All About Basset Hounds (2023)

Perhaps one of the most distinctive dogs around, Basset Hounds are easy to spot in a crowd. With a small stature, big body and floppy ears, it's understandable why so many people fall in love with this quirky canine.

about race

As a hunting dog, Bassets share many common traits with other hunting dogs. Most notably, when the nose is placed, hearing is often turned off. When you are around a Basset Hound, you will quickly discover that everything around you becomes insignificant when a scent piques these dogs' interest.

However, because of their naturally powerful noses, pet owners can't blame their dogs for having an instinct to follow intriguing smells. Second, after the Blood Hound, Basset Hounds have the strongest super sniffers in the canine world.

Although Bassets are intelligent dogs, this can be overshadowed by the dog's hallmark traits of being headstrong and independent. To get your dog to do what you want, you usually need to convince him that it's something he wants to do.

Since this technique doesn't always work, there is one training secret that is almost guaranteed to get your basset's attention - eating. The way to a basset hound's heart may well go through its stomach. These dogs love food, and it should come as no surprise that they are looking for ways to get more. Keep this in mind when choosing a place to store your dog's food and yours.

In addition to their hunting dog inclinations, Bassets are some of the nicest, affectionate, and family-oriented dogs around. These canines are temperamental and known to get along well with other dogs, cats, and children.

Before introducing your dog to children, you must teach them how to approach and treat a dog with respect. It's also important to monitor your dog's interactions with children. Because of his small stature, small children might be tempted to climb on your Basset Hound's back, but that extra weight could result in injury to your friend.

While these mighty canines aren't exactly lap dogs, no one has broken the news to these dogs yet because chances are they'll try to curl up in your lap. As a Basset Hound parent, you will no doubt appreciate that your dog enjoys walking with you as much as he enjoys sitting on the couch and watching a movie with you.

race history

The first mention of a "Basset" dog appeared in 1585 in the illustrated hunting text La Venerie. This article, written by Jacques du Fouilloux, mentions that these short-legged dogs were used to hunt small game such as foxes, badgers, rabbits and hares. In the illustrations in this book, the old French Basset Hound resembled the current Basset Artésien Normand.

Basset Hounds are believed to descend from the St. Hubert Hound, an ancestor of the remarkable Blood Hound. After the French Revolution, the demand for hunting dogs increased and, as a result, the basset hound's popularity began to increase. By the mid-18th century, more bassets were being imported into England and breeders of these dogs were becoming more common. These breeders refined the characteristics of the Basset Hounds and began to resemble the dogs we know today.

Around the same time, just before the turn of the 20th century, Basset Hounds arrived in the United States. Americans loved these dogs and they became one of the most popular choices for a pet. In the decades that followed, bassets gained prominence through commercials, television programs, films, cartoons, magazines and advertising logos.

Attribute

Basset Hounds are a unique dog breed for many reasons, but most importantly because of their unique body structure. You are literally a big dog with small legs. Although these dogs measure no more than 14 inches at the shoulders, they can average 40-75 pounds. The average lifespan of a basset hound is 10 to 12 years.

These dogs can come in any dog ​​color including black, white, tan tricolor or tan and white or black and white bicolor. The tan color can be found in many shades, from a light lemon hue to a darker reddish-brown hue. Bassets can also be gray or blue in color, but this hue is rare and often undesirable as it has been linked to an increase in genetic problems.

Before welcoming a Basset Hound into your home, most dog parents have a few questions about the breed they want answered first. Some frequently asked questions are:

Where do Basset Hounds come from?

These dogs originate from France. Its name derives from the French word bas, which means "low".

What were Basset Hounds bred for?

Bassets were bred as hunting dogs, typically used for smaller game. Compared to almost all other hunting dogs, Basset Hounds had much shorter legs and therefore weren't as fast. As many hunters did not have horses, they needed a slower dog to more easily follow them on foot.

Can Basset Hounds swim?

These dogs are not good swimmers, and it's not just because they lack skills. Basset hounds have dense, heavy-boned bodies and carry much of their weight in the front. These traits, combined with the fact that they have short legs, mean that Bassets have a hard time staying afloat.

It's best to keep an eye on your friend when you're at the beach or near water, but it's even more helpful to avoid being near water. Safer alternatives might be to allow your dog to play in the hose or a sprinkler.

Are Basset Hounds Lazy?

This breed can be quite lazy, but that doesn't mean they don't enjoy exercise. It is likely that your Basset Hound enjoys bed rest as much as he does.take a walk🇧🇷 While your four-legged friend can be content with watching movies and sleeping in the sun all day, it's important to exercise him regularly or you'll end up with a major couch potato on your hands.

Call Basset Hounds dropped?

