Are you looking for a pet that fits your laid-back lifestyle?
The adorable Basset Hound is a breed developed initially for hunting but is now a prevalent choice as a family pet. These dogs will win your heart with their distinctive saggy ears and amiable personality. To prevent weight gain and health problems, devote them to moderate exercise and a good diet.
If you’re searching for a faithful friend who loves children and will stay around for years, consider adopting a Basset Hound. Keep reading for more exciting information and traits about this beautiful breed!
[wpdatatable id=90]History of Basset Hound
It’s only suited that the French would create such a unique breed with its “Jolie” appearance, which means playful or strangely attractive. The Basset designates a particular height level for the hound.
Bassets were created due to a genetic change in the St. Hubert strain that resulted in a short-legged or recessive hound. The St. Hubert Hound is considered the ancestor of the modern Bloodhound. The ability of dwarf hounds to locate rabbits and hares hidden in thick forest underbrush may have led to their intentional breeding after being initially kept as specimens.
A Basset Hound was first mentioned in an illustrated hunting book called La Venerie by Jacques du Fouilloux in 1585. According to the illustrations, the early French Basset Hounds were similar to the Basset Artesien Normand, a dog breed that is now popular in France.
Basset Hounds were initially popular with the French aristocracy. After the French Revolution, Basset Hounds became the hunting dogs of ordinary people who needed a dog they could follow on foot without having access to horses. By the middle of the 19th century, they arrived in Britain. Five pups were born in the litter Lord Galway brought to England in 1866, but since he didn’t exhibit them, they were largely unknown.
Later, in 1874, Sir Everett Millais brought a Basset Hound named Model over from France. Millais is regarded as England’s “father of the breed” for his work promoting the Basset Hound in that country. In addition to fostering the breed in England, Millais began a breeding program in his kennel and worked with those started by George Krehl and Lord Onslow.
In 1875, he entered his first Basset at an English dog show, but it wasn’t until 1880, when he helped put together a significant entry for the Wolverhampton show, that the public began to take notice of the breed. After Alexandra, Princess of Wales, decided to keep Basset Hounds in the royal kennels, the breed gained even more popularity. The English Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1882, and the English Basset Hound Club was established in 1884.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) first registered a Basset Hound in 1885 named Bouncer. However, the breed wasn’t officially recognized by the AKC until 1916. Although the Basset Hound most likely arrived in America during the colonial period, the species took off in the country in the early 20th century.
On some occasions, Basset Hounds are even crowned King and Queen. Most of them hold games like contests to see which Basset has the perfect waddling butt. These gatherings typically feature a wide range of Basset Hound memorabilia, much of which is sold to support Basset Hound rescue groups.
More About Basset Hound
Although the Basset Hound is most famous for being the Hush Puppy dog, they are much more than just a symbol for commercials. The Basset Hound is a well-liked family pet with a calm disposition and a short-statured but honorable appearance. They are also slow-moving but skilled hunters.
Basset Hounds originates from the French word bas, which means low. Additionally, Basset Hounds are undoubtedly small dogs. They typically stand no taller than 15 inches at the maximum height of the shoulder, but due to their heavy bones and muscular build, they weigh 40 to 65 pounds on average. They are large dogs with short legs. Their short legs are a result of the dwarfism disorder achondroplasia. The Basset Hounds will try to squeeze into your lap despite their large size because they believe in themselves as lap dogs.
Bassets were bred to hunt by chasing the smell of their prey because they are scent hounds. The only animal with a better sense of smell than them is the Bloodhound.
The face of the Basset Hound has a lot of loose skin and is extensively wrinkled over the head when the dog is tracking. It also has a deep muzzle and a round skull. Additionally, Bassets’ sagging skin gives them a sorrowful appearance, which many people find attractive.
Many of the characteristics of Basset Hounds serve a purpose as they were developed as hunting dogs in the beginning. Their wrinkled, loose skin all over their heads further traps the smells of whatever they are tracking, and their large, low-set ears drag the surface and pick up odors.
