The Basset Hound Club of America (BHCA) is the national parent club for the Basset Hound and an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning more about the breed. The BHCA website offers a wealth of information for current and prospective Basset Hound owners, breeders, exhibitors, and anyone who simply wants to know more about Bassets. Resources include breed history and the official breed standard, health and research information, educational materials, responsible ownership and breeding resources, activities and events, and Basset Hound University, which offers free educational guides, courses, videos, and other materials.

The BHCA also maintains information about Basset Hound activities and events around the country, including conformation, field trials, hunt performance tests, tracking, obedience, rally, agility, and the annual BHCA National Specialty.

The Potomac Basset Hound Club supports responsible health and genetic testing to promote the health and well-being of Basset Hounds and to help breeders make informed breeding decisions. As a regional club of the Basset Hound Club of America (BHCA), we encourage our members and breeders to follow the health-testing recommendations and guidance of our national parent club.

Basset Hounds can be affected by several inherited diseases and health conditions for which genetic testing, screening, or other diagnostic tools are available. These include Basset Hound Thrombopathia, Lafora Disease, Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG), Mucopolysaccharidosis Type I (MPS1), Basset Hound Glycogen Storage Disease (BHGSD), and Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), among others.

We encourage breeders and owners to educate themselves about health issues affecting the breed, discuss appropriate testing with their veterinarians, and use reliable health information and test results to make informed decisions. The BHCA maintains extensive information about Basset Hound health, genetic diseases, available testing, and ongoing research through its Health & Research program.

Learn more about genetic testing and health issues at the Basset Hound Club of America.

We welcome people who share our interest in Basset Hounds and in supporting the breed. You don't need to be a breeder, exhibitor, or longtime Basset owner to become involved with the Potomac Basset Hound Club.

Prospective members are asked to attend at least two PBHC events, giving you an opportunity to meet our members, learn more about the Club, and see what we're all about. To apply for membership, you'll also need the sponsorship of two PBHC members in good standing and must complete and submit a membership application.

Don't know two members yet? That's okay! Come join us at an event, introduce yourself, and get to know us. Attending Club activities is one of the best ways to meet other Basset people and become part of the PBHC community.

Several members of the Potomac Basset Hound Club are Basset Hound breeders. You can find participating breeders and their contact information on our Members page. We encourage prospective owners to contact breeders directly, ask questions, and take the time to find a breeder and puppy that are a good fit for their family.

If you are looking for a breeder outside of Maryland, Virginia, or the District of Columbia, the Basset Hound Club of America (BHCA) maintains breeder information and resources for prospective Basset Hound owners throughout the United States. Visit the BHCA's Breeder Directory to begin your search.

Whether you're looking locally or elsewhere, we also encourage prospective owners to learn about responsible breeding practices, appropriate health testing, and the questions you should ask before bringing home a Basset Hound.

The Potomac Basset Hound Club brings together people who share a love of Basset Hounds through a mix of competition, education, community service, and social activities.

Throughout the year, PBHC hosts and participates in a variety of events, including conformation shows, rally and obedience events, and field trials, giving Bassets and their owners opportunities to participate in activities that showcase the breed's unique qualities and abilities.

We're also proud to support the broader Basset Hound community. Our members volunteer at the annual BROOD Ramble, supporting Basset Rescue of Old Dominion and its work helping Bassets in need.

And not everything has to be a competition! PBHC holds an annual spring picnic and Christmas party, where members, families, and their Bassets can simply get together and enjoy one another's company. We also hold bi-monthly Club meetings via Zoom, making it easier for members throughout Maryland, Virginia, and the Washington, D.C. area to stay involved.

Whether you're interested in showing, performance events, field work, volunteering, learning more about the breed, or just spending time with other people who understand life with a Basset Hound, there's a place for you at PBHC.

More than you might think! Although Basset Hounds may have a reputation for being laid-back, they are versatile scent hounds that can participate in a wide variety of activities with their owners.

Bassets can compete in conformation, obedience, rally, tracking, scent work, and agility, as well as activities that let them do what they were originally bred to do—use their remarkable noses. Field trials and hunt performance tests give Basset Hounds an opportunity to follow rabbit scent and demonstrate their natural hunting ability in a safe, controlled environment.

Not interested in competition? That's perfectly fine. Bassets also make wonderful companions for walks, hikes, community events, therapy work, and other activities with their families. And sometimes the best Basset activity is simply getting together with other Bassets and their people at a Club picnic or social event.

You don't need an experienced show or performance dog to get started. Many activities welcome beginners, and PBHC members are happy to help newcomers learn more about the different things they can do with their Bassets.

Whether your Basset is destined for the show ring, happiest following a scent through a field, or simply an accomplished couch hound, the most important thing is finding something that you both enjoy doing together.