Basset hound wearing a green collar runs toward the camera, on a lane at a beagle club.

A Welcome Message

Welcome to the Basset Babbler. 

Basset Babbler is back and now it's online. If you know the history of field trialing, you know that before computers a little publication existed among basset hound field trailers called The Basset Babbler, in short The Babbler.  This publication contained all the essential information one would need to participate in field trials and ensure information about quality breeding animals was shared.

The Basset Babbler included the field trial schedule, field trial results, directions to field trial grounds, health information, club news, information about the health and wellness of field trialers, announcements for awards, reports from the FTAC chairman, changes in AKC rules and procedures (see note below), obituaries for humans and hounds, memorable moments in field trialing, brags, gossip, and other babblings. 

This website serves as a repository for all things field trial for bassets. It also serves--at least temporarily--as the landing page for the Basset Hound Club of America Field Trial Advisory Council. The Field Trial Advisory Council's job is to meet every so often to discuss all matters field trial. FTAC is composed of representatives from local clubs across the United States. 

For field trial representatives, you can log in to access additional content related to your position and duties as an FTAC Representative. 

For anyone else who has found themselves with an AKC registered basset hound and an interest in training your hound for the field, you are welcome to join us at a field trial or reach out to other basters (basset hound field trialers). 

Historical Note: Did you know that women were approved to serve as AKC delegates in March 1974? An earlier vote had failed in December 1973.


Field trials require...

  • hounds!
    • An AKC registered hound (no PAL)
    • spayed/neutered can participate
  • a team to coordinate and run the event (participants support the host club by purchasing meals on site)
  • an event venue
    • authorized public lands with rabbitat (rabbit habitat)
    • a beagle club 
  • a water supply
  • shelter for humans and hounds
  • the right equipment
  • judges
  • most important: rabbits

Class Win Photos