With their droopy eyes, long ears, and charming, mellow personality, the basset hound is a popular and unique dog breed. Occasionally, special-colored pups called lemon basset hounds are born with a light cream coat.
While their pale hue may resemble a lemon, they retain all the attributes that make bassets an endearing choice for families. Read on to learn all about these yellow cuties – from their genetics and grooming needs to pricing and disposition.
What Is a Lemon Basset Hound?
A lemon basset hound is a variety of Basset Hound marked by light cream or pale yellow fur lacking the typical red hue and black markings. Their coat can range from off-white to a washed-out yellow, reminiscent of lemon.
What Does a Lemon Basset Hound Look Like?
| Physical Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Short, generally 13-15 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 40 to 65 pounds on average |
| Body Shape | Long and low, loose skin, deep chest |
| Head | Large, domed skull with pronounced occipital bone |
| Eyes | Dark brown, sad, drooping expression |
| Ears | Extremely long, velvety, low-set |
| Muzzle | Medium length |
| Nose | Lighter charcoal, pinkish, or mottled pigment |
| Coat Color | Very pale cream to lemon yellow; lacks darker pigment |
| Coat Texture | Short, dense, and smooth |
| Tail | Long, carried in a slight upward curve |
| Feet | Massive paws with lighter pigment toe pads |
At a glance, lemon basset hounds exhibit the iconic long and low proportions their breed is known for. Sturdy little legs hold up an elongated torso with loose folds of skin. Their large head has extremely long, droopy ears nearly brushing the ground. Kind, sad eyes complete their wistful expression.
It’s the coat that distinguishes lemon bassets from the more standard red and white or tri-colored coats. A lemon basset’s fuzzy fur is various shades of extremely pale yellow or cream lacking typical reddish hues or black markings. Pigment varies from a light charcoal nose to pink paw pads. Some develop freckling as adults.
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Origin
Bassets are an ancient French breed with origins dating to medieval times as scenthounds. Their origins are linked to genetic dwarfs born in larger hunting packs. Distinct lemon coat coloring likely appeared intermittently in early breeding. Modern breeding programs have intentionally created more lemon pups by selectively pairing dogs carrying the pale gene.
Genetics
The genetics behind lemon coat color involves variants of the pigment genes tied to skin and hair melanin production. While not fully understood, the dilution trait is believed to be passed on by a recessive gene. To exhibit lemon tones, a basset must receive a copy from each parent. When bred together, two lemons can better ensure more diluted offspring.
Is the Lemon Basset Hound Rare?
Yes, Lemon Basset Hounds are considered relatively rare compared to other Basset Hound color variations. Their unique lemon and white coat color is a result of genetics and is less common than the more traditional tri-color (black, white, and tan) Basset Hounds.
This rarity can make them more sought after by dog enthusiasts looking for a unique and distinctive pet.
Temperament
Like the standard Basset Hound, the Lemon Basset Hound is known for its friendly, loyal, and gentle nature. They are considered excellent family pets and are renowned for their patience and gentleness towards children. However, they can sometimes be stubborn and require early and consistent training to ensure their well-being and happiness.
Care and Grooming
Here are common care and grooming practices for a Lemon Basset Hound:
- Regular Brushing: Brush your Lemon Basset Hound’s coat regularly to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Their short coat doesn’t require intensive grooming, but weekly brushing lifts dead hair from their short, silky coat.
- Bathing: Lemon Basset Hounds don’t need frequent baths unless they get particularly dirty or smelly. A bath every 2 to 3 months should be sufficient. Over-bathing can strip their coat of natural oils, leading to dry skin and coat issues. Use a dog-specific shampoo and make sure to dry their ears thoroughly to prevent infections.
- Ear Care: Basset Hounds, including Lemon Bassets, have long, floppy ears that can trap moisture and lead to infections. Clean their ears regularly and check for any signs of redness, swelling, or odor. Their facial folds also need cleaning to avoid muck buildup.
