The Alpine Basset belongs to the sixth group in this classification: “Hounds, blood search dogs and related breeds. »The hound is a type of hunting dog intended to follow and track game by scent and not by sight, unlike other types of hunting dogs. They are renowned for having a particularly keen sense of smell and are also characterized by their endurance and their ability to track game over long distances over difficult and sometimes rugged terrain. Many hounds are also used as blood search dogs, that is, pursuing and retrieving wounded game. Hounds are classified into 3 sections, based on their size. The smallest (bassets) are intended for hunting on foot and can, thanks to their short legs, penetrate into the densest vegetation to flush out game, where the large dog cannot go.

The Basset des Alpes is a very old breed of dog originating from Austria. It was used to track wounded game, such as deer and wild boar, and as a hunting dog to track foxes and hares. He was the favorite hunting dog of Crown Prince Rudolph of Habsburg (1880). The Basset des Alpes continues to be used as a hunting dog and is capable of working at high altitudes and in demanding terrain.

Robust hunting dog, low on legs with a very developed bone structure. The height at the withers is between 34 and 42 cm. Its weight is between 15 and 18 kg. The body is elongated and muscular with a broad and well-set chest. Its skull is slightly domed. The muzzle is strong and ends in a black nose. The eyes are dark brown in color. The ears, smooth and broad, are set high and hanging. The tail, thicker at the base, is set high and carried slightly lowered. The coat is double and very dense with a thick undercoat. The ideal color is dark fawn tending to red with or without black labeling. Or black with red-brown markings on the head, chest, limbs, feet and inner side of the tail.

The Basset des Alpes has a life expectancy of around 12 years. There is little information available on hereditary health problems that can affect the Basset des Alpes, but there are some known conditions that may affect it. These include hip dysplasia, disc disease and obesity. A small dog with a long body, obesity is a problem that can be particularly serious and cause serious health problems. The Basset of Alpes has a dense coat, made up of two distinct layers which gives it good resistance against bad weather. Weekly brushing is recommended to avoid excessive hair loss in the house, especially during seasonal shedding. It is also advisable to inspect their hanging ears after going out.

The Basset des Alpes may be small in size, but has a strong personality and is extremely courageous. These small dogs are loyal and intelligent and generally get along well with other dogs as well as children. Sociable, the Basset des Alpes is not known to have problems with other dogs; but, like most other dog breeds, it must be socialized with other dogs as soon as possible in order to avoid future behavioral problems. Especially since the Basset des Alpes being a hunting dog par excellence, It is important that potential owners socialize him well from the time he is small, especially if you live in a home with small animals like cats. The Basset des Alpes is an active breed that, like most hounds, has need a lot of exercise. He will therefore be happier with an active master living in the countryside. The Basset des Alpes is therefore not a breed particularly suited to urban or apartment life. The Basset des Alpes is an intelligent dog who likes to work and needs intellectual stimulation. His master must therefore offer him regular activities in order to stimulate him intellectually and physically. You must also keep in mind that the Basset des Alpes is a hunting dog that works on smells and that he may therefore be inclined to follow smells without paying attention to its environment and/or its owner.