Like other hunting dog breeds, Bassets are known for being vocal. They can make a frequent howl or bark that can be heard many houses away. They also tend to bark if left alone too long - keep this in mind if you have neighbors. Your friend will also let you know when they see something interesting in the garden or when someone passes by your house. If you prefer a quiet home, this might not be the dog for you.

Do Basset Hounds smell bad?

If your Basset Hound is not well cared for, it can develop a scent quickly. Since these dogs are so small, they are more likely to get dirt and debris in their bellies and ears. While some pet parents do a quick clean when needed and then bathe once a month, other Basset Hound parents have found that a weekly bath can help keep almost all odors at bay. Also, don't forget to clean your dog's wrinkled face and neck. These wrinkles can also trap dirt and become smelly if not taken care of.

Do basset hounds skin?

Don't be fooled by their short coats - Basset Hounds shed all the time. However, if you only brush your dog once or twice a week, you can better control dandruff and hair loss.

The large floppy ears, wrinkles and large muzzle of a basset hound serve a purpose. When their ears are dragging the ground they help to pick up scents, the dewlap (wrinkles around the neck) helps to pick up those smells and the muzzle is roomy enough to accommodate the strong olfactory receptors.

personal hygiene

Much of a Basset Hound's grooming routine is in the books.brushing teethUse dog-safe toothpaste weekly and trim the nails once a month or when they are long enough to click on the floor. To control shedding and keep the coat healthy, it is recommended to brush your dog every week - several times a week is even better.

If your dog avoids puddles and dirt, he may go a month or more between baths. However, since these dogs are so short, you may find that a quick weekly bath is necessary to keep them clean and smelling good.

Because of their unique characteristics, Basset Hounds also require some special grooming needs - a responsibility that all Basset parents will have. While all dogs' ears should be checked and cleaned regularly, you need to check your basset hound's ears at least once a week. Be sure to remove any dirt that may be on the outside of your dog's ears, and use a vet-recommended ear cleaning solution on the inside of your dog's ears. After your dog has played or bathed in the water, it's also important to make sure his ears are completely dry.

Your friend's wrinkles also need regular cleaning. A damp cloth usually works well, but make sure all wrinkles are completely dry. Otherwise, your dog's skin may become irritated.

Most Basset Hounds have droopy eyes, which can also collect dirt. It can be beneficial to gently clean the area around the eyes. Doing this a few times a week can keep your dog's eyes clean and healthy. Talk to your veterinarian about recommended products and cleaning tips so you can safely keep your dog in tip-top condition.

Make sure each nurturing experience is positive and comforting. It's also beneficial to familiarize your dog with any grooming items as early as possible.

Caution

Basset hounds are quite cheerful. These downcast dogs are outgoing and sociable, so they don't do well when left alone for long periods of time. If left alone outside, they often howl or dig holes. If left alone indoors, they will also start to howl. Bassets are happiest when they are close and spending quality time with their family. To help your dog deal with loneliness while you're away, you might find that getting a canine or cat companion could be the perfect solution.

These dogs are passionate about their food and will do just about anything to get another bite - including looking at you with those sad puppy dog ​​eyes. While it might be tempting to pass some leftovers over to them, you should do your best not to. Bassets tend to gain weight and obesity is a serious problem for this breed. To counteract this, be sure to keep extra treats to a minimum and feed your dog the recommended amount.

Daily exerciseis another important component of keeping your friend healthy. These dogs are known to be lazy, but most don't need a lot of convincing when it comes to a walk. Although they prefer to move at a slow pace, most Basset Hounds have great stamina and enjoy long walks. Just be prepared to stop your sniffer dog friend and make him smell lots and lots of things.

Because of their body type, Basset Hounds are more prone to back injuries. To avoid this, be sure to limit your pup's activity level (no long, strenuous activity) until he's fully grown -- usually around age 2. Even if your dog stops growing, you still want to monitor some of its activity. It is important to remember that as a Basset Hound ages it may become unable to take steps. These are heavy dogs that you might not be able to carry up or down a flight of stairs.

Education

A crucial part of raising a Basset Hound is training it properly. These canines are stubborn and independent by nature, so training should start as early as possible - otherwise you'll have a rambunctious dog on your hands. As a basset hound parent, you too will quickly discover that treats and food will become your best training buddies. Just remember that it helps to stay patient, persistent, and positive as you work through commands and tricks.

A useful command to start working as quickly as possible is the recall command. As a hunting dog, Bassets are easily distracted by interesting smells. Because of their noses, Basset Hounds tend to wander. To emphasize the importance of this command, you can even use "higher quality" treats to further entice your dog.

Another useful command to teach your basset hound is the "wait" command. This command can be more than helpful - it can help reduce the risk of your dog suffering a back injury from jumping on or off something. Instead of letting your dog jump in the car or on the bed, you can teach him to wait until you can pick him up.

_{^Internal Damage Data, 2015-20 The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute or replace the advice of your veterinarian.}