by a knowledgeable person as it grows up with you. What to avoid. You should avoid buying a puppy from a puppy farm (sometimes called a puppy mill), a pet shop (since their stock almost always comes from puppy farms), a dealer or a casual breeder. At first glance these can be a good option, you might not have to wait for your puppy and you might (but not always) save yourself a little money on the purchase price. You may even know someone who has bought from a puppy farm or a dealer and had no problems. But it is a lottery. In most cases there is little thought given to which dog is bred with which bitch and whether the breeding could give rise to inherited conditions. Whilst the conditions in which the dogs are kept may (or may not) be sanitary the puppies would likely receive little in the way of human or canine interaction and so may be stunted socially. And once you have bought your puppy, that's it - you're on your own.
Buying your puppy from a casual breeder can also be problematic. Whilst it would seem to be ideal to buy a puppy from a litter raised by a (probably much loved pet) bitch in a home environment you should question the motives behind having the litter. Are the people knowledgeable about Basset Hounds? Are the people concerned a member of a breed club and striving to learn as much about the breed as they can? Can they answer your questions about Basset Hounds satisfactorily? Are they prepared to stand by the puppies that they breed and would they take them back if there was a problem? If the answer to these questions is yes then the chances are you are talking to responsible breeder, if not then you are just increasing your risk. Finding a responsible breeder. There are several avenues you can pursue. Breed clubs maintain lists of their members who breed and should be able to give you details of members near you. Other clubs, contact the secretary of the club concerned - links to some other breed clubs can be found on our links page. You can ask your vet if he or she can recommend a good breeder. Also if you know someone in your area who has a Basset Hound you can ask them where they got it from, whether they would recommend the breeder to anyone else and any issues they had to deal with after buying the puppy. You should also bear in mind that dogs have a 9 week pregnancy and puppies aren't ready to go to new homes until they are at least 9 weeks old so it is probable that you would have to wait for a while for the right puppy to come along.
Having done some research and decided on a Basset Hound, the next task is to find a responsible breeder. The popularity of Basset Hound has soared in recent years and this inevitably means that those who care more about money than the quality of their dogs or the future well being of the breed have become involved. There is often little recourse in the law if you make a bad choice. Buyer beware!
What you should look for. A responsible breeder will be striving to breed the best dogs that they can in terms of type, health and temperament. They will be knowledgeable about the breed and able to answer Basset Houund specific questions that you may have. They will most likely be showing their dogs or have done so in the past and they will be a member of one or more breed organistions. All breed clubs have a Code of Ethics which their members are required to abide by. A responsible breeder will always be able to show you the mother of the puppies. The puppies should be clean and the mother should be in good condition - allowing for the fact that she has just raised a litter of pups. It isn't always possible to see the father since it is common to use stud dogs from outside. You should be provided with a diet sheet and a worming record in addition to a legible pedigree and contact information. Generally, Basset Hound puppies should not be placed in a new home until they are at least 9 weeks old. A responsible breeder will be on hand to offer help and advice after you have bought your puppy for as long as you reasonably might need it. They will also stand by their dogs and be prepared to take the dog back or at the very least help you with re-homing if something goes wrong or you are unable to care for the dog.
It is difficult to offer ironclad guarantees when you are dealing with a living being but by buying your Basset Hound puppy from a reputable breeder you will know that every effort possible has been made to breed a sound healthy puppy that will be supported by a knowledgeable person as it grows up with you. What to avoid. You should avoid buying a puppy from a puppy farm (sometimes called a puppy mill), a pet shop (since their stock almost always comes from puppy farms), a dealer or a casual breeder. At first glance these can be a good option, you might not have to wait for your puppy and you might (but not always) save yourself a little money on the purchase price. You may even know someone who has bought from a puppy farm or a dealer and had no problems. But it is a lottery. In most cases there is little thought given to which dog is bred with which bitch and whether the breeding could give rise to inherited conditions. Whilst the conditions in which the dogs are kept may (or may not) be sanitary the puppies would likely receive little in the way of human or canine interaction and so may be stunted socially. And once you have bought your puppy, that's it - you're on your own.
Buying your puppy from a casual breeder can also be problematic. Whilst it would seem to be ideal to buy a puppy from a litter raised by a (probably much loved pet) bitch in a home environment you should question the motives behind having the litter. Are the people knowledgeable about Basset Hounds? Are the people concerned a member of a breed club and striving to learn as much about the breed as they can? Can they answer your questions about Basset Hounds satisfactorily? Are they prepared to stand by the puppies that they breed and would they take them back if there was a problem? If the answer to these questions is yes then the chances are you are talking to responsible breeder, if not then you are just increasing your risk. Finding a responsible breeder. There are several avenues you can pursue. Breed clubs maintain lists of their members who breed and should be able to give you details of members near you. Other clubs, contact the secretary of the club concerned - links to some other breed clubs can be found on our links page. You can ask your vet if he or she can recommend a good breeder. Also if you know someone in your area who has a Basset Hound you can ask them where they got it from, whether they would recommend the breeder to anyone else and any issues they had to deal with after buying the puppy. You should also bear in mind that dogs have a 9 week pregnancy and puppies aren't ready to go to new homes until they are at least 9 weeks old so it is probable that you would have to wait for a while for the right puppy to come along.
Basset Hound Welfare
Introduction:
Basset Hound Welfare is an independent rescue and welfare charity for all Basset Hounds. Its objective is the resettlement of unwanted Basset Hounds and the counselling of owners who experience difficulties with their hounds. They aim to provide loving and permanent homes for those Basset Hounds whose owners, for whatever reason, can no longer keep them. They, the dispossessed, will need patience, love and security. If you can help in any way, please do contact them. They can be contacted by following their link on our links page.
A Warning from Basset Hound Welfare
An unfortunate consequence of earning a good name and reputation is that others will seek to imitate and confuse in order to capitalize on it. Please be sure that you are in fact dealing with Basset Hound Welfare, which is a charity registered with the Charity Commissioners under the number 1070388. If whomever you are in contact with cannot prove such identity they are unlikely to have any connection with this charity, however similar their name or address may sound. If you are in any doubt as to the validity of anyone whom you have contacted or intend to contact, please contact the Charity's registered office.
Introduction:
Basset Hound Welfare is an independent rescue and welfare charity for all Basset Hounds. Its objective is the resettlement of unwanted Basset Hounds and the counselling of owners who experience difficulties with their hounds. They aim to provide loving and permanent homes for those Basset Hounds whose owners, for whatever reason, can no longer keep them. They, the dispossessed, will need patience, love and security. If you can help in any way, please do contact them. They can be contacted by following their link on our links page.
A Warning from Basset Hound Welfare
An unfortunate consequence of earning a good name and reputation is that others will seek to imitate and confuse in order to capitalize on it. Please be sure that you are in fact dealing with Basset Hound Welfare, which is a charity registered with the Charity Commissioners under the number 1070388. If whomever you are in contact with cannot prove such identity they are unlikely to have any connection with this charity, however similar their name or address may sound. If you are in any doubt as to the validity of anyone whom you have contacted or intend to contact, please contact the Charity's registered office.