Show Characteristics of the Basset Hound

So, you’ve bought a lovable, intelligent Basset Hound, and you think he’s got what it takes to be the “best in show.” You may be right, but the standard is strict, and not just any Basset Hound, no matter how adorable, can measure up. Your Basset Hound has to be of superior stock and meet the breed standard requirements of the American Kennel Club (AKC).

In the show ring, no physical or behavioral defects are tolerated. Your Basset Hound should meet all of the required standards and exhibit a mild temperament. He will also have to stand calmly while judges handle him and look him over.

Here are just some of the things that judges will be looking for on your Basset Hound if you take him to show:

A well-domed, skull with a pronounced occipital protuberance.
The head in profile reveals that the muzzle and top of the skull are parallel.
Loose skin on the head that falls and wrinkles over the brow when the head is lowered.
Dark pendulous lips that fall square in the front and in loose-hanging flews in the back.
Soft, sad and slightly sunken eyes.
Extremely long velvety ears with the ends curling slightly inward. They are long enough to bring forward and fold easily over the nose.
Legs short, heavy, wrinkled, and heavy in bone.
Large paws with heavy pads. Paws should turn slightly outward.
The top line should be straight, level and without evidence of sagging and roaching.
The tail should not be docked and should have coarse hair on the underside. It should be carried at level with the spine but with a slight curvature.
Your Basset Hound should not by any more than 14 inches in height at the shoulder blade.
The coat should be hard, smooth and short. It can be of any color.

These are the characteristics that will get your Basset Hound thrown out of the competition:

A broad, flat skull.
Tight skin on the face and head.
An overbite or under bite of the jaws and teeth.
Ears that are flat or too high set.
Knuckling on the front of the legs.
Cowhocks or bowed legs.
Taller than 15 inches at the tallest point of the shoulder blade.
A noticeably long coat or wavy coat.

In addition to these main breed standard guidelines, your Basset Hound will be judged on several other characteristics. Some of these will be related to physical appearance where others will be related to his temperament and how he carries himself.

While you may be able to work with your show dog on his temperament and gait, physical characteristics are something that you cannot change. For this reason, you must look for a show-quality puppy when you purchase your Basset Hound if you think you would like to get into competition. Remember, a puppy from a quality breeder that exhibits exceptional characteristics and breed standards will be priced at a premium.