Official Basset Hound Breed Standard and More

Official Basset Hound Breed Standard

Developing a deep and thorough understanding of the Official AKC Basset Hound Breed Standard is one of the most important things breeders, owners, handlers or judges must do enhance their ability to understand the Basset Hound.  Learning how to prioritize faults and virtues is imperative.

The Official Basset Hound Breed Standard, which has remained unchanged since its adoption in 1964, gives a written blueprint of the ideal Basset Hound. You can download a PDF of the standard by clicking the light green box below.

Basset Hound Breed Standard and Terminology

For those wishing to gain a greater familiarity with the Official Basset Hound Breed Standard and the terminology involved, Basset Hound University's Workbook Course 103, The Breed Standard and Terminology will help.

Click on the light green box to be taken to Basset Hound University's Workbook Course 103. This is an external link that will open in a new window.

The Basset Hound Illustrated Standard

The Basset Hound Illustrated Standard was published by the BHCA. Understanding the structure of the achondroplastic (dwarf), low-to-ground Basset Hound is often a challenge to breeders, owners, handlers and judges. The Illustrated Standard was based on several parent club approved sources of information, including the official AKC Breed Standard, the official Judges’ Education Seminar and the illustrated Pocket Guide to the Basset Hound.

Click on the light green box below to view the Illustrated Standard on the Basset Hound University site.

Whether you are a Breeder, Judge, Handler or Owner, understanding the Breed Standard is of great importance.  A complete understanding of the structure of the Basset Hound will aid in both competition, taking care of your hound and Judging this fascinating, unique breed.