A Basset Hound is one of the most recognizable dog breeds with those sweet, doleful eyes, droopy skin, and long, velvety ears hanging nearly to the ground, which is easy to do because they’re so short. They’ve got jowls for days and greet you with an unbridled “A-woooooo!”
Can you picture a Basset Hound wearing a beret twirling a thin mustache? The name "Basset Hound" has French origins. "Basset" is derived from the French word "bas," which means low, referring to their short stature and legs.
Basset Hound owners are fiercely loyal to their beloved, endearing short canine friends. Learn about what living with one of these mellow, loyal dogs is like to see if Basset Hound puppies for sale are the perfect fit for you.
Jacques Du Fouilloux’s La Venerie (The Art of Hunting), published in 1562
The History and Origin of Basset Hounds
Dogs described as being low to the ground have existed for centuries, but it wasn’t until around 700 A.D. in the French region of Ardennes that long, low dogs were developed by monks at the Abbey of St. Hubert. Because monasteries were scholastic centers of knowledge, wealthy patrons were interested in how they could make better use of their land.
Patrons began requesting a dog suitable for hunting rabbits, deer, and other small game. While most people think of foxhunts with horses and swift dogs, French aristocrats wanted a dog sturdy enough to traverse rough terrain that a human could follow on foot instead of on horseback. The Basset Hound fit the bill perfectly.
The Basset Hound’s popularity continued to grow so much that it was immortalized in Shakespeare’s play A Midsummer Night’s Dream describing their ears and low stature by saying “their heads are hung/With ears that sweep away the morning dew.”
The popularity of Basset Hounds took off in Napoleon’s reign in the mid-1800s. His Basset Hounds were so famous that bronze sculptures were made and proudly displayed in Paris. A man named Everett Millais is considered the father of the modern-day Basset Hound, deciding on a breed standard that had more of a Bloodhound-shaped head.
Basset Hounds were brought to Texas from Great Britain in 1883 for rabbit hunting, and they were on the cover of Time magazine by 1928. Countless films and TV shows have built up the stereotype of a lazy, comical dog, delighting audiences with their silly antics. Basset Hounds are often used as brand logos in advertisements, including “Hush Puppies” shoes, Maytag, and more.
Today, Basset Hound puppies for sale are more endearing companions than hardworking hunters, although some Basset Hound puppies enjoy the chase. The AKC lists them as number 36 on their Most Popular Dog Breed List of 2022. Several famous people have been devoted to the Basset Hound breed, including Elvis Presley, Clint Eastwood, Marilyn Monroe, and Ree Drummond. They have a cult-like following with Basset Hound owner enthusiasts, and it’s always interesting to ask them what drew them to the breed.
What Makes Basset Hound Puppies For Sale So Special?
If you’re considering Basset Hound puppies for sale, you’ll want to dive into their personality traits, what it’s like to train them, and how to care for them. Here are some facts Basset Hound puppy owners want you to know.
Incredible sense of smell
The long ears and droopy skin folds are more than just interesting to look at – they trap scents to help a Basset Hound puppy find its prey. Their low-slung bodies’ design is perfect for following scents on the ground.
Second only to the Bloodhound for the title of World’s Best Super Sniffer, Basset Hound puppies for sale have over 220 million olfactory receptors! For perspective, humans only have a measly 400. No wonder your Basset Hound can smell bacon before you even think of frying it in the pan!
A bone to pick
Basset Hounds have a type of dwarfism that causes them to have stocky, short legs. They have more bone per pound than other dog breeds. While they only grow to be about 15 inches tall, their short, stubby legs carry 40-65+ pounds. These long pooches carry as much as a quarter of their body weight in bone.
No crybabies here
Some people think their droopy eyes and long ears give them a somewhat sad or mournful expression, but they're usually quite happy dogs. Those eyes certainly come in handy when they’re trying to make up for being naughty though!
Hush puppies
It's interesting to note the historical connection between Basset Hounds and hush puppies, a traditional Southern dish. Hunters and farmers would toss balls of fried corn dough to their Basset Hounds to get them to stop barking, howling, and baying for a moment of peace until they started up again. Later on, salesman James Gaylor Muir named his shoe line “Hush Puppies” and used a Basset Hound as the company’s logo. Little did the Southerners know that trying to get their puppies to hush would turn into two cultural icons.
