Basset Hound

Canis lupus familiaris

A Basset Hound is a low, long dog with extra‑long ears and a powerful nose. It prefers slow, steady walks with time to sniff.

Habitat: Homes with comfy beds; shady parks and paths

Appearance

The Basset Hound has a long, heavy body set on remarkably short legs. Its most striking features are its exceptionally long, droopy ears and heavily wrinkled brow. Their coat is typically short and smooth, often tricolored (black, white, tan) or bi-colored (lemon and white).

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderCarnivoraFamilyCanidaeGenusCanis

Basset Hound

Interesting facts

A Basset Hound's sense of smell is so powerful, it's considered second only to the Bloodhound in the dog world.

Despite their relaxed appearance, Basset Hounds were originally bred in France to be formidable hunters of rabbits and badgers.

The word "Basset" comes from the French word "bas," which means "low" – a perfect description for their short stature.

Their floppy ears aren't just for decoration; they actually help sweep scents from the ground directly towards their super-sensitive nose!

Special abilities

Basset Hounds have a distinctive, deep bay that helps them alert their human companions when they've found an interesting scent.

Basset Hounds have short, powerful legs that keep their long noses incredibly close to the ground, perfect for detecting subtle ground scents.

Basset Hounds have loose, wrinkled skin around their face and neck that helps trap and hold scents, enhancing their tracking ability.

Measurements & details

Length: 60-70 cm
Weight: 20-30 kg
Lifespan: 10-12 years
Top Speed: 25 km/h
Litter Size: 6-8
Gestation: 58-68 days

Diet & Feeding

Basset Hounds are omnivores, enjoying a varied diet of kibble, meat, and safe fruits and vegetables!

Age differences: null

Primary Foods

Dog kibble
Cooked meats
Carrots
Apples
Peanut butter

Ecological connections

symbiotic with

Human

Homo sapiens

Basset Hounds are beloved companion pets.

hunts

European Rabbit

Oryctolagus cuniculus

Historically bred to hunt rabbits by scent.

parasitizes

Cat Flea

Ctenocephalides felis

Fleas commonly infest domestic dogs.

parasitizes

Blacklegged Tick

Ixodes scapularis

Ticks can attach to dogs when outdoors.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Furry

Find adorable animals covered in a cozy coat of soft fur! Their fur helps them stay warm and protected in different environments.

Social

Discover creatures that love to live and work together! These animals form groups, helping each other find food, stay safe, and raise their young.

Omnivorous

Meet versatile eaters who enjoy a wide variety of foods, from plants to other animals, allowing them to adapt to many different environments. They're nature's flexible diners!

Singing

Listen to the beautiful sounds of nature's singers! These animals use their voices to attract friends, mark their territory, or even warn others.

Domesticated

These are animals or plants that people have raised and cared for over a very long time. They live closely with humans, often helping us or providing food!