Group 6 · Scent hounds
Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is a short-legged, heavily built scent hound with long ears, a mournful expression and an excellent nose. It is good-natured and calm indoors, but also stubborn and loud when it picks up a scent.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Basset Hound by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 8 examinations:
- 3 DNA tests
- 3 X-ray examinations
- 1 eye examination
- 1 kneecap examination
The breeding programme also recommends 2 further examinations.
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (8)
-
Chondrodystrophy and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
X-ray Once from 2 years
Official description
- Method
- X-ray: lateral (C1 to Cd1 must be assessable)
-
Elbow dysplasia (ED)
X-ray Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- X-ray (CT may be recommended, but is not mandatory)
-
Factor VII deficiency (F7def)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- F7: c.407G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Hip dysplasia (HD)
X-ray Once at least 1 year (laxity views: at least 6 months)
Official description
- Method
- X-ray: VD view and laxity view (Vezzoni or PennHIP)
-
Patellar luxation (PT)
Kneecap examination Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- Palpation of the kneecap
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – cone-rod dystrophy 4 (cord1-PRA/crd4)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- RPGRIP1: c.142_143ins[A[29]; GGAAGCAACAGGATG
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Thrombopathy (Throm)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- RASGRP2: c.509_511del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Eye disorders
Eye examination Valid for 2 years at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- General eye examination
Recommended examinations (2)
-
Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SOD1: c.118G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Hypocatalasia (Hypoc)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- CAT: c.979G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal incompletely dominant
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Basset Hound, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 18/07/2026.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Chondrodystrophy and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), Elbow dysplasia (ED), Factor VII deficiency (F7def), Hip dysplasia (HD), Patellar luxation (PT), Progressive retinal atrophy – cone-rod dystrophy 4 (cord1-PRA/crd4), Thrombopathy (Throm) and Eye disorders. The breeding programme also lists these recommended examinations: Degenerative myelopathy (DM) and Hypocatalasia (Hypoc). A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. A Basset Hound needs calm daily walks with lots of sniffing time. Only let it off the lead in a well-fenced area. Its short coat is easy to look after; check and clean its long ears regularly.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- What are the results of both parent dogs for Elbow dysplasia (ED) and Hip dysplasia (HD)?
- Is the general eye examination of both parent dogs still valid? According to the breeding programme: Valid for 2 years.
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
The Basset is good-natured and sociable, but stubborn once it picks up a scent, and it can bark loudly. Food works well as a reward in training; patience is important.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