Couch potatoes
While it’s true they love to hunt, Basset Hound puppies for sale prefer to sunbathe on the couch for a lazy lie-in. You can find them snoring loudly during the day, unbothered to go fetch a ball or get up so you can reclaim your spot. Their extremely mellow energy invites you to snuggle subconsciously, and they couldn’t be more pleased to have you right by their side.
So many color choices
Most people probably picture a reddish-white Basset Hound, but did you know they come in a whopping 17 color combinations and 4 markings? While Basset Hound puppies for sale do not come in a solid color, the majority of Basset Hounds will be white mixed with another color like lemon, red, tan, brown, black, blue, or mahogany.
Who-ooo let the dogs out?
While Basset Hound puppies for sale can live in small spaces given they have plenty of room to play somewhere, they may not be the best choice for apartments or anywhere with a noise ordinance. In fact, Basset Hounds are considered one of the loudest dog breeds in the world, and it’s easy to see why when your ears are blessed with their bay-like bark, howls, and whines.
Follow their noses
Basset Hound puppies love to sniff around outside. Let them play in a secure location with a fence because they may take off after a scent. Even though they aren’t that active, they still need daily exercise and opportunities to work their brains. Their short legs and thick bodies don’t make for great swimmers though, so stick to land activities.
You can put their great sense of smell to work by enrolling your Basset Hound in certain dog sports. While they would be downright comical in agility going up against herding dogs, they excel in scent work, tracking, and field trials.
My way or the highway
Basset Hound puppies can be stubborn because once they get locked into a scent, they are single-minded and focused. They are sometimes hesitant to listen to you and take instructions. They're less eager to please than some other breeds, so training can require patience and consistency to work with their independent nature. Basset Hound puppies are faithful, obedient dogs when trained. Have lots of tasty high-value treats ready with lots of praise.
Send in the clowns
When a Basset Hound puppy thinks he has made you laugh, he’ll do it again for the attention. Before your Basset Hound even does anything funny, all you have to do is look at one, and they’ll brighten your day. Basset Hound puppies for sale also have endearing quirks such as “talking” to you and ambling toward you with their funny gait. Their relaxed, easygoing nature often leads to humorous situations, making them lovable clowns of the dog world.
Give this dog a job!
Basset Hound puppies for sale naturally shine at games of hide-and-seek because they don’t even have to use all five senses to always win. This skill translates well into the field of search and rescue, border patrol, and bomb-sniffing K-9 units. Their exceptional sense of smell and determination are assets in tracking scents over challenging terrains. While they may not have the speed of other breeds, their persistence and focus can be vital for search and rescue missions, particularly in locating missing persons.
Let’s check it out
Basset Hound puppies love to explore. Sniffing around is their favorite pastime (other than eating, of course). They will want to check out anything and everything. Basset Hound puppies for sale will investigate with little regard to what you think about it though, so make sure you have them on a leash outside.
You ain’t nothing but a hound dog
On Steve Allen’s “The Tonight Show,” Elvis Presley energetically sang his song to an uninterested Basset Hound named Sherlock who was wearing a top hat, creating a playful and memorable interaction that now has a place in rock and roll history. The lyrics “You ain't nothin' but a hound dog/Cryin' all the time/Well, you ain't never caught a rabbit/You ain't no friend of mine” use traits of a Basset Hound to give a deeper meaning to the listener.
Not the best guard dogs
Basset Hound puppies for sale are highly alert and have a deep bay and resonant bark. They like to alert you to events that may be dangerous to their owners, like when leaves fall from trees or the mail carrier’s arrival. However, they’ll treat strangers like long-lost friends, so they’re not the best choice for a family guard dog.
Taking their sweet time
Even though Basset Hound puppies for sale are hunting dogs, don’t expect them to race after prey like a Greyhound would. They like to waddle around at their own pace. Your Basset Hound puppy will probably struggle to keep up with your brisk walking stride, as it is more apt to amble around taking in the sights – and smells – in its own leisurely way. In fact, their relaxed pace makes it easier for hunters in the field to stay close by as they follow a scent trail.
Kids’ best friends
Thanks to their social nature, Basset Hound puppies for sale love to play with little ones. They make great playmates and are very tolerant of little kids. As with all dogs, teach your kids how to play with dogs gently, and supervise your Basset Hound puppy during fun activities with children.
