Basset Hound Breed Information and Facts

The Basset Hound makes a great family pet because of the breed’s sweet personality and patience with children. With sad brown eyes, long ears and affectionate nature, it is hard to not love the Basset Hound! Historically bred to hunt, the Basset Hound display traits typical of a hunting dog. Remember to not overfeed these adorable creatures, because the extra weight could do harm to their spine.

 

 

The Basset Hound originated in France. The word bas means “low” in French, which may be meant to describe the short stature of the breed. With a sense of smell only second to the Bloodhound, it was bred to hunt rabbits and hare. Today the Basset Hound is commonly seen in popular culture. The breed has been, for instance, a mascot for a fashion brand and a lead character of a Disney animated movie.

 

 

The Basset Hound is 10 to 15 inches tall. The breed weighs about 45 to 75 pounds.

 

 

The Basset Hound has smooth, soft, shorthaired coat. Although the breed sheds a lot, grooming is easy. Brush the smooth coat with a firm bristle brush. If done properly and regularly, brushing removes dead hair and may decrease shedding. Do not bathe your Basset Hound too often, especially is your dog is not a working dog, and use only gentle shampoo. Alternatively, you can wipe the body with a wet cloth. Trim the nails and remember to clean under the ears to prevent infection.

 

 

Gentle and affectionate, the Basset Hound is known to be very good with children. It is not only naturally loving and sweet-tempered, but also devoted to its owners. The Basset Hound is fun because it is so energetic, playful and outgoing. Its rabbit-hunting heritage can clearly be seen from its hardworking and dedicated nature. The Basset Hound is energized, tireless, optimistic, and is always happy to be helpful.

 

 

The Basset Hound is sweet and kind. It has a gentle nature, but can become moody or even vicious if the dog feels that he is the pack leader. Show dominance and take control of the situation to bring out the obedient nature of the breed. The Basset Hound, when at work, can display unmatched dedication and focus.

 

 

The Basset Hound is not hard to train and is naturally well-behaved. However, housebreaking could be a challenge. They learn better with positive reinforcement, and rewarding achievements with food is recommended. Do not yell or be heavy-handed, as it will discourage or even traumatize the soft-hearted Basset Hound. Because the breed can develop an idea that it is the pack leader, you need to start training early and properly. Do not spoil the dog too much or treat it like a young child. Be loving but firm. When the dog realizes that you are the leader, it will make a sweet and obedient companion.

 

 

Though the Basset Hound sleeps a lot and seems like a lazy dog, a long daily walk is strongly recommended to keep your dog happy and in shape. Enough exercise is essential to maintain your dog’s health and good mood, so do not underestimate the importance of it. Because the Basset Hound is a scent hound, it can be easily distracted by smells, so it is recommended to have your Basset Hound on a leash when you go for a walk. Note that when exercising or playing with an old Basset Hound or a puppy, you must be careful to not let it fall or jump down from a high place. Basset Hounds, especially younger and older ones, can very easily get injured due to its body shape and short legs.