One of the most popular dog breeds, Basset Hounds are good-natured, loyal, and devoted dogs—traits that make them perfect family pets. Don't be fooled by her sad eyes and happy face; These pups might seem a little lazy, but they can be a lot of fun!
Read on to learn more about the breed's traits and living with a Basset Hound.
Index:
- Characteristics of the Basset Hound
- Looks
- temperament and personality
- average lifespan
- Basset Hound Grooming Tips
- training and practice
- cleanliness
- Diet and Nutrition
- Living with Basset Hounds
- History of the Basset Hound breed
- Common Basset Hound Health Issues
- Adopt or buy a Basset Hound Dog
- Main Conclusions
Pro tip:While proper diet, exercise, and health care can help keep your Basset Hound in peak condition, there is no guarantee your pet will not be injured or develop a serious illness. For this reason it is advisable to remove thempet insuranceonce you have received your Basset Hound to ensure the best veterinary care and treatment when your pet needs it.
Characteristics of the Basset Hound
physical characteristics
Despite their small stature (less than 15 inches), Basset Hounds are among the medium-sized dogs, withweightfrom 40 pounds for short women to 80 pounds for tall men.
Bassets are quite bulky and heavy-boned., with long bodies on rather short and crooked legs, giving them a somewhat rectangular appearance. They have big heads, wrinkled foreheads, loose lips, long floppy ears, and sad eyes.
Basset Hounds have a short, tight coat. Any coat color is acceptable, but the most common colors are red and white or tricolor.
Temperament
Basset Hounds are very calm and friendly dogs.who enjoy being in the company of their humans. They are also great with children and get along well with other dogs.
These dogs are very intelligent but also quite stubborn which makes them quite difficult to train. Bassets love to dig and many can be serious barkers. When not securely confined, they can follow their strong hunting instincts.
average lifespan
The average lifespan of Basset Hounds is between eight and 12 years.🇧🇷 However, with proper care, some specimens of the breed can live up to 17 years.
Basset Hound life expectancy can be affected by many factors including hereditary diseases, regular exercise, diet and health care.Most basset hounds die of old age.or general health conditions such as gastric torsion and costochondritis dissecans (OCD).
Basset Hound Grooming Tips
education
Bassets are quite stubborn and independent., so it can be a bit difficult to train them. Because they were originally designed to follow a lead without distraction, they can appear uninterested in the person giving the orders. To be trained, Basset Hounds need a firm hand, consistency, and patience. Early socialization is very important, as is ongoing positive obedience training.
exercise
When it comes to physical activity,Bassets may not be as active as some other dog breeds., but require regular moderate exercise (daily walks should suffice). Exercise not only helps keep your dog fit and healthy, but it also prevents your dog from becoming obese. Bassets enjoy both canine and human company when they are out and about and can be very playful. They also like to hunt and track.
cleanliness
Although their coat is short and sleek, Bassets need regular grooming to stay happy and healthy. Hair loss can be profuse but can be controlled with weekly brushing.
Basset hounds also need regular nail trimmings as well as the occasional bath to keep their coats clean and shiny. Brushing your dog's teeth twice a week with a specially formulated pet toothpaste is also an important part of Basset Hound grooming.
Diet and Nutrition
Feed your basset hound with usquality dog foodin consultation with your veterinarian. Fresh, clean water should always be available and within reach.
Some members of the breed have a tendency to gain weight, so keep an eye on your pet's calorie intake. Although treats can help with training, they should only be given in limited amounts. If you have questions about your basset hound's diet or weight, consult your veterinarian.
Living with Basset Hounds
Originally bred for pack hunting,Bassets need company and are happiest when their humans are spending time with them.🇧🇷 If left to their own devices, they can become annoying diggers or barkers.
Although they can bark, bassets are not hostile to strangers, making them poor watchdogs. Because of sagging lips, Basset Hounds tend to drool a lot, so make sure you have several towels around the house for cleaning.
History of the Basset Hound breed
Originally bred in France, Basset Hounds descended from the St. Hubert Hound, the bloodhound's ancestor. They were developed when a mutation in the St. Hubert produced a short-legged dog. In fact, the French word "Basset" means "dwarf" or "bass". When the ability to track down hares and rabbits in dense forests was noticed, these little dogs began to bebred specifically for hunting.
Because of their hunting skills, Basset Hounds became very popular with French aristocrats, but after the French Revolution they were also used as hunting dogs by commoners who did not have access to horses and needed a dog that could walk. Bassets arrived in Britain in the 19th century and were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885.
Common Basset Hound Health Issues
Like all dog breedsBasset Hounds are prone to certain inherited health issues🇧🇷 Responsible breeders should test for common genetic conditions including:
- weight gain and obesity
- The elbow uhip dysplasia
- Patellaluxation
- Thrombopathy
- hypothyroidism
- bleeding disorders
- Glaucomawith a complete ophthalmological assessment
Due to their long floppy ears, bassets are one of severalDog breeds prone to ear infections, so it is important to check them regularly. If your dog is scratching his ears or shaking his head, it may be time to see the vet.
Pro tip:Although the breed is generally healthy, accidents can happen to any dog, with one in three requiring emergency treatment in their lifetime.Basset Hound Puppy Insurancereduces the financial risk of providing your pet with the best care should you face expensive vet bills due to injury or illness.
Adopt or buy a Basset Hound Dog
If you are planning on welcoming a basset hound into your family, first check with your local rescue groups and animal shelters. organizations likeBasset Hound Club of Americacan provide useful information and direct you to reputable breeders in your state.
If you are interested in similar breeds, you may want to look into other scent hounds such asBeagles, American Foxhounds und Plott Hounds.
Main Conclusions
- Basset Hounds are short-legged hunting dogs. They are outgoing, playful, and charming puppies who enjoy the company of their people and make perfect family pets.
- Although they can be somewhat stubborn and independent, most basset hounds love training and learning new tricks. They also require regular exercise despite their "lethargic" appearance.
- Like other members of the Hound family, Bassets shed easily, so owning a dog comes with a commitment to address these hair loss issues head-on.
- Like all dog breeds, Basset Hounds are prone to certain health issues like hip dysplasia, thrombopathy, ear infections, and more. Any unusual symptoms can indicate a serious medical condition, so be sure to consult your veterinarian. Many pet owners take out pet insurance just in case.