Basset hound | Facts & Information

Other names: Basset, Hush Puppy, Basset Hound dog

They are descended from an ancient breed and their ancestor is the St Hubert Greyhound from France, a hunting dog trained to sniff out the game, not kill it. The monks of the Monastery of Saint Hubert in medieval France wanted a dog with short legs, able to sniff out game in the dense forests, hunting being one of the most appreciated pursuits at that time.

It was raised mainly by the nobility for hunting in packs, but it also gained popularity among the masses after the French Revolution. They were originally used to hunt rabbits.

Basset Hounds are first mentioned in 1585 in an illustrated text about hunting.Later they became known more as pets.

Currently, Basset hounds are represented by 5 breeds, three with short hair and two with rough hair:

- Basset Hound;

- Basset Artesien Normand;

- Basset Bleu de Gascogne;

Basset Fauve de Bretagne;

- Basset Griffon Vendeen, which subparts into small and large.

This last breed-a Basset with coarse hair, especially cute-that we have not met in our country, has won,in recent years, the sympathy of the public, many specimens being preferred for Group VI places at various international competitions.Unfortunately, there is no national Basset Hound club in Romania.

Basset Hound Feed

The Basset Hound is one of the very few breeds of dogs that tend to eat a lot, risking their small stomach to twist and swell, in which case emergency surgery is needed. That is why it is recommended to give them 2-3 smaller meals a day instead of a large one.

Fresh water should be at your discretion.

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Appearance Basset Hound

Basset Hound dogs are known for the appearance of their face permanently sad due to wrinkles formed by excess skin, many consider this feature as part of the charm of the breed. It is a medium-sized dog, short legs, strong and heavy bone relative to its waist, a long body, wide and deep chest, thick and strong neck.

It has a large head, round skull, flat temples, long snout with a large black nose. The eyes are of medium size, slightly deepened in orbits, dark in color, with the lower eyelid hanging and sad looking. The ears are large, long, drooping in free folds and bent inward.

The tail is long, thick at the base and sharp at the tip, curved a little at the tip, worn more high. The coat has a thick, smooth, short and soft hair. It can have any color specific to hounds but more commonly is the combination of brown, black and white.

Basset Hound Behavior

Basset Hound dogs have a kind of being sweet and gentle that conquers anyone, they are stable and behave exemplary, do not bark excessively, do not cause damage in the home. He loves to be in the good graces of the master to whom he Shows special affection and loyalty. They tend to be stubborn, so it is important to be taught by puppies to respond to commands.

They are recognized to be among the most friendly puppies, they are not reserved towards strangers, they quickly bind friends. If you have young children and other pets, Basset Hound dogs are the perfect choice. They are very attached to their owner and hate being left alone, so if the Basset Hound is going to be left for a long time every day in the absence of the family the ideal is for another pet to keep them hating.

Basset Hound dogs love to interact with people and spend as much time as possible in their company. Although they love food and are less energetic than other breeds, Basset Hounds will gladly perform regular exercise if their owner takes care of it closely. Most dogs of this breed love activities that require physical endurance and labor, such as long walks on rough terrain.

They love to participate in games that require their fine smell and sharp hearing. Like other breeds of greyhounds, Basset Hounds can be difficult to train due to their native stubbornness, many will execute the command if offered a food reward, but forget what they were trained to execute when food is missing. Basset Hounds possess remarkable reaction speed and are ingenious when it comes to stealing food. They bark when they want something or when they want to suggest that they think something is wrong.

Basset Hound Training

Basset hound dogs have an independent nature, so dogs do not immediately respond to your commands. A consistent approach, with a lot of patience, can give amazing results.

Never tire a young Basset Hound by walking too long. Young dogs need all the energy to form a strong body.

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Features Basset Hound

They adapt to apartment life, but daily walks are mandatory. He is an active dog and if it were up to him, like the rest of the dogs he would prefer the yard. Due to the large muscle bundle and thin skin prefers warm climates.

On average, the female gives birth to 5-10 Cubs.

Basset Hound Diseases

Because long ears are prone to ear problems, one should avoid dragging their ears through dirt or food to avoid getting ear infections. Rarely may experience glaucoma, hip dysplasia, patellar dislocation.

Rigorous ear hygiene should become routine. The weight of the Basset Hound Dog should be monitored because an excess weight accentuates the possible muscular and skeletal problems.

Life expectancy is 9 to 15 years.