Dog Breed DNA Test Database – Basset Hound

Appearance

Build: Short-legged; proportionally heavier in bone than any other breed of dog
Weight: 50-65 pounds (23-29kg)
Height: 12-15 inches (30-38cm)
Coat: Short, hard and shiny, sheds
Colour: Any recognised hound colour is acceptable (tri-colour, red & white, honey/lemon & white, blue/gray, and black & tan)
Head: Large and well proportioned, prominent occiput on males
Teeth: Scissors or even bite
Eyes: Brown, soft, sad, and slightly sunken, showing prominent haw
Ears: Extremely long, velvety in texture, hanging in loose folds, low set, and when drawn forward, fold well over the end of the nose
Tail: Slightly curved, erect when walking. White tip aids in tracking. Never docked
Limbs: Short, powerful, heavy
Feet: Massive, very heavy with tough heavy pads
Life span: Median 10-12 years

These dogs are around 1-foot in height at the withers. They usually weigh between 35-70 lbs. They have smooth, short-haired coats but a rough haired hound is possible. Although any hound colour is considered acceptable by breed standards, Bassets are generally tricolour (black, tan, and white), open red and white (red spots on white fur), closed red and white (a solid red colour with white feet and tails), Honey And White (honey coloured back, light brown spotty nose and legs, light brown tails with white tip) and lemon and white. Some Bassets are also classified as gray or blue; however, this colour is considered rare and undesirable. They have long, downward ears and powerful necks, with much loose skin around their heads that forms wrinkles. Their tails are long and tapering and stand upright with a curve. Tails usually have white tips so the dogs are more easily seen when hunting/tracking through large bushes or weeds. The breed is also known for its hanging skin structure, which causes the face to occasionally look sad; this, for many people, adds to the breed’s charm. The dewlap, seen as the loose, elastic skin around the neck, and the trailing ears, help trap the scent of what they are tracking.

Temperament

The Basset Hound is seen as an especially friendly breed. For this reason they are an excellent pet for children. Many Bassets “forget” the training when a reward is not present. Bassets should be on a leash when out on walks.

Bassets are known to be a vocal breed. Bassets might howl or bark when they want something or to suggest that they think something is wrong. They also use a low, murmuring whine to get attention, which sounds to many owners as though their Bassets are “talking.” This whine is also used by the hound to beg and varies in volume depending on the nature of the individual hound and length of time it has been begging.

For more information please click on: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basset_Hound

Other interesting sites include: http://www.bassethoundclub.co.uk/
http://www.bassethoundwelfare.org.uk/