Basset Hound Puppy Weight Calculator

The Basset Hound is classified as a 'Category Three' breed by The Kennel Club, meaning their physical features—such as excess skin and long ears—can lead to health problems.
Joint issues are very common, including elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and intervertebral degenerative disc disease (IVDD), which is a slipped disc that can cause back pain and paralysis .
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat), a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists, is also a risk due to their deep chests . Additionally, Bassets are prone to skin fold dermatitis, yeast infections in their ears, and eye problems such as glaucoma

Your Basset Hound puppy requires a carefully controlled diet to support steady growth without encouraging rapid weight gain. Choose a high-quality puppy food appropriate for medium-sized breeds.
The breed has a very healthy appetite and can easily become overweight, which puts dangerous stress on their developing joints and long back .
Feed three measured meals per day from weaning until six months of age, then reduce to two meals per day.
You should be able to feel your puppy's ribs easily with light pressure. Because of the risk of bloat, it is very important to avoid vigorous exercise for one hour before and one to two hours after every meal

Their coat is short, smooth, and dense, and a weekly brushing with a soft brush or rubber mitt is sufficient to manage moderate shedding.
However, the main focus of grooming should be on their skin folds and ears. You must check and clean the wrinkles on their face and neck every day using a damp cloth, then dry them thoroughly to prevent moisture build-up and infections . Their long, floppy ears trap moisture and debris, so you should clean the ears weekly with a veterinarian-approved solution . Due to their low stature, Bassets often collect dirt and grime from the ground, and they are known to develop a distinct odour if not kept clean

This breed is intelligent and food-motivated, but they are also independent and stubborn . They were bred to follow ground scent and make decisions on their own, so they will not work with the eager-to-please mentality of a Retriever . Use short, positive training sessions of five to ten minutes with very high-value treats such as real meat or cheese . Harsh corrections will not work and may cause your puppy to shut down. Socialisation is absolutely essential. Introduce your puppy calmly to a wide variety of people, considerate children, other friendly dogs, and different environments before they reach four months of age