The Basset Hound is one of the most well-known dog breeds in the world. Those long floppy ears, sad brown eyes, stubby legs and loud, deep barking make them a very special character! They also have a larger than life personality that supports everything. Headstrong, determined, social and sweet, this pup is a unique blend of independence and family orientation.
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Basset Hound Characteristics (Physical)
The Basset Hound's entire body has been adapted to track scent, allowing it to traverse rough terrain with an endurance befitting its devotion. They are a long, short breed with a full body and powerful legs that give them a powerful, smooth gait.
Basset hound size
Basset Hound females are 11 to 14 inches tall. Males can reach about 15 inches. Despite its small stature, the Basset Hound is considered a medium and even large sized dog breed with the ability to reach up to 80 pounds.
Kopf
This dog's head is large and proportionate to its body, with a broad, flat skull and a long, straight muzzle. Its nose is darkly pigmented with wide open nostrils, good for sniffing!
Her lips are also dark and hang down at the back. They are usually brown.American Canine ClubHe describes the basset hound's eyes as "soft, sad and sunken". The Basset Hound's ears are extremely long and set low, and its neck is strong and well arched. Together this makes for a very attractive and unique head that sets the Basset Hound apart from others.
Torso
The Basset Hound has a deep chest and strong shoulders. Its front legs are fairly short with heavy bones. Their torsos are straight and level, which makes them appear even longer. The hindquarters of the dog are well rounded. Bow legs are considered a "major fault" by the AKC and his tail should never be docked.
Basset Hound Personality
The Basset Hound is a friendly and calm dog with a sweet temperament. They are known to be excellent companions for families and households of all sizes, getting along with almost everyone. This also applies to children and other pets!
This is a lazy breed that enjoys spending time with family, whether it be relaxing on the couch with you after work or going for nature walks. It is important to note that the Basset Hound is a hunting dog. They have a stubborn attitude, especially when trying to follow a scent or spotting a small animal.
They are known to be very vocal, so it can be difficult to get them to stop barking once they've seen or smelled something. This lop-eared pup doesn't give up a smell easily and can even find ways to escape the house or dig under a fence!
Ejercicio Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is certainly a bit lazy. They enjoy being with you, which can be very attractive. But it's very important to make sure they get itexercise they need to be healthyand happy. Take this pup to dog parks, walk the neighborhoods, and play fetch in the yard—anything to get him moving. You'll find that although this breed is lazy, they are quite determined once they get started!
One thing that will really get your Basset Hound excited is following scents. Really excite them by taking them on a nature walk. Just remember to keep them on a leash at all times, otherwise they might run away. You'll find they expend all of their energy when they're on the trail, which means they get calmer and calmer at home.
Related:Expert tips to make your dog's walks go smoothlyBasset Hound-Training
Basset Hounds are not the easiest breed to train. They are stubborn and intelligent and will often want to sniff out the garden for smells and roam the trails during a walk. The basset hound is not quick-tempered or smart, just easily distracted. She notoriously did thatmore difficult to train than other breedswho only wants to please you.
The best way to train a Basset Hound is to understand the motivation behind their actions. With a sensitive nose, these dogs are often motivated by scents. You need to find creative ways to get their attention when they are puppies and encourage them to listen to you even if they smell something interesting. Always be patient and remember that it will take time.
Start in a distraction-free space where you are the center of attention. hold somethingTreats for dogsand say, "Look at me." If your Basset Hound looks your way (which may take a while), use a clicker or words of encouragement and offer a treat each time. Once they learn this command, they can follow other things like sit, stay, and fetch.
Give your Basset Hound time to sniff between training sessions. Include games where they use scents to discover different treats or prizes.
History of the Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is an older breed dating back to the 16th century. It is believed that the brothers of St Hubert's Abbey were responsible for crossing several French breeds to create a short hunting dog intended for traversing rough terrain.
"Basset" means "bass" in French. French bowlegs were perfected in England in the 19th century, resulting in today's Basset Hounds. Their slow pace and sharp nose have made them very popular with hunters throughout history. They were favorites for hunting rabbits and hares. Sometimes they were even used to track down larger animals that had been injured. Not many animals can outwit and outrun the Basset Hound's nose.
