Basset Foxhound

40-65 lbs
12-15"
United States
Basset Hound
Foxhound
American Basset Foxhound
Sweet-tempered and tenacious, the Basset Foxhound is a hybrid breed developed from its parent breeds – the Basset Hound and the Foxhound. The Basset Foxhound can be known to be a vocal breed due to the Foxhound. While the breed’s exact origination is unknown, it is believed that the hybrid was developed in the United States in the last two decades. The Basset Hound’s original purpose was to trail hares and rabbits while the Foxhound’s original purpose was also to trail small animals. The Basset Foxhound’s current purpose is to serve as a companion pet and to also assist with hunting. The Basset Foxhound resembles both parent breeds and each pup may inherit dominant traits from either breed. Its coat is dense, smooth, and shiny. Its coat color varies from black to white to tan. The Basset Foxhound has a short coat which requires minimal maintenance.
purpose Purpose
Companion, Hunting
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Basset Hound, Foxhound

Basset Foxhound Health

Average Size
Male Basset Foxhound size stats
Height: 12-15 inches Weight: 40-65 lbs
Female Basset Foxhound size stats
Height: 12-15 inches Weight: 40-65 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Osteochondrodysplasia
Minor Concerns
  • None
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Intervertebral Disc Disease
  • Otitis Externa
Occasional Tests
  • X-Rays
  • MRI
  • CT Scan
  • Physical Examination
  • Complete Blood Test

Basset Foxhound Breed History

While the exact origin of the Basset Foxhound is unknown, it is suspected that the breed originated in the United States. The Basset Foxhound is believed to have originated in the last two decades when hybrids began to rise in popularity in order to eliminate prevalent diseases. The Basset Foxhound was created from the Basset Hound and the Foxhound. The Basset Hound was originally bred to trail hares and rabbits while the Foxhound was bred to hunt for small animals and foxes. The Basset Hound’s history dates back to pre-French Revolution with the Friars from the French Abbey of St. Hubert. It is said that the friars wanted a breed that would walk at a slow pace so they could keep up with the dog while outdoors. The Basset Hound was bred to contain short, stocky legs. Post-French Revolution, the Basset Hound began to rise in popularity with hunters who needed to capture small game. The Basset Hound remained a popular breed among hunters. In 1935, the Basset Hound was recognized by the American Kennel Club. In the 1700s, it is believed that the Foxhound became popular with the upper class as a hunting breed. Researchers believe the Foxhound was initially bred with a French dog that was gifted to George Washington. In the 1700s, the Foxhound was bred with the French and English Foxhounds to create the American Foxhound. The Foxhound was loved for its innate talent to accurately and swiftly catch foxes. The Foxhound was bred due to its outstanding speed and endurance as well as its effective scenting talents.

Basset Foxhound Breed Appearance

The Basset Foxhound resembles both the Basset Hound and the Foxhound in appearance. Its size can vary depending on the litter, though the Basset Foxhound is most often shorter in height like the Basset Hound. Its ears are typically shorter than the long droopy ears seen on the Basset Hound. The tail more closely resembles the Foxhound, inclined and angled downward but carried more upright when in action. The Basset Foxhound’s body is less stocky than the Basset Hound. This attractive hybrid has dark eyes; it will usually not inherit the droopy eyes from the Basset Hound but instead, have an expression that is very alert. Its muzzle is slimmer than the Basset Hound. The coat is dense, short, and smooth and can come in a combination of black, white, and tan.

Eye Color Possibilities
brown Basset Foxhound eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Basset Foxhound nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
fawn Basset Foxhound coat
Fawn
white Basset Foxhound coat
White
black Basset Foxhound coat
Black
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Basset Foxhound straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Basset Foxhound Breed Maintenance

The Basset Foxhound is not considered a hypoallergenic breed and can have high shedding levels. Its coat is dense due to the Basset Hound influence. Daily brushing with a rubber curry brush or a slicker brush can significantly cut down on the shedding and eliminate dead hair. It is recommended to bathe your Basset Foxhound every 6 to 8 weeks, unless there is a need to bathe earlier due to an encounter with mud and dirt while on the run. The ears of this hybrid are prone to bacteria buildup and should be wiped and cleaned weekly. Its teeth should be brushed regularly. This breed that likes to explore,  so nails should be trimmed every 2 to 3 weeks to prevent overgrowth and to avoid tears that can occur. The Basset Foxhound is a moderate drooler and extra effort should be taken to wipe the mouth area to prevent bacteria growth and irritation of the skin.

Brushes for Basset Foxhound
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Comb
Hemostat
Hemostat
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Basset Foxhound requires daily brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Basset Foxhound Temperament

The Basset Foxhound inherits traits from both of its parent breeds – the Basset Hound and the Foxhound. The breed is considered to be an affectionate, energetic, loyal dog to its family. The Basset Foxhound may require some patience for training due to the Basset Hound’s stubborn ways. The Basset Foxhound may be moderately challenging for new owners, though this hybrid is an outstanding choice for families as it loves to belong to its “pack”. The Basset Foxhound is lovable with both young and older children and can learn to accept strangers with early training. The Basset Foxhound requires early intervention to accept other dogs and other animals due to its original purpose of hunting prey. A dog with moderate energy levels, lack of activity can turn into destructive behavior if not provided with enough mental and physical stimulation. It is recommended to provide the Basset Foxhound with efficient positive reinforcement and provide firm commands.

Basset Foxhound Activity Requirements

Your Basset Foxhound has moderate activity levels which should be stimulated by daily exercise. The Basset Foxhound will excel with fetching, tugging, running, and walking exercises. Daily exercises can be split throughout the day to prevent your dog from becoming bored. Because this hybrid thrives on order and a job to do, obedience classes may be just the thing to tire him out. The Basset Foxhound would fare best in an apartment or home with a fenced-in yard, either in a rural or urban area, preferably with a warm climate. Your Basset Foxhound can adapt to various living situations as long as he is provided with the recommended daily outings. On average, your Basset Foxhound should have 30 minutes of daily exercise.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
7 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
30 minutes
activity minutes

Basset Foxhound Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.20 - $1.40
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$34.00 - $45.00
food bag monthly cost

Basset Foxhound Owner Experiences

Noah
10 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
A sweetie but stubborn and can’t train her not to jump on people
5 years, 4 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd