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Breed Information
Bassets Hounds are one of the most tolerent of breeds. They love children and other
animals. Contrary to popular belief most Bassets don't bark & howl out of control and are
easily trainable.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN ADOPTING A BASSET HOUND

Basset Hound Breed Standard
Hound Group

General Appearance
The Basset Hound possesses in marked degree those characteristics which equip it
admirably to follow a trail over and through difficult terrain. It is a short-legged dog, heavier in
bone, size considered, than any other breed of dog, and while its movement is deliberate, it is
in no sense clumsy. In temperament it is mild, never sharp or timid. It is capable of great
endurance in the field and is extreme in its devotion.

Head

The head is large and well proportioned. Its length from occiput to muzzle is greater than the
width at the brow. In overall appearance the head is of medium width. The skull is well
domed, showing a pronounced occipital protuberance. A broad flat skull is a fault. The length
from nose to stop is approximately the length from stop to occiput. The sides are flat and free
from cheek bumps. Viewed in profile the top lines of the muzzle and skull are straight and lie
in parallel planes, with a moderately defined stop. The skin over the whole of the head is
loose, falling in distinct wrinkles over the brow when the head is lowered. A dry head and tight
skin are faults. The muzzle is deep, heavy, and free from snipiness. The nose is darkly
pigmented, preferably black, with large wide-open nostrils. A deep liver-colored nose
conforming to the coloring of the head is permissible but not desirable. The teeth are large,
sound, and regular, meeting in either a scissors or an even bite. A bite either overshot or
undershot is a serious fault. The lips are darkly pigmented and are pendulous, falling
squarely in front and, toward the back, in loose hanging flews. The dewlap is very
pronounced. The neck is powerful, of good length, and well arched. The eyes are soft, sad,
and slightly sunken, showing a prominent haw, and in color are brown, dark brown preferred.
A somewhat lighter-colored eye conforming to the general coloring of the dog is acceptable
but not desirable. Very light or protruding eyes are faults. The ears are extremely long, low
set, and when drawn forward, fold well over the end of the nose. They are velvety in texture,
hanging in loose folds with the ends curling slightly inward. They are set far back on the head
at the base of the skull and, in repose, appear to be set on the neck. A high set or flat ear is a
serious fault.

Forequarters
The chest is deep and full with prominent sternum showing clearly in front of the legs. The
shoulders and elbows are set close against the sides of the chest. The distance from the
deepest point of the chest to the ground, while it must be adequate to allow free movement
when working in the field, is not to be more than one-third the total height at the withers of an
adult Basset. The shoulders are well laid back and powerful. Steepness in shoulder, fiddle
fronts, and elbows that are out, are serious faults. The forelegs are short, powerful, heavy in
bone, with wrinkled skin. Knuckling over of the front legs is a disqualification. The paw is
massive, very heavy with tough heavy pads, well rounded and with both feet inclined equally a
trifle outward, balancing the width of the shoulders. Feet down at the pastern are a serious
fault. The toes are neither pinched together nor splayed, with the weight of the forepart of the
body borne evenly on each. The dewclaws may be removed.

Body
The rib structure is long, smooth, and extends well back. The ribs are well sprung, allowing
adequate room for heart and lungs. Flatsidedness and flanged ribs are faults. The topline is
straight, level, and free from any tendency to sag or roach, which are faults.

Hindquarters
The hindquarters are very full and well rounded, and are approximately equal to the
shoulders in width. They must not appear slack or light in relation to the over-all depth of the
body. The dog stands firmly on its hind legs showing a well-let-down stifle with no tendency
toward a crouching stance. Viewed from behind, the hind legs are parallel, with the hocks
turning neither in nor out. Cowhocks or bowed legs are serious faults. The hind feet point
straight ahead. Steep, poorly angulated hindquarters are a serious fault. The dewclaws, if
any, may be removed.

Tail
The tail is not to be docked, and is set in continuation of the spine with but slight curvature,
and carried gaily in hound fashion. The hair on the underside of the tail is coarse.

Size
The height should not exceed 14 inches. Height over 15 inches at the highest point of the
shoulder blade is a disqualification.

Gait
The Basset Hound moves in a smooth, powerful, and effortless manner. Being a scenting
dog with short legs, it holds its nose low to the ground. Its gait is absolutely true with perfect
coordination between the front and hind legs, and it moves in a straight line with hind feet
following in line with the front feet, the hocks well bent with no stiffness of action. The front
legs do not paddle, weave, or overlap, and the elbows must lie close to the body. Going away,
the hind legs are parallel.

Coat
The coat is hard, smooth, and short, with sufficient density to be of use in all weather. The
skin is loose and elastic. A distinctly long coat is a disqualification.

Color
Any recognized hound color is acceptable and the distribution of color and markings is of no
importance.

Disqualifications
Height of more than 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulder blade.
Knuckled over front legs.
Distinctly long coat.
Approved January 14, 1964

Information Provided by the American Kennel Club
Copyright. Outlaw Basset Rescue-2008