Is the French Basset Hound a Suitable Dog Breed for You?

french basset houndMost people know about the bassets because of popular culture, notably when the dog breed appeared as a part of advertising logos. Historically, these dogs were bred to hunt for small game, including rabbits. These days, there are still parts of the country that still use the dog for such purposes. If you are searching for an active yet laidback pet that is kid-friendly, the French basset hound may be a good choice for you.

 

A Little History of the French Basset Hound

References to hounds with short legs across Europe have been around since the 1500s. Bassets are believed to be descendants of St. Huberts (or commonly known as the Bloodhound), which were described as dogs with muscular bodies with low and short legs that did not give them the speed they needed. However, these dogs have an excellent sense of smell.

The hound started to evolve in many French regions, and it was around 1585 when hounds that measured less than 16 inches were called bassets. At that time, there were about 12 variations of these hounds all over France and some in other European countries.

During the French Revolution, however, some dog breeds, including St. Huberts, became extinct. Basset hounds made their first appearance after a long time during the French dog show in Paris back in 1863. These are the French bassets that we know today, and the American Kennel Club recognized this breed officially in 1935.

 

Physical Characteristics

Basset hounds typically grow 14 inches tall, but some can reach up to 15 inches. They can be around 40 to 65 pounds, depending on some factors, including their height and their lifestyle among others. These dogs have a distinct look because of their short legs and long ears.

These hounds have a remarkable bone size, primarily because they have denser bones when compared to other breeds – even the larger ones. The head of this dog breed is enormous yet well-proportioned and of medium width. It has a loose skin over the entirety of its head as it creates some wrinkles over its brows, mainly when the dog lowers its head.

Among the most notable physical qualities of this breed are its ears, which is very long and low-set. If you draw them forward, they can reach the end of its nose. The texture of the ears is velvety as they hand in loose folds on either side of the head.

The coat is smooth, hard, and short with enough density, which allows it to survive in almost any weather.

 

Personality Traits of the French Basset Hound

French bassets are known to be low-key and patient. They may not be too keen on training because they are quite stubborn, but you can count on them to be always charming. They have reasonable energy levels but do not expect them to be overly active dogs. In fact, this breed is lazy, although the dogs can still be playful at times. Since they have been bred to hunt by scent, they can follow a trail even if it is in steep terrain.

They have a mild attitude, and they are neither shy nor sharp.

 

Who is This Breed For?

French bassets are quite famous for their looks because they appear distinct with their long ears, long bodies, and short legs. They have an endearing face, especially with their sad eyes and droopy ears that make them a favorite pet of many families.

A French basset hound is considered suitable for everyone searching for a companion dog no matter what the age. They are devoted to their families, and they are quite loving as well. One trait that is remarkable about them is that you do not have to worry if you have other dogs in the house; because they can get along well with almost any breed. Additionally, if you have kids or babies at home, the bassets are also good with children.

If you have allergies, you may have to be aware that this breed sheds seasonally and may require weekly grooming. While they are stubborn when it comes to training, these dogs will still respond well. Those living in an apartment will find bassets lovable because they are quite lazy and not so active. However, to make sure they are always healthy, these dogs require regular walks since they can be prone to obesity.