The Basset Hound is a beloved breed of dog that can be traced back to the ancient hounds of France. Its short legs, long body, and floppy ears give it an endearing look, while its loyal and affectionate personality makes it a popular pet for many families.
The Basset Hound is an easy-going, loving companion that enjoys spending time with his family. He has a strong prey drive and loves to hunt, making him well-suited for hunting activities such as tracking or agility competitions.
His short legs don’t stop him from actively participating in the family’s daily life. Whether playing fetch in the backyard or hiking in the woods, the Basset Hound is sure to be up for any adventure.
He’s an intelligent breed that is easy to train and loves pleasing his owners. With proper care and training, the Basset Hound is sure to be a beloved member of any family. Read on to learn more about this unique breed.
Basset Hound History
The Basset Hound has a long history dating back to France in the 1500s. During this time, French hunters used small hounds such as the Bloodhound and Basset Artesien Normand for tracking rabbits and hares in dense forests or brambles. The name “Basset” derives from the French word “low,” referring to their short stature and legs.
In the late 1800s, English hunters imported these French hounds to hunt larger animals such as foxes and deer.
As a result of their unique stature, Basset Hounds were used in many advertising campaigns and consequently became popular among families.
Today, Basset Hounds are still frequently used in commercials and remain a beloved companion for many pet owners worldwide.
Basset Hound Appearance
The Basset Hound has an instantly recognizable appearance due to its short legs and long body. He stands 11-14 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 55-74 pounds, with females typically smaller than males. His coat is short and dense, with colors ranging from black and tan to red and white.
The Basset Hound has long ears that hang down to the sides of his face and a drooping facial expression that gives him an endearing look.
He also has powerful muscles in his hindquarters which make him capable of hunting for long periods, despite his small size.
Basset Hound Temperament
The Basset Hound is known for being intelligent and loyal, making him easy to train. He loves spending time with his family and will always be up for a good game of fetch or a leisurely walk around the neighborhood.
He’s not the most active breed, but he does enjoy getting exercise and staying active. He is also very patient with children and loves their company, making him a great family pet.
The Basset Hound can be stubborn sometimes, but they are eager to please their owners. With proper training and socialization, the Basset Hound can make a delightful companion for any home.
Basset Hound Health Issues
Basset Hounds are a breed of dog known for their short legs, long bodies, and floppy ears. Although they make wonderful companions, they can suffer from some health issues due to their unique anatomy.
- Disc disease (IVDD)
One of the most common health issues is intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). This condition affects the discs between the vertebrae in the spine and can cause pain, paralysis, and even death if not treated promptly.
Signs to look out for include whining when touched, reluctance to move or jump down from furniture, stiff gait or limping on one side of the body, and difficulty walking up stairs or getting into cars.
- Hip dysplasia
Another serious issue is hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint becomes unstable and can cause pain, lameness, and arthritis.
Signs to watch out for include limping on both sides of the body, difficulty getting up or standing after lying down, abnormal gait or movement, and stiffness in the joints.
- Ear infections
Basset Hounds are also prone to ear infections due to long ears and wax build-up in their ear canals. If left untreated, the infection can spread through the ear canal and into other head parts. Symptoms often involve:
- Shaking their heads frequently.
- Scratching at their ears constantly.
- Redness or irritation in the ear area.
- An unpleasant odor from inside the ears.
- Discharge from the ears that may be yellow, brown, or bloody in color.
- Swelling of the ear flap.
- Eye problems
Finally, Basset Hounds can also suffer from eye problems, including dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, cataracts, entropion (where the eyelid rolls inward), ectropion (where the eyelid rolls outward), cherry eye (where a gland becomes visible on the inside corner of the eye), and corneal ulcers.
Signs to look out for include excessive tearing from one or both eyes, redness on the whites of their eyes, cloudiness in one or both eyes, squinting or blinking more than usual when exposed to bright light, yellow or white discharge around their eyes, and nose area, and swollen or tender eyelids.
They are a loyal and beloved breed but can suffer from some health issues due to their unique anatomy. It is important to be aware of these conditions so that they can be treated promptly if your pet begins to show signs or symptoms.
Regular veterinary check-ups are also recommended to identify any potential problems early on. Your Basset Hound should have a happy and healthy life with the proper care and attention.
Basset Hound Training Tips
Training your Basset Hound should start early to ensure that it grows into a well-behaved adult. It is important to establish yourself as the pack’s leader and show the dog who is in charge.
Never use physical punishment or harsh tones when disciplining your pup; stay calm and consistent with your commands and corrections.
Positive reinforcement is key when training your dog. Offer treats, verbal praise, and physical affection whenever they do something correctly, such as going potty outside or sitting on command.
Be patient with them and never give up if they don’t understand something immediately; repetition is critical for teaching any new behavior.
Socialization is also an essential part of training for this breed. Introduce them to other people and animals from a young age so that they feel comfortable around their peers.
Basset Hounds can be somewhat territorial and protective of their owners, so it is important to teach them proper social etiquette.
It is also important to ensure your Basset Hound gets enough exercise daily. A good walk or session of fetch in the yard will help keep them healthy and burn off excess energy that can lead to destructive behaviors.
Finally, remember that patience is key when training any dog breed. Consistency will help you achieve success while teaching your pup new skills or behaviors.
Be sure to reward them with treats, verbal praise, and physical affection whenever they do something correctly, as this will help them to learn faster. With these tips and consistent effort, you can have a well-trained Basset Hound in no time.
The Bottom Line
The Basset Hound is an affectionate, loyal companion who loves spending time with his family. He’s a low-energy breed that doesn’t require much exercise, but he still enjoys getting out and about for short adventures.
The Basset Hound can make a wonderful addition to any home with proper care and training. The Basset Hound might be the perfect fit if you’re looking for a four-legged friend who will love you unconditionally.