They move more slowly than dogs with longer legs due to their short legs, which makes it simpler for hunters on the portion to follow them. Hunters can easily spot dogs in long grass due to their long, upright tails with white tips. The front feet of Basset Hounds turn slightly outward to maintain the width of their shoulders, and they also have large paws.
Size
Basset Hounds weigh between 40 and 65 pounds and stand no taller than 15 inches at the shoulder. They are large dogs with short legs. Before you get a Basset Hound for a house with many stairs, consider the troubles of lifting an adult Basset Hound.
Personality
The polite Basset is too unassuming ever to have a bad temper. The only thing that arouses it is the smell of the trail, and it gets along with everybody, including children and other animals. It is quiet from the inside but aware enough to make an excellent watchdog. Like all hounds, it cannot be easy to train, and it responds best to encouraging techniques like food rewards. Since they are pack animals, bassets will only be happy if left alone for part of the day. It’s beneficial to have another dog around.
Basset Hounds require early socialization or exposure to a wide variety of people, sights, sounds, and experiences when they are young, just like all other dogs. Socialization is vital to ensure your Basset puppy develops into a well-rounded dog.
Temperament
Due to its calm and laid-back temperament, the Basset Hound is frequently considered lazy. This breed has the propensity to conserve energy, saving it for activities like hunting or scrambling to the meal bowl. Training a Basset Hound can be difficult despite its easy going nature because they tend to move slowly and may only react to commands after a while. However, this breed is typically non-aggressive and sociable with household pets, other dogs, and strangers. The Basset Hound makes an excellent watchdog but is a poor choice for a defense dog due to its relaxed and friendly personality. Although it still prefers to be outside, its gentle disposition and lovable nature make it the ideal indoor companion.
Health
Although the Basset Hound breed is typically in good health, it is still susceptible to some inherited health issues, like many purebred dogs. When adopting a puppy, prospective buyers should inquire about the medical history of the litter. Responsible breeders examine the parent dogs’ genetic health before breeding to uphold high standards.
One of the typical health issues affecting Basset Hounds is joint dysplasia, a joint deformity that may necessitate surgery in severe cases. Weight gain, fatigue, and problems with the skin and coat can all be symptoms of hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid condition. The painful eye condition glaucoma necessitates prompt veterinary care because it causes a buildup of pressure in the eye. Dogs with luxating patella have knees that move in and out of position. Owners must reduce the risk of injury because bleeding disorders such as Von Willebrand Illness and platelet illnesses can result in abnormal blood clotting.
Care
Basset Hounds typically have calm personalities and adapt well to living in tiny homes and apartments. They ought to reside inside, ideally with availability to a yard, with their family. They can’t survive in sweltering weather or cold outdoors.
Bassets are sedentary indoors and extremely happy to lounge around in the sun the whole day, but they enjoy long, winding walks that give them plenty of time to sniff things. Due to their tendency for overweight, bassets’ joints can become stressed. So, be careful not to let your Basset develop a couch potato personality.
Bassets should be in a small backyard or on a leash to prevent them from straying after an alluring smell outside. Encourage your Basset puppy to avoid jumping on and off furniture and stairs until a year old. These activities strain its front legs and back and may cause joint damage. Regardless of age, any Basset might need assistance getting in and out of the vehicle. It jumps poorly, so you must consider getting it steps or a ramp.
Bassets are intelligent, independent animals. Use kind, consistent training methods, appreciation, and positive reinforcements like food rewards. The harshly treated Basset will grow more independent and refuse to comply with your commands. The best course of action is to make training enjoyable. If there is something more interesting to pay attention to, Basset Hounds will develop selective memory.
Feeding
Every dog has different dietary needs, just like people do. However, a dog’s nutritional requirements differ depending on its size, age, metabolism, level of activity, and body type. A more active dog will need more food than one less active. The quantity of food required also greatly depends on the quality of the dog food. Adult dogs should consume between 1.5 and 2.5 cups of high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals. Because high-quality dog meals offer greater nutrition, less food will be required to satisfy a dog’s dietary needs.