Abroad in the United States, families began adopting this unique breed as a family pet. He has developed into a companion dog in recent years. Nevertheless, the sport of "pack hunting" with Basset Hounds continues to this day in France and England.
Basset Hound Health Issues
With proper veterinary care, Basset Hounds can live up to 12 years. Still, they are a breed prone to serious health problems. Therefore, regular visits to the vet are very important.
Certainly, this breed of dog should get eye and joint exams fairly frequently. Puppies are known to suffer from joint problems as they get older, so don't let them hop on the couch or strain themselves! Proactive owners can also deployTreats for dogs that promote joint mobility.
Some of the most common and serious health problems are:
- Osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD)
- Magen Torsion
- Glaucoma
- Hip dysplasia in dogs
- elbow dysplasia
- von Williebrand disease
How to care for a Basset Hound
Basset Hound owners are often unprepared for the breed's amount of drool. In fact, many of these dogs are taken to animal shelters because of their neglected cheeks. They have a lot of loose skin around their mouths, which means they can make a mess while drinking too.
Pay attention to your Basset Hound's face and be sure to keep the creases around his mouth clean. Also check around his eyes. It's also important to clean their long floppy ears, as wax and dirt can easily get caught in them. Use a veterinary-approved cloth to gently wipe away debris in his ears.
This breed's small stature and characteristically large feet make picking up dirt quite common. Always check yoursdog pawsfor excessive dirt when they come from playing or walking. Basset Hounds can be quite determined when it comes to following scents or animals. Make sure they have adequate space to play outside safely. Most likely, they will need supervision.
Basset hounds use their powerful, blunt paws and claws to burrow under fences and find other ways to escape captivity. If you can't watch them while they're outside, they should probably stay indoors, even if there's a leash or fence.
nutrition and food
Basset Hounds are prone to obesity. sheloveeat and will overeat at every opportunity. As you gain extra pounds, your back and joint problems can become even more apparent. It is very important that your Basset Hound eats the right amount of food. If you are unsure about your dog's diet, you can discuss portion sizes with your veterinarian.
Related article:Organic vs. Non-Organic Dog Food [Detailed Comparison]Basset Hounds are prone to bloating, which can sometimes prove fatal. Instead of giving them the correct portion at once, it's better to split them up into two or three smaller meals throughout the day. This shouldmake swelling less common. After eating, make sure your basset hound relaxes. You may need to watch them for an hour to make sure they are okay.
This dog breed is known for having gas! While farting is natural, sometimes it can be a bit overdone. If that's the case, talk to a veterinarian. You may need to change their diet to ensure they are safe and healthy and to protect your family's noses.
When it comes to treats, Holistapets offers organic, vegan and non-GMO productsTreats for dogs with heart and immunityThey are healthy alternatives that can be given to your Basset Hound in moderation. As a bonus, they contain CBD, a natural, non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid that may promote joint mobility in your Basset Hound. CBD interacts with your dog's endocannabinoid system (ECS) receptors, maintaining their balance and well-being. This is a natural and efficient way to soothe your dog's problem areas and keep them happy and active.
TIED TOGETHER:
coat color and grooming
The Basset Hound's coat is hard, smooth, and short. Therefore, its density makes it perfect for all climates! The American Kennel Club states that "any color on a recognized dog" is acceptable. This is often a mix of brown, white and black.
Because of their short coat, Basset Hounds are easy to care for. It is recommended to youUse a natural cleansing shampoobathe and brush them once or twice a week. It should be a fairly quick grooming session and it may only take a few strokes if you keep up.
children and other pets
Basset Hounds are calm and easygoing, which makes them perfect companions for children of all ages. This people-oriented dog is known to be "peaceful." They love hanging out with children, whether it's fetching or cuddling in bed. Be sure to keep an eye on your children to make sure they aren't pulling on your Basset Hound's ears or earsfrightened by their loud barking.
