Dog Breeds > Basset Hound
The Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is one of the very amiable pet that you might want to consider if you are going to buy or adopt one. There are many fascinating things about the Basset Hound that you should know especially about its health-related issues. You will never stop to be amazed by this wonderful dog breed.
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Fascinating Facts
The Basset Hound’s name is derived from French word bas meaning “low”. This short legged dog breed belongs to the scent breed and is very useful in hunting especially in tracking the scent of rabbits. The Basset Hound is also observed to be howling when it is hungry or whenever it feels that something is wrong (like when a storm is coming).
Physical Appearance
The Basset Hound is commonly seen with tri-color furs. They have extremely long ears that are velvety in texture that extends lower than its face. It also has short but very powerful limbs that they use for running or by just playing around. Their weight and height is usually 50 -60 lbs and 12 -15 inches, respectively. They also have massive and heavy pads.
Grooming
The Basset Hound has soft, cropped fur that frequently sheds but is otherwise easy to tidy up. You can use a brush with firm bristles to comb through its body. Dirt tends to accumulate behind its very long ears, hence it is necessary to check and clean the back and corners of its ears frequently.
Mood
The Basset Hounds are known to be vocal hounds. You can expect your Basset Hounds to beg for your attention especially if it wants you give them a treat or food. Many Basset Hound owners think that they talk because of the long murmuring whine it gives.
With Children
The Basset Hound is very suitable for children because of its amiable nature. They are also suited for people who live in apartments but make sure that they are given a chance to play so that it won’t get in a bad mood. If going out for a walk, advice your children not to unleash it because it will run as fast as it can whenever it senses freedom.
Training & Exercise
Training a Basset Hound could be really difficult as it tends to obey its rather sharp sense of smell than the voice of its master. Another thing that you should be aware of is that it tends to forget simple instructions because it can be easily distracted by anything that it smells. When training a Basset Hound, it is highly suggested that you use food as reward so that it would remember the tricks that you are teaching.
If you are living in an apartment, make sure that the Basset Hound could get enough exercise so that you could avoid hearing its long and noisy howl when it is bored. If you choose to take care of it outdoors, keep it leashed at all times so that it would not run away from you.
Health & Life Expectancy
You can expect the Basset Hound to live 11 to 16 years under strict and proper care. According to the UK Kennel Club, the major health issues concerning the Basset Hounds that the owners should be aware of are reproductive, dermatologic, musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal. Regular visits to your veterinarian would confirm such disease if ever one or two is present.
On the other hand, some Basset Hound owners note that you should not over feed your Basset for it places great burden on their spine and their short legs. Plus, they are extremely susceptible to yeast infections under the folds on their mouth because of their drool. Wiping the drool and applying talcum powder is the best way to minimize the risk of infection.
There are absolutely many ways by which your Basset Hound could be of great use in you and your family. Whether you keep it indoors or outdoors, the Basset Hound would greatly exhibit its powerful hunter nature if you give it enough time and space to exercise.
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