Bassets enjoy eating and are susceptible to weight gain. Instead of leaving food out every time, ensure your Basset Hound gets enough food by feeding it twice daily.
Give it the palms and eye tests if you need to check if it is overweight. Look down at it first. There should be a waist visible. After that, lay your hands on his back with your thumbs around its spine and your fingers spread outward. Without exerting much pressure, you should be able to feel its ribs but not see them. It needs fewer meals and more exercise if you can’t.
Coat Color And Grooming
Basset Hounds have short and smooth hair that resists water and dirt. The coat is thick enough to keep them dry and protected from the elements. The Basset’s distinctive saggy hound dog appearance is caused by the skin’s loose and elastic texture.
Despite having short hair, Basset Hounds need to be groomed frequently. They are also known for shedding a lot. Plan on giving your dog a once-weekly brushing with a soft and small brush or shedding tool to reduce shedding and maintain healthy skin. Additionally, it’s crucial to include regular baths when your Basset’s coat looks noticeably dirty.
Basset Hounds require routine tooth brushing and nail trimming like all dog breeds. This breed also requires regular ear cleaning to remove blockage and dirt. Dogs with floppy ears are more likely to develop ear diseases than other breeds, and the long ears of the Basset Hound make them particularly moisture-prone. Check for symptoms of an infection like irritation, redness, swelling, unusual odor, or dogs yelling and clawing at their ears. Clean your dog’s ears once a week using an ear cleaner safe for pets and a cotton ball. Discuss with your vet as soon as possible to get a prescription for medication if any of these symptoms are present.
Children And Other Pets
Children and bassets get along well because they are fond of them. If anything, you’ll need to safeguard your Basset from becoming ridden or subjected to other kinds of harm done by them.
Monitor any interactions between your young children and dog to prevent biting or tail or ear pulling on either part, and always teach kids how to approach and pet dogs. Tell your kid never to disturb a dog while it sleeps or eats or attempt to take its food. Remember that a dog should never be left alone with a child.
Bassets get along with other dogs because they are social animals, and they can get along well with cats if they are socialized with them early on.
Conclusion
The Basset Hound is a charming breed that can be a fantastic addition to any family. Still, before getting one, you must recognize their particular needs for care and personality traits. They occasionally wind up in shelters when operators must prepare due to their enthusiastic nature and tenacity. Conducting research and consulting with other owners who own Basset Hound, rescue groups, and reputable breeders is essential to ensure you’re ready to own one. Make sure you’re collaborating with a reputable source who prioritizes their dogs’ well-being and health, whether you decide to adopt from a breeder or a shelter. A Basset Hound can fill your life with joy and love for many years with the proper care and attention.
FAQs
The Basset Hound is a descendant of the Bloodhound and genetically dwarf dogs raised in the litter of various hunting hounds in the 16th century in France.
Yes, Basset Hounds shed a lot, particularly as the seasons change. Regular brushing can assist in reducing shedding.
Yes, Basset Hounds are well known for being kind and patient, which makes them great family pets and friendly toward kids.
Basset Hounds require some exercise to maintain their health. Even though they are not as strong and highly energetic as other breeds, they can thrive with moderate exercise.
Basset Hounds are independent and stubborn, making them harder to train than other breeds. Training can benefit from persistence, positive reinforcement, and patience.
Hi, I’m Walter,
I live in Oklahoma City, USA, and have extensive dog caring and grooming expertise. In addition, I provide dog training tips and tricks through my blogs in Canine Weekly. I have a Dog Behavior and Training diploma and have previously worked as a Dog Trainer at ROC Animal Training and Behavior and Tip Top K9 of OKC Dog Training.
Apart from writing on Canine Weekly, I share my views on Twitter and Linkedin.