Basset Hound Puppies for Sale

Basset Hound Puppies For Sale: About the Breed

Basset Hounds are one of the most instantly recognizable dog breeds thanks to their long, velvety-soft ears, short legs, wrinkly skin, and enthusiastic wagging tail. The Basset Hound began as an aristocratic dog of French ancestry bred to follow a scent, mainly rabbits and other small game.

Today, the Basset Hound ranks in the top 20% of the AKC's most popular breeds and enjoys an enthusiastic following. Overall, the Basset Hound is a relatively low-maintenance breed that makes an excellent companion for families of all lifestyles.

Characteristics

Basset Hounds have a long body and short legs, which give them an advantage when following a scent. Basset Hounds are also known for their sad-looking eyes and long, droopy ears, which can help trap smells. They come in a variety of colors, including black, white, brown, and tri-color.

According to the American Kennel Club's breed standards, full-grown Basset Hounds have a weight range of 40-65 pounds and should be 12-15 inches tall at the shoulder, although some dogs may be larger or smaller. A Basset Hound has a typical lifespan of 10-12 years.

Another distinct characteristic of a Basset Hound is its white-tipped 8 to 11-inch long tail which can stick straight out and curl up from their wrinkly bodies. Their tail is like an extension of their personality, as you can tell a lot about their current mood by looking at their tail. Historically, a Basset Hound grew up with a long tail instead of having it docked so that hunters could see it above grass and indicate where the hunted animals' burrows were.

Activity Level

You may be wondering about their activity level since you know about their hunting heritage. When it comes to activity level, Basset Hounds are relatively low-key. They enjoy a good walk, swim, or play session, but they're just as happy lounging around the house as couch potatoes. This makes them ideal for families with busy lifestyles because they don't need constant attention.

However, it's important to keep in mind that a Basset Hound is still a hunting breed and may need more exercise if he shows signs of restlessness. Because Basset Hounds absolutely love food, you have to ensure they have enough regular exercise to prevent obesity.

Disposition

Even though their eyes always look mournful, a Basset Hound's personality is quite the opposite. Basset Hounds are known for being calm, easygoing dogs who are fiercely loyal to their families. In turn, Basset Hound owners are deeply devoted to the breed due to their larger-than-life personalities and the ability to keep owners laughing constantly.

A Basset Hound is extremely social and gets along well with everybody, including other pets. They are not bothered by noises, are tolerant and patient, and are very intuitive, making them excellent companions for children.

Speaking of noises, a Basset Hound can be quite loud between his deep, baying bark and his tendency to snore and pass gas. A Basset Hound may also try to "sing" to the music or howl along with a phone's ringtone.

Training

While they're extremely intelligent, Basset Hounds may face some challenges when it comes to training because they are very independent and stubborn. You will need to start as early as possible and be consistent when training a Basset Hound by using positive and food reinforcement.

Because they do have a one-track focus, Basset Hounds would thrive at scent work and hunting opportunities, especially in a controlled "hunting" environment. A Basset Hound may choose to ignore any recall command, even when well-trained, so it's crucial to provide a safe, enclosed environment so your Basset Hound doesn't follow the scent wherever he wants—because he certainly will!

Grooming Needs & Care

As far as grooming goes, Basset Hounds don't require much upkeep. Because Basset Hounds can have a distinctive body odor, baths should be given when they start to smell. A Basset Hound's long ears and soulful eyes will need to be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent infection.

A Basset Hound can drool quite a bit, so it's important to wipe up excess drool and clean their face and mouth area.

Their coat is relatively easy to care for, and a weekly brushing will help to remove any dead hair. A Basset Hound has a moderate to heavy-shedding short, smooth, and water repellent coat. Their year-round shedding means you should be prepared to clean hair on a regular basis.

Find more about this breed in our Ultimate Basset Hound Puppy Ownership Guide.

Cost

In search of a Basset Hound puppy with a pedigree? Interested in the price for a Basset Hound puppy with breeding rights? Expect to pay from $1,500 to $13,850 for a Basset Hound puppy from a champion or top-pedigree line. The average price for all Basset Hound puppies is $2,810.