Basset Hound Stud Dog Guide: Health Testing, Structure & Stud Fees

The Basset Hound is unmistakable — long, low, and endlessly patient. Breeding quality Bassets requires attention to structural soundness and a breed-specific blood disorder that is entirely testable.

The Basset Hound is a scent hound developed in France and Belgium for tracking game at a slow, methodical pace that hunters could follow on foot. Their bone, skin, and confirmation are highly specialised — and that specialisation comes with specific health considerations. A quality Basset stud should have the structure to do his job without pain, and should be free of the hereditary blood disorder common in the breed.

Structural Standards

The Basset's conformation is functional, not arbitrary. The long body, heavy bone, and low-set profile are designed to keep the dog close to ground-level scent trails. But this structure also creates vulnerabilities:

• Back problems — long backs are prone to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). Select against excessively long backs combined with very short legs.
• Ear infections — the long, pendulous ears trap moisture. Not heritable, but buyers should know the commitment.
• Eye problems — excessive skin around the eye and ectropion (outward-rolling eyelid) are common. The eyelid structure should be evaluated.
• Joint soundness — despite their slow movement, Bassets have significant bone mass and joint stress.

Health Testing Requirements

Thrombopathia (Basset Hound Hereditary Thrombopathia)

Basset Hound Hereditary Thrombopathia (BHT) is a platelet function disorder that causes abnormal bleeding. Affected dogs bleed excessively from minor injuries, surgical sites, or spontaneously. It is inherited recessively and is specific to the Basset Hound.

DNA testing for BHT is available and required for breeding animals. Clear × Clear produces no affected offspring. Carrier × Clear is acceptable with documentation.

Hip and Elbow Evaluation (OFA)

Despite their unusual confirmation, Bassets can develop hip and elbow dysplasia. OFA evaluation is required. The short-limbed, heavy build puts specific stress on joints.

Eye Certification (CAER)

Annual CAER eye exam. Ectropion (outward-rolling eyelid) and entropion (inward-rolling eyelid) are common in the breed. Glaucoma is documented in Bassets.

Glaucoma Testing

Primary glaucoma is an inherited condition in Bassets that can cause permanent blindness if not caught early. An annual eye pressure test (tonometry) and CAER exam are both advisable.

Stud Fees for Basset Hounds

Basset Hound stud fees typically range from $700 to $1,500:

• Health-tested male with BHT Clear, OFA, CAER: $700–$1,200
• AKC champion with full health panel: $1,000–$1,500

Summary

A quality Basset Hound stud is DNA tested for Basset Hound Thrombopathia (BHT), OFA evaluated for hips and elbows, and has a current CAER eye certification including tonometry for glaucoma screening. Structure matters — evaluate the dog's back length, movement, and eyelid conformation in addition to health certificates. Fees run $700–$1,200 for a well-tested male.