Most people know a聽鈥檚 distinct look鈥攕oulful but droopy eyes, long, floppy ears, and a low-to-the-ground body that moves at a snail鈥檚 pace. What you might not know is that they鈥檙e also quite stubborn and possess superior scenting abilities 鈥� both of which make them incredible hunters! In fact, their innate ability to hunt is one of the reasons we first started holding Basset Hound Field Trials (鈥渃ompetitions鈥�) back in 1937.
In a Basset Hound Field Trial, dogs run in packs of two or more after a rabbit or hare. Don鈥檛 worry: The rabbits and hares are never touched. The whole purpose of the event is to exhibit your dog鈥檚 scenting skills, not his actual hunting skills.
Because you can鈥檛 help but smile when you see a Basset, we know it鈥檚 hard to imagine them as serious competitors. But that鈥檚 exactly what they are! If you a Basset lover, and you鈥檝e never seen them compete before, it鈥檚 a must.
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Eligibility
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- At least 6 months of age.
- AKC registered (Limited Registration is acceptable).
In addition:
- Spayed and neutered hounds and hounds with聽limited registration聽are eligible to compete in these events and are welcome.
- Bitches in season are not eligible to compete in classes for combined sexes.For all information regarding eligibility, please refer to Chapter 7 of the for Basset Hounds.
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Get Started
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Your fist step is to decide which type of competition to compete in:
- Brace – Two or three Basset Hounds run as a pair (or 鈥渂race鈥�) and are judged primarily on how accurate they are at trailing the rabbit.
- Small Pack Option Trials are run with dogs in packs of seven, and they are expected to find and pursue the rabbit with enthusiasm while maintaining control of the rabbit’s trail.
- Large Pack are run with dogs in packs of up to 25 dogs who are expected to run for a minimum of 3 hours in the Open class, which is the class where you earn points for a Field Championship.
- Gundog Brace field trials where pairs of Basset Hounds are turned loose to find their own rabbit and are judged on how well they search. They are then judged on how well they follow the rabbit. In fact, while on the rabbit’s trail, a gun is fired to test for gun shyness.
Once you decide which type of field trials you want to compete in, it is time to get a聽聽for the event of your choice. If you鈥檙e not already involved with a local Basset Hound, find one near you. Newcomers are always welcome and experienced enthusiasts are available to offer kind and valued suggestions to assist you.
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Find an Event
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With over 22,000 annual events, there is a sport for you.
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