Basset Hounds

Known as the "Hush Puppy" dog, the Basset Hound has the head of a bloodhound and the body of a dachshund. They’re descendents from the old St. Hubert hounds originating in Great Britain in 1866. Then, 1892 the St. Hubert hounds were crossed with the Bloodhound. King Edward VII and Shakespeare were among their famous admirers.

The Bassets long ears were developed to stir up and hold the scent for their strong noses to smell. The folds of skin under the chin called the dewlap help trap and hold the scent. Wrinkles on the top of the head and face also aid in holding in the scent. Their large feet make them steady and their heavy bone make them sturdy. Any recognized hound color is accepted and the distribution of color and makings is of no importance. The basset is used primarily to hunt rabbit although they were first used on other small game like pheasant. The French word "basset" means, "low set".

As a pet:
The Basset Hound is one of the best dogs available for a family to love, and makes a wonderful family companion. They are extremely tolerant and love everybody in the family. A very gentle, loyal and affectionate breed, although they are quite independent at times, the small hounds are good-natured and get along well with other pets of various species. They’re not an aggressive watchdog, but will be vocal of a visitor with their charming deep hound bay, then most likely to accept the visitors with a sniff and return to their favorite area. The Basset Hound is a versatile pet; they play well with children, are devoted to their masters, and will sit by their owners during quiet time.

Size and Character:
A mature Basset Hound usually weighs between 40 to 75 pounds and stands 12 inches to not more than 15 inches tall at the shoulders, with a life span of 10 to 12 years. The dog’s Liter size is 8 to 10 puppies. The Basset is a big dog with short legs. Many are surprised the Basset grows to be a big dog weighing more than people expect, due to their heavy bone. Consistent and patient training is needed for the basset as it can be a bit stubborn it does well with positive reinforcement and with proper training they can be very obedient. As a young dog they need consistent, firm (not harsh) hand. Once allowed to do something, they will expect that behavior to be acceptable. They are not what most consider a lap dog, even though they will try to convince you they belong in your lap. The basset hound has a large, well proportioned head, with a prominent howl (bay), long, low set ears with loose facial skin, dewlap and sad droopy eyes that allow them to get what they want. A muscular neck and shoulder arch above a powerful chest. The stubby legs are tipped with huge paws. While their movement is slow in action and not hurried they are not clumsy. A tail carried in a upswept arch accents their low-slung, loose skinned body.

Temperament:
Basset hounds have a gentle disposition. They were bred to be pack dogs and to get along with each other. This makes the male as friendly, mild and easy to live with as the female. Males are not as aggressive as some breeds of dogs and they are usually not as pronged to "marking their territory".

Why own a Basset Hound:
Basset hounds are natural hunters and should never be allowed to roam without supervision. Being raised in packs makes their attitude friendly towards other dogs. A basset hound is laid back, sociable and affectionate. It is a good dog for children and adults of all ages. When there is nothing better to do bassets sleep and are not destructive when left alone. They are very fond of food but not necessarily to exercise.

Care and Grooming:
The short, smooth coat makes the dog easy to groom as it repeals dirt and water rather well. To reduce shedding a weekly brushing will remove any loose hair and dirt. A basset hound needs a bath only four to six times a year, because a good rubdown with a course cloth will remove a great deal of dirt and bring shine to the coat. Regular grooming creates a better bond between owner and pet. Wiping out the inside of the basset’s ears once a week with a cotton ball and a solution recommended by your vet helps to reduce odor or any infection that could result.
You may also need to clean the outside of the ears because the bassets heavy long ears are likely to get into their food and water bowl, and pick up dirt from the ground. Trimming the nails every one to three weeks allows the dogs to walk correctly on their feet and supports their heavy weight. Have your vet or breeder show you how to properly clip your dog’s nails. A soft toothbrush and water/doggie toothpaste to clean your dog’s teeth controls plaque buildup and bad breath.

Basset Hound a Healthy Dog:
The Basset Hound claims excellent health, not prone to many hereditary weaknesses that are present in some other breeds. A basset hound’s health problems can be attributed to his owner allowing the dog to become overweight. Possibly resulting in aggravated arthritis, back problems or heart problems. Physical fitness is as important to a basset as it is to humans. When a consistent walk is a part of your dog’s daily routine, the word "walk" becomes a command that they understand and are ready to enjoy.