- Nail Trimming: Keep your Lemon Basset’s nails trimmed to a comfortable length. Long nails can be uncomfortable and cause issues with walking.
- Dental Care: Regularly brush your dog’s teeth to prevent dental issues. Dental treats or toys can also help keep their teeth clean.
- Exercise: Basset Hounds are prone to obesity, so it’s essential to provide regular exercise to keep them healthy. Daily walks and some playtime in a secure area are ideal.
- Feeding: Feed your Lemon Basset a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age, size, and activity level. Be mindful of their weight and adjust their diet as needed.
- Health Checkups: Schedule regular checkups with your veterinarian to ensure your dog is healthy and up to date on vaccinations and preventatives.
- Training and Socialization: Basset Hounds are intelligent but can be stubborn. Start training early and use positive reinforcement. Socialization is also essential to help them become well-rounded dogs.
- Love and Attention: Like all dogs, Lemon Basset Hounds thrive on love and attention from their owners. Spend quality time with your dog to strengthen your bond and keep them happy.
Common Health Issues
As with any breed, the Lemon Basset Hound may be susceptible to certain health concerns. These could include hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease, and obesity. Early detection and management of these conditions are vital to ensure the longevity and quality of life of the dog.
How Much are Lemon Basset Hound Puppies?
For a Lemon Basset Hound puppy bred from champion pedigree stock, you should expect to spend in the range of $2000 to $3500+ depending on breeder reputation, location, coat quality, and demand fluctuations. Show and breeding prospects tend to sit at the higher end of pricing.
Pet lemon pups with lesser pedigrees still generally cost $1500 to $2500 or more – significantly above the $800 to $1500 price tag for standard basset colors. Their unusual coats simply drive up desirability, making them costlier than other colors. Be prepared to get on waitlists at sought-after kennels known for producing these coveted cuties!
Conclusion
The Lemon Basset Hound is a unique variant of the traditional Basset Hound, distinguished by its lemon-colored coat. Despite sharing many physical and temperamental qualities with the standard Basset Hound, the Lemon Basset Hound is a visually appealing choice if you’re looking for a distinctive member of this beloved breed.
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FAQs
Are Lemon Bassets recognized by kennel clubs?
Yes, lemon and white are coat colors permitted in the basset hound breed standard by the American Kennel Club and other major kennel clubs around the world.
Do Lemon Basset Hounds have skin sensitivity?
Lemon dogs of several breeds seem prone to skin troubles, but there’s no research evidence indicating lemon basset hounds have problematic sensitivity or allergies specifically related to their diluted coats.
What is the typical lifespan of a Lemon Basset Hound?
Lemon Basset Hounds typically live for around 10-12 years, given proper care and attention.
What kind of training does a Lemon Basset Hound need?
Early and consistent training is necessary for Lemon Basset Hounds to manage their stubborn nature. Positive reinforcement techniques are highly recommended.
Do Lemon Basset Hound puppies stay light-colored as adults?
Yes, a true lemon basset hound puppy retains their distinctive light cream to pale yellow hue into adulthood without darkening significantly. Some develop light freckling but overall maintain their signature washed-out lemon shade.
How rare are Lemon Basset Hounds?
Increasing popularity has made them less scarce lately. However, lemon bassets are still relatively uncommon compared to the classic basset coloration seen in the majority of litters. Their uniqueness adds to buyer appeal.
How much exercise does a Lemon Basset need?
Lemon Basset Hounds require moderate exercise to remain fit and healthy. Daily walks and play sessions are recommended to maintain a healthy weight and overall well-being.
Is the Lemon colored Basset Hound a separate breed from the standard Basset Hound?
No, the Lemon Basset Hound is a variant of the standard Basset Hound, with a unique lemon-colored coat.
Can I find a Lemon Basset Hound easily?
Due to its rarity, locating a Lemon colored Basset Hound may be difficult. However, specialized breeders and rescue organizations specializing in rare breeds may carry these dogs.