Basset Hounds are used to hunting in packs and love to be aroundother pets,especially dogs. They are eager to bond with other puppies and will often encourage them to play with loud barks. Sometimes it is even recommended to have two bloodhounds so that your dog always has a friend as they are very social!
TIED TOGETHER:How to help a dog with separation anxietyBeing quite calm, this breed also gets along well with cats. Just make sure they introduce themselves slowly and calmly! Consequently, cats can be surprised by their loud barking. But once they realize that Basset Hounds are fairly calm and docile, they may change their minds. You may even enjoy their company and cuddle with them once your dog is more relaxed.
rescue groups
Unfortunately, the Basset Hound can often be found in shelters due to their stubborn behavior or extra drool. But people who understand the dog's unique personality are always looking for hunting dogs to adopt.
There are also many Basset Hound rescue groups out there as many dog lovers are big fans of this unique canine!
- Rescate Tri-State Basset Hound:New England Basset Hound lovers will find Basset Hound and rescue mixes here. They will even host events to raise awareness about adoption and raise funds for their ongoing efforts.
- Basset Hound Golden Gate:This Northern California rescue finds homes for more than 100 hunting dogs each year. The rescue removes Basset Hounds from abusive, abandoned, and unwanted situations and places them in foster care until they are ready for adoption.
- Mid-Atlantic Basset Hound Rescue:This rescue group provides veterinary care, food, shelter and support for dogs in need of assistance throughout the mid-Atlantic states. Sixty percent of their rescues come from shelters, 40 percent from home.
- Saving the Guardian Angel Basset:Operating in Illinois, Indiana and Missouri, this nonprofit organization helps puppies in difficult situations by providing them with the veterinary care they need. Basset Hounds are available for foster and adoptive parents.
breeding organizations
Basset Hound Club of Americaoffers dog sports, educational events and research on breed health. Clubs and organizations across North America can register with the club to better promote their events and connect with other Basset Hound enthusiasts and breeders. See their calendar for hunting-related events across the United States. They also have upcoming agility events, obedience training and tracking.
More about this dog breed
The Basset Hound has been a popular breed for hundreds of years thanks to the easy-going, lovable nature and distinctive looks of the breed. As a result, these traits have made them one of the most relatable dog breeds, thanks in part to their constant appearance on television shows and marketing campaigns.
Time Magazine featured a Basset Hound on its cover in 1928. The issue promoted a story about the Westminister Kennel Club's Madison Square Garden dog show. Basset Hounds appeared in print over the next several decades. In 1963, the Fred Basset comic debuted. Basset hounds have had similar success on television. In 1956, Elvis Presley sang "Hound Dog" for a dog named Sherlock on The Steve Allen Show.
In popular media
Basset Hounds have also become popular media thanks to their diva personalities! A stubborn basset hound named Fred was cast in the lead role in the Smokey and the Bandit film series. A basset hound also starred in the series The Dukes of Hazzard. Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane was often accompanied by a basset hound named Flash. A basset hound named Doug appeared in the television series Columbo, which Lt. belongs to Columbo. Actor Peter Falk initially refused to work with a dog, calling it a "trick." But when he met Doug, Falk was in love with the dog's personality.
You might also recognize this breed from some of your favorite brands! theHush Puppies shoe brandFeatures a Basset Hound. Decades of this marketing has resulted in people sometimes referring to this breed as "quiet puppies" when they are anything but quiet!
This pup has also been seen in ads for Maytag equipment accompanied by the Maytag repairman. There is something about this breed that people cannot resist. They're eye-catching and adorable, making them perfect for a variety of brands.
Her charming nature has also made her a favorite of celebrities. Elvis Presley owned multiple Basset Hounds! Clint Eastwood, Frank Sinatra, David Arquette, Angelina Jolie, George Clooney, Sharkia, Marilyn Monroe, and Jennifer Lawrence also own this breed.
Adorable, laid-back, and full of personality, it's hard to resist this long, short dog breed. They have looks unlike any other breed and a unique personality to match. This is a dog that will keep you on your toes and worth curling up in bed for hours after a hard day's work. .