We all love Basset Hounds, and the fact is that they have a natural ability to use their nose.  Performance events are designed for your dog to display the skills it has, most of which come naturally to him.

Basset Hounds that are AKC Registered may compete in all of the below events.  Basset Hounds with a PAL number may compete in all of the below events, with the exception of Field Trials.

Field Trials

The Basset Hound Club of America was formed primarily by Field Trial enthusiasts in 1935.  Field Trials were developed as a test of the Basset Hound’s hunting ability.  A great event for those who enjoy the outdoors, the Bassets love working in the field, using their nose and voice as it should, demonstrating their unmatched hunting ability.

The BHCA Field Trial enthusiasts have created a comprehensive website “The Basset Babbler” which contains detailed information along with results and enhanced trial scheduled.

Hunting Performance Test

The Basset Hound was bred to drive small prey such as rabbit and hare from dense brush into open terrain to awaiting hunters. The Hunting Performance Test provides a great opportunity for our Bassets to show their natural hunting ability and give them the chance to participate in an event which is based on the original purpose of the scent hound.  Hunt Performance Tests are a great way to spend the weekend with other Basset owners, watching hounds doing what they have been bred to do for centuries.

Scent Work

One of the newest performance events is NoseWork or Scent Work. Based on the training developed for scent detection dogs it is a fun way for your dog to put its nose to good use as he learns to find “hides” with specific scents in rooms, outside, and even under ground.

CAT & Fast Cat

This is an event designed for newcomers to dog sports.  While Basset Hounds are not sight hounds, don’t count them out.  Many Basset Hounds and their owners truly enjoy this sport!  This is a sport which encourages that your dog be physically fit, a great thing for the Basset Hound.

Barn Hunt

Barn Hunt tests the nose, agility, speed and sureness of foot of the dogs participating.  Bassets can be quite successful at Barn Hunt.  Hunting and teamwork are the skills required.  Dogs and their handlers must work as a team to locate and “mark” rats (located safely in aerated tubes) within the maze of straw or hay bales.

PAL Program

The American Kennel Club Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL) is an opportunity for all purebred dogs of registerable breeds and their owners to participate in many of AKC’s most popular events. A PAL is not the equivalent of AKC registration, but makes it possible for eligible breeds to compete in the following events:

Agility Trials – Canine Good Citizen – Coursing Ability Test – Earthdog – Herding Tests and Trials – Hunt Tests – Junior Showmanship – Lure Coursing – Obedience Trials – Rally – Scent Work – Therapy Dog – Tracking Tests

If you wish to compete with your Rescue Basset or unregistered Basset, simply follow the directions on the PAL application.

Are you interested any of the Companion Events? Check out the information we have assembled for you on these fun dog sports.