Basset Hound - Facts You Must Know Before Adopting Basset Hound

By Author: Ricardo Lumbardo
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The Basset Hound is a short-legged, fairly heavy dog of the hound group. Bred to hunt rabbits through scent, they are recognized as scent hounds. Their weight averages between 50-65 pounds, stands 12-15 inches.

Coat

The Basset Hound's coat is heavy, smooth, and short. Their hair is straight, firm in texture, and weather resistant.

The Basset Hound's acceptable colors are lemon (white and light buff), mahogany, tri-color (brown head with white body, blanket on the body, some blotted with black highlights, may or may not have blankets), red and white, black and white, or Bleu De Gascoigne.

Activity

Known for their capacity to gain weight and potential to be lazy, this breed is in need of regular exercise. Insufficient exercise results to stress on the bones and joints, obesity, and other health problems. Regular exercise is crucial for this breed's physical and mental health. It is important to know that Basset Hounds should not be walked off-leash for they tend to chase just about anything that runs as they tend to be unresponsive to commands at this state.

Temperament

The ...
... Basset Hound is generally a friendly breed. Their loving, and affectionate nature makes them an excellent family pet especially for children. This breed is known to be vocal, as they tend to bark or howl if they want something, or to insinuate that something is wrong. To get attention, they use a low, murmuring sound, which lead owners to think they are talking. This breed tends to be stubborn, but with patience, can be easily trained.

Overview

The Basset hound is generally well-behaved, which makes them a perfect family pet. this breed is very placid, affectionate, and loving. Considered to be a whiner, this dog makes an excellent alarm dog, but is much too friendly to be a guard dog.

Care

The Basset Hound's coat is short, smooth, and easy to groom. Brushing weekly or twice a week removes dead hair, while maintaining the skin's circulation. During heavy shedding cycles, though, the hair will require to be removed by combing and brushing.

The hair around and inside their ears need to be gently cleaned and wiped since particles obtained during their activities may become entangled in this area, resulting to growth of fungus or bacteria if left unattended for extended periods of time.

Owners with Bassett Hound should take note that obesity is a potential threat to this breed. It is not only the weight that makes it dangerous, but the strain it sets on the intervertebral disk, that could cause diseases. Eye and blood exams with regular check up for patellar luxation are highly recommended.

Training

Basset Hounds tend to be very sensitive, so unwearied and gentle training is crucial. Consistency is the key in training this stubborn breed. Bred for hunting purposes, this breed has the inclination to go sniffing around, totally ignoring their handlers. So, fun and interesting techniques are advised.

Character

This long-eared breed is rather lazy, and sensitive, making him excellent for families with older children. The Basset Hound tends to be stubborn, yet never fearful. A naturally fun-loving and mellow dog, this breed should never show signs of aggression.

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