American vs. European Basset hound

  Let's start with what's not a difference.  Through the years of crossbreeding, it's become a common misconception that American Bassets tend to have shorter ears. Absolutely NOT true.  (That would be a Beagle...)  We frequently see photos on social media that we can clearly tell are not purebred Basset, all the while their owners assuming they are.  Unfortunately, many of those owners should invest in quality DNA testing if they're questioning, even with registration papers of supposed pedigree lineage.  (Wisdom Panel, Embark, and DNA My Dog, all claim to be the most accurate test available varying between 95-99% accuracy.)

  A well bred Basset Hound shouldn't be any taller than breed standard, which is 11-15 inches, no matter what the ancestry is.  They should also be expected to grow to at least breed standard, which begins at a minimum of 45lbs. Basset Hounds have more bone per pound than any other dog!  
There is NO such thing as a miniature Basset.. That's just a mixed breed lie.  The Basset Hound is already a dwarfed large-breed.  If you're wanting one on the smaller end, you're best bet is to get one bred from original stock. (otherwise referred to as American) These are typically lower in price as well, since they are more common in the United States.

   For those of you new to this, all registrations simply classify as Basset Hound. 'European', 'American', 'Brazilian', are not a special breeds, but rather terms now used to describe the dog's lineage and hopefully reflect their build.  For instance, our Brazilian import is drooping in wrinkles and is very heavy due to exaggerated bone mass. She was bred with that full European build, in Brazil; not actually a country in Europe.  This really is just a certain look that some of us try to purposely breed for, in various countries.

 So don't get stuck on percentages out there. There is no way to verify percentages now used either. Pictures of ancestors are helpful though!

    Technically the entire breed is originally a French breed of dog.  The 'American' look as we refer to today, is simply the closer to the original hunting dogs that were begun in France.

   By the late 1800's, these French dogs were being imported to England, where a known breeder used first linebreeding for heavier stock, and a Bloodhound for more mass.  The English love their big dogs, and the heavier version with extra folds of skin quickly caught on.  

   The first official breed standard for the Basset Hound was created in Great Britain by the end of the 19th century.

    So, to summarize, a Basset Hound with full 'European' descent, may likely have more droopy excess skin, denser bone mass, and could likely weigh up to 70-80lbs!  This is not a guarantee however, just simply a matter of genes, just like our own family genetics.  The structure of the puppy's Dam and Sire will show you what to likely expect in your own puppy.  This is absolutely the biggest deciding factor, NOT a supposed percentage..  

Now, a Basset Hound that is primarily of original or 'American' descent however, will typically fall right within breed range of 45-60lbs, bones still dense but not over-exaggerated, and not quite as much excess skin.  

   If you'd like to find out more history, there are SO many great links online when searching this subject! We encourage you to educate yourself further!