Bassets Are the Best: Why the Basset Hound is the Ideal Family Dog

Basset-Hound-walking

The word “Basset” was first mentioned in an early text on hunting written by Jacques Fouilloux in 1585. The Basset Hound breed was brought to England from France to hunt rabbits.

They’ve been around since the 1600s. Documenting of the French Basset as a pure breed began in 1870. From a common ancestral type, two strains were developed. One had straight front legs (Chien d’Artois) and the other had crooked front legs (Normand).

The Basset Hound got its present name in 1924 but as early as the year 1911, it was already officially recognized as a separate breed.

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Traits and Behavior

Around the house, Basset Hounds are calm and rather lazy. The breed loves to be outdoors and go on long trips. Bassets hate to be left alone for long periods, and may become hyperactive and will howl frequently if left alone for too long. Their distinctive baying bark is loud and travels long distances.

Basset-Hound-side-view

They are loyal to their master and have a pleasant, friendly disposition. Because they originally were bred as pack dogs, they love to be with their families. They are reliable, stable, very obedient and bark not so often. The dog may be suspicious and wary towards strangers yet they are not typically aggressive towards other dogs.

Pet Care and Diseases

Basset hounds are generally healthy. With their strong physique and immune system, however, they may suffer from certain health problems such as:

  • Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)
  • Von Willebrand’s Disease
  • Panosteitis (also called Wandering or Transient Lameness
  • Glaucoma
  • Allergies
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Thrombopathia
  • Eyelid and Eyelash Problems
  • Intervertebral Disc Disease
  • Ear Infections
  • Obesity
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Cherry eye

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The Basset Hound is a short-haired dog and requires little grooming or brushing. An occasional brushing with a rubber brush will help shed its hair and will prevent it from dropping a lot of hair inside the house.

Bathe only when necessary as it will remove the natural oils that protect its skin.

Basset Hound does not thrive so well in the heat. These dogs are known to drool a lot, that is why mouth hygiene must be taken care of regularly. Basset Hounds have a large set of ears or ‘leathers’ that prevents air from reaching the inside, making it moist.

Basset-Hound-resting

If the ears are not kept clean and dry, this can result in ear infections (which is common among Basset hounds) and infestations (e.g. mites). Also, this breed has the potential to become obese if it gets large meals and doesn’t get adequate exercise.

If they are being kept as mere household pets, exercise must be at least thrice a week in an open space where they can run and play.

Appearance

The height of the Basset Hound is between 30 and 36 cm (11.8 to 14.2 in). Its weight is approximately 17 kg (37.4 lbs). The Basset Hound has a rounded skull with a deep muzzle and a lot of loose skin on the face, which is heavily wrinkled over the brow when the dog is tracking.

This loose skin also causes Bassets to have a sad look, which many people think adds to their charm.

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Their long, low-set ears drag the ground (which is believed to have a purpose – pick up scents).

Basset Hounds have smooth, short, hard-textured coats that are relatively easy to take care of.

Most of them come in the classic tri-color pattern of black, tan, and white, but they can also be what’s known as open red and white (red spots on a white coat), closed red and white (solid red with white feet and tail), or lemon and white.

On occasion, you may see a gray (also called blue) Basset, but this color is considered undesirable because it’s thought to be associated with genetic problems.

General Information

The estimated life of a Basset Hound is 10-12 years. The average litter size is about 6-8 puppies. There are no other names for this breed.

The famous Hush Puppies, an international footwear brand, uses a Basset Hound as its logo.

Breed Club

Visit these dog club websites dedicated to Basset Hounds. Click this link:

https://basset-bhca.org/

https://thebassethoundclub.com/

Featured Video

Watch this video: “Secrets Of The Dog Park – Basset Hound”

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