The Basset Hound breed of dog was bred for small game, such as rabbits, and is still used for this purpose in some parts of the world.
When not in the way of a bunny, it is a quiet friend of the family who loves children.
These dogs may be better known as the Hush Puppy dog, but the Basset Hound is much more than an advertising icon.
With its placid personality and noble appearance and short stature, the Basset Hound is a popular family companion as well as a slow paced but enthusiastic hunting dog.
The name Basset comes from the French word ‘bas’ which means ‘low’. And Basset dogs are certainly short in stature.
Because their bones are heavy and muscular, they usually weigh between 22 and 30 kilograms, although they generally measure no more than 35 centimetres at the highest point of the shoulder.
They are actually large dogs with short legs. Their short leg appearance is the result of a form of dwarfism called achondroplasia.
Despite its large size, the Basset believes it is a lapdog and will do everything possible to be with you.
Bassets are hounds, which means that they were bred to hunt following the smell of their prey. Their phenomenal sense of smell is only surpassed by the Bloodhound.
Basset Hound Personality
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The modest Basset Hound is too relaxed to ever have a sharp character. He gets along well with everyone, including children and other animals, and the only thing that excites him is a good smell.
He’s calm inside but alert enough to be an excellent watchdog. Like all hunting dogs, he can be stubborn when it comes to training and responding better to positive methods such as food rewards.
Bassets are pack dogs and will be unhappy if left alone all day, the company of another dog is useful.
Like all dogs, Basset Hounds need early socialisation when they are young, socialisation helps to ensure that your Basset puppy grows into a complete dog.
Basset Hound Dog Care
Basset Hounds are generally quiet dogs that grow well even in small houses and apartments.
They must live indoors with their family, ideally with access to a courtyard. They are not suitable for living outdoors in extreme heat or cold conditions.
The Bassets are inactive indoors, happy to lie in the sun all day, but will enjoy a long, winding walk with plenty of sniffing time.
Don’t be tempted to let your Basset become a teleaddict, because they are prone to obesity, and too much weight can stress their joints.
When Basset are outdoors, they should be in a fenced yard or on a leash so they don’t get lost after an interesting smell.
Until he’s a year old, discourage your Basset puppy from jumping onto furniture and up and down stairs, which increases stress on the front legs and back and can damage your joints.
You may need to help a Basset of any age to get in and out of the car, they are not good jumpers, even consider giving them a ramp or steps.
The Basset can be very independent with a mind of its own. Train him with kindness and consistency, using positive reinforcements that include food rewards and praise.
The Basset who has been treated harshly will simply become stubborn and less willing to follow your orders.
Your best bet is to keep the training interesting. The Bassets will develop selective listening if there is anything more exciting to pay attention to.
Basset Hound Dog Toilet
It’s a low-maintenance dog. However, the Basset dog may need routine preparation to maintain excellent health.
First, his loose elastic skin needs to be kept dry and clean, so a weekly brushing session is vital, as it helps keep skin healthy and will minimise detachment.
Their short, thick hairs can easily come off your hands and stick tenaciously to your clothes and carpets.
Remember to take regular baths as Basset Hound can produce an undesirable smell from your skin and coat and most people will find it unpleasant.
This breed of dog has very long but pretty ears that need inspection and should be cleaned to remove dirt and debris.
If left unattended, they can develop serious ear problems. Be sure to dry them after bathing.
Bassets toenails may also need to be trimmed regularly to avoid foot problems. And finally, teeth need routine brushing as recommended by your vet to prevent oral disease.
What is it like to live with a Basset Hound?
Basset Hounds need a firm person in charge of their nutrition, as they have a clear tendency to become obese, which can cause serious problems with their long backs.
Bassets are not high-powered athletes who need to run every day, but they must have a good walk at least once a day to stay in shape. Most dogs of this breed live 12 to 13 years.
Because they developed as pack animals, Basset dogs feel a need for companionship and are happier when their families are nearby.
They are not great guard dogs, although they may bark, but then greet strangers cheerfully.
The loose lips of the Basset Hound lead to a good amount of drool and many owners keep the towels strategically placed around the game to keep it clean.
Basset Hounds left alone can easily become annoying thieves or diggers.
In addition, they are quite intelligent dogs, but they are not very easy to train, so it is recommended to train them immediately when they are puppies and do a positive training to keep them interested.
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