Caring For Basset Hound Puppies
Basset Hound puppies are happy little buddies, but you need to know how to keep them healthy. They don’t require much grooming, but you’ll still do some work to keep them looking dapper. All breeds are prone to certain health conditions, and Basset Hounds have a few specific ones to watch out for.
Grooming a Basset Hound puppy
Unlike double-coated or long-haired dog breeds, Basset Hound puppies don’t have complicated grooming requirements. They have short, dense coats that are relatively low-maintenance. Regular brushing with a soft bristle brush helps remove loose hair and keeps their coat healthy. Bathe your Basset Hound puppy infrequently to preserve their skin's natural oils.
Ears and face folds
While those droopy ears and face folds are quite impressive, unfortunately, so can the infections! Those folds and under the ears can be a breeding ground for trapped bacteria. Likewise, they can develop and hold odors, so regular cleaning is essential to keep them fresh and sanitary.
They drool a lot, which can get caught in their wrinkles. Keep disposable pet-friendly wipes and clean cloths around your house to wipe up drool puddles and smears.
Eye see you
Basset Hound puppies are prone to several eye issues due to their unique anatomy, including infections and irritation of the droopy skin around their eyes. Common problems include entropion, where the eyelids roll inward, leading to irritation and potential damage to the cornea. They can also develop cataracts, causing cloudiness in the eye lens, which can impact vision. Regular eye check-ups are crucial for early detection and prompt treatment to maintain your Basset Hound puppy's ocular health.
Bloat
Bloat, formally known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), is a life-threatening condition that can affect Basset Hounds. It occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood flow. This leads to rapid swelling and extreme pain. Bloat can also affect other organs. Basset Hounds' deep chests make them more susceptible. Without immediate intervention, bloat can be fatal. Basset Hound owners must be vigilant and aware of the signs, such as restlessness, excessive drooling, and a distended abdomen, and seek emergency veterinary care if suspected.
Diet dilemma
The cuteness of your Basset Hound puppy might tempt you to offer him or her numerous treats and human food, but it's essential to be cautious about their diet. They are prone to becoming overweight due to a lack of activity and overeating delicious treats, as they are incredibly food-motivated. Those noses know when the steaks are sizzling! They may not always listen to your commands, but Basset Hound puppies will surely hear that crunch of chips and want one for themselves.
Your life-long buddy
Basset Hound puppies for sale can live a long, fulfilling life of 12-13 years. Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, exercise, and attention to their unique needs can help manage and prevent some of these health problems in Basset Hounds. Responsible breeding practices can also reduce the risk of genetic conditions.
Finding a Trustworthy Basset Hound Breeder
If you’re looking for “Basset Hound puppies for sale near me,” you might be overwhelmed by where to start.
When you begin doing your research online, you may be tempted to choose the easiest, cheapest way to find Basset Hound puppies for sale. Pictures of cute puppies with unbelievably low prices may draw you in, but you have to take a step back and let logic go before your desire and enthusiasm for a Basset Hound puppy.
If you go with the first ad you see about Basset Hound puppies for sale, you’re potentially playing with fire. Backyard breeders and puppy mill operations will lure you in with what seems like a great price, but you’ll end up paying way more than you bargained for!
People looking to make a quick buck will sell puppies that are not at least 8 weeks old with no puppy contract or health guarantee. You won’t know their family history, what healthcare they’ve had so far, or even basic care instructions specific to the breed. Even worse, they may scam you completely out of your money if you wire it to them or use unsecure payment apps and not even receive the puppy you thought you were getting.
Ethical Basset Hound puppy breeders prioritize breeding dogs with good temperaments, resulting in puppies with stable and desirable personalities. They have a deep understanding of the breed, its needs, and its characteristics. Reputable Basset Hound breeders provide proper care for their dogs and puppies, ensuring they are well-fed, exercised, and receive appropriate veterinary care.
Sniff Out the Best Basset Hound Puppies For Sale at Pawrade
If you're unsure about how to begin your search for a trustworthy Basset Hound puppy breeder, rest assured that we've taken care of all the research and legwork for you.
At Pawrade, we meticulously screen Basset Hound breeders, selecting only the highest quality applicants. Once you reserve your Basset Hound puppy for sale, we're with you every step of the way. We facilitate open communication between you and the breeder, closely monitoring and documenting all interactions for a secure and seamless process. We offer a range of Pawrade travel options to accommodate your preferred method of meeting your new furry family member.
We're excited for you to explore our available Basset Hound puppies for sale and find the perfect addition to your family!
