Basset Hound
dogs
 

Basset Hound


Basset Hound

Basset Hound information

The Basset Hound is a short-legged hound famous for its remarkable sense of smell. Its ability to track by following its nose is second only to that of the Bloodhound and unlike the big, long-legged Bloodhound, the short-legged Basset Hound is great in rough terrain where bushes, fallen tree trunks and similar objects are blocking the way. The name Basset is derived from the French word bas which actually means “low”. Basset means “quite low”. In this article you will find a lot of basic Basset Hound information for the prospective Basset Hound owner.

Basset Hound care

As far as coat maintenance goes, Basset Hound care is not a very time consuming task. Simply brush your dog once a week and shedding can be kept down to a minimum. A hound glove is one way of keeping the coat extra shiny. A very important part of Basset Hound care is to wipe out the long, sloppy ears on a regular basis; otherwise odour problems and infections can occur. Cut the nails at least twice a month. Do not bath your Basset a lot, because bathing makes skin and coat dry. Providing your Basset with sufficient amounts of exercise and a balanced diet is also important, since overweight Bassets tend to have more health problems, e.g. arthritis and heart disease.

Basset Hound puppy

The Basset Hound puppy is an adorable little fellow, but before you fall in love and decide to bring one home you ask yourself two questions: Am I willing and able to provide a dog with what it needs for the next 10 years or more? Is the Basset Hound the ideal breed for me? Getting a Basset Hound puppy is a good idea if you want a low-to-medium maintenance dog that goes along well with both kids and pets. Getting a Basset Hound puppy is not a good idea if you dislike drooling dogs or want a very small dog. Just like most other breeds, the Basset Hound hates being left alone for longer periods of time and will often start howling when it has been left alone too long. Getting a Basset Hound puppy is also a bad idea if you want to play with your dog in the water or have a pool that is not fenced in, because due to their short legs and the fact that most of their weight is in the front, Bassets are poor swimmers. 

Basset Hound training

The Basset Hound is known to be quite stubborn, and the key to successful Basset Hound training is therefore to be even more stubborn. You have to be clear and consistent during Basset Hound training if you want long-lasting results.

Basset Hound breeding

According to the American Kennel Club standard, the aim of Basset Hound breeding should be the creation of dogs highly capable following a trail over and through difficult terrain. The dogs should also be highly durable and pursue a track with extreme devotion. The temperament of this breed should be mild, but not timid. Despite having short legs and being heavier in bone than any other dog breed (size considered), a Basset Hound should never be clumsy and it should always move around with great purposefulness. One important aspect of Basset Hound breeding is to keep the breed short (i.e. close to the scent trail) and the American Kennel Club disqualifies dogs that are over 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulder blade.

Basset Hound breeders

When buying Bassets, it is important to stick to knowledgeable and responsible Basset Hound breeders that strive to create high-quality Bassets without hereditary disease. Examples of health problems associated with the breed are glaucoma, paneosteitis (transient lameness), Von Willebrand's disease, and allergies. Being allergic to pollens and grasses is naturally a big problem for this dog who loves to spend time outdoor.

Basset Hound price

The exact Basset Hound price varies between various breeders, and the ancestry of the parents will for instance play a big role here. The most important thing when comparing the Basset Hound price is to check what you actually get for your money. Are the parents vet-checked and of healthy ancestry? Has the breeder paid to have the Bassett puppy vaccinated, de-wormed and examined by a qualified vet? Is the breeder serious or is the breeder the owner of a puppy mill? The average life span for a Basset Hound is 8-12 years and trying to save a few bucks on the Basset Hound price by picking the cheapest possible breeder can often turn out to be an expensive choice in the long run.

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