The European Basset, explained.

It’s a Basset Hound bred to the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) standard rather than the AKC standard used in the United States. European Bassets are usually heavier in bone, broader in chest, lower to the ground and more substantial overall, with a larger head, a fuller dewlap, longer low-set ears and a soulful, dignified expression. Our dogs come from respected kennels in France, Belgium and the United Kingdom.

The difference is mainly structure and type. European Bassets are heavier-boned, lower to the ground, broader in chest and more substantial, with a bigger, more expressive head and fuller dewlap. American show-type Bassets are usually lighter in bone, higher on leg and more refined. Both share the same gentle, loving temperament. We breed only to the authentic European standard.

A well-bred, well-cared-for Basset usually lives 10–12 years. Keeping a healthy weight, regular vet care and the right amount of exercise make the biggest difference to a long life.

Yes — they shed moderately all year, with heavier shedding in spring and autumn. A weekly brush keeps most of that hair off your floors and furniture.

They aren’t constant barkers, but they do have a deep, musical bay they use when excited, bored or on an interesting scent. Training, company and plenty of nose work keep it in check.

They’re intelligent but independent. They respond best to positive reinforcement with high-value food rewards, plus lots of patience and consistency. They’re not the right fit for someone who wants a highly obedient, instantly responsive dog.

They can adapt well to apartment life as long as they get daily walks. Their moderate energy and generally quiet nature (apart from the odd bay) make them more apartment-friendly than many hound breeds.

Usually, yes. They were bred to work in packs and are naturally sociable. We still recommend careful introductions and supervision for the first few meetings.

Our puppies are $1,800–$2,000, depending on gender, colour and show potential. The price reflects our investment in health testing, quality nutrition, veterinary care and the time we spend socialising every puppy.

A $500 reservation deposit, which is fully refundable. It goes in full towards your puppy’s price — it’s not an extra fee. Once your application is approved and your deposit is received, your puppy is officially held for you and we won’t show or offer them to anyone else. We only accept deposits from approved applicants, and we review every application personally to make sure each puppy and family are a good match.

We raise a small number of puppies each year inside our home, not in a kennel, and each one gets individual care from birth. The deposit lets us plan responsibly, give your family our time and turn other enquiries away in good faith. And it’s 100% refundable: if you change your mind for any reason before your puppy comes home, we return the full amount — no questions asked, no hard feelings. Trust goes both ways, and we’d never hold your money if the timing isn’t right.

Just text us from any puppy page or from our Contact page. We reply personally, answer your questions and explain the refundable $500 deposit before you decide whether to go ahead.

Send us a text from the Upcoming Litters page to start the conversation. A refundable $500 deposit secures your place, and approved families are contacted in deposit order when a litter arrives. You can get your deposit back at any time, no questions asked.

It depends on litter timing. We usually have two to three litters a year, and most families currently wait about 3–6 months.

Yes, you can share your preferences on your application. We can’t guarantee a specific combination, but we do our best to match preferences in order of deposit date.

Yes. Every puppy comes with a written Puppy Purchase Agreement covering the health guarantee, spay/neuter requirements for pet-quality puppies and the responsibilities of both sides.

Yes. Every puppy is registered with the American Kennel Club, and you’ll receive full AKC registration papers.

All of our breeding dogs are OFA-certified for hips and elbows, CERF eye-certified every year, cleared by a board-certified cardiologist and tested for Brucella canis before every breeding. We also run thyroid panels.

Our two-year genetic health guarantee covers life-altering hereditary or congenital defects diagnosed by a licensed veterinarian. If a covered condition is diagnosed during that time, we’ll provide a replacement puppy from our next available litter.

Your puppy will have had their first DHPP vaccine (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and parainfluenza) at 7–8 weeks, plus a full deworming program. Your own vet will give the boosters at 12 and 16 weeks.

Yes. Every puppy gets an ISO-standard microchip before going home, registered in your name.

Yes — approved applicants are welcome to visit by appointment. To protect the puppies’ health, we ask that visitors haven’t recently been around other dogs or kennels.

We prefer families to collect in person from our home. If you can’t travel, we can arrange ground transport with a professional pet transport service for an extra fee. We never ship puppies as cargo.

Eight weeks old — the best age for bonding and settling in. We never let puppies go before 8 weeks.

AKC registration papers, a veterinary health certificate, vaccination and deworming records, microchip registration, our 2-year health guarantee, a puppy starter kit with food samples, a care guide and lifetime support from us.

We feed a premium large-breed puppy kibble and send a sample home with you. Keep to the same food for at least the first few weeks, and if you switch, do it gradually over 7–10 days.

Keep it gentle: short play sessions and brief walks on soft ground. Avoid stairs, jumping and high-impact activity until the growth plates close at about 18 months, because over-exercising can cause lasting joint damage.