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Frequently Asked Questions | American Hunting Basset Association


BRIEF HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN HUNTING BASSET ASSOCIATION
The American Hunting Basset Association began as the Basset Division of the American Rabbit Hound Association and remained with ARHA until March 2001.  The AHBA Registry is now owned by DCS Publishing, Inc. located in New Salisbury, IN.  The competition is controlled by the AHBA Board of Directors, under the leadership of the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Jacob James, IV and the President of AHBA, Mr. Gerald Bailey.
On February 10, 1990, the first two bassets were entered in ARHA competition.  They ran against beagles in this hunt.  There were 17 hounds entered in this competition and the bassets finished third and fourth.  There was also a basset name JRK Bunny Troubles that ran, and place in the 1990 AHRA Big Pack World Hunt.  After these two events it was decided that bassets must have their own division.  The three people who were the most instrumental in starting the Basset Division were from Oklahoma, JoAnn Lawrence, Rita and Jacob James.  They held the first Basset World Hunt in Golden, Oklahoma, December 11, 1993.  There were 13 bassets entered in this hunt.  The AHBA has grown and at the 2001 World Hunt there were 88 bassets entered,  We are aiming for 100 bassets at the 2002 World Hunt

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the objectives of the AHBA?
A: There are two major objectives of this association; 1) bring the basset breed back as a viable rabbit hunting hound through hunting and bench show competition and sound breeding practices and 2) have great family fun with friends who have the same love for bassets that we have.
Q: How does a person join AHBA?
A: Actually, the person doesn't join, the basset does!  When a basset is registered with AHBA it is eligible to compete in all AHBA sanctioned events.
Q: Does a basset have to be AKC registered to participate in AHBA competition?
A: The basset does not have to be AKC registered to register with the ABHA.  It can be registered with the AHBA in one of two ways: 1) the basset may be check by a Breed Inspector at any AHBA trial event and the registration done at that time, or 2) a person may send a picture of the basset to AHBA with the $8.00 registration fee and the printable registration form found on this website (See Registration Forms on side panel) completed by mail.
Q: My basset is neutered.  Is it allowed to compete in the hunts and bench shows?
A: Yes
Q: Whom do I contact to find out more about AHBA?
A: Click on State Representatives or Clubs on the side bar for contact numbers.  All the contacts are anxious to talk to you!
Q: If our children become interested in AHBA events are they allowed to attend?
A: Absolutely yes.  We are family oriented and we love to have the kids running around enjoying themselves.  We do not allow alcohol use during the events and we ask all who attend to refrain from the use of profanity.
Q: Are women involved in AHBA events?
A: Absolutely yes.  Probably 15% to 20% of our participants are women who own their own bassets.
Q: Do I have to join an AHBA club to participate in AHBA events?
A: No, but we do encourage people to join AHBA clubs to help with decision-making and to help support these clubs.
Q: Does the AHBA have an official publication to provide information to the basset owners?
A: Yes.  The Rabbit Hunter Magazine is the official publication of the ABHA.  In addition, the association periodically sends out a no cost newsletter. 
Note:  We have children as young as eight years of age, to adults who are in the mid-eighties competing their bassets.  When someone needs assistance with catching a hound, leading a hound or handling it during competition, there is always someone  there to help.

To Join or Learn More About AHBA call us at 417.827.1978
or fill out our online contact form.

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