The Basset Hound dog breed originated in France. The name means "short" or "dwarf" in French. In this article, we'll discuss this breed in more detail. By the time you're done, you'll learn about the breed's strengths and weaknesses.
Description of the breed
Basset Hounds have a fairly long body and ears, short legs, and always sad eyes. They have a fairly short, smooth coat, usually tricolor (red, white, and black). Lemon color is rare.
The Basset Hound's tail is not docked. The nails are trimmed once a month using a special nail clipper. A distinctive feature of the breed is the drooping eyelids. The tip of the hound's nose is dark brown or black. The presence of pink spots is grounds for culling.
If you look at a photo of this dog, you'll immediately notice its sad expression. Even the puppies look like elderly dogs, wise with experience.
These are hunting dogs that follow the scent precisely and find game.
Standard sizes of the Basset Hound:
- height at withers - 33–38 cm;
- weight - 20-29 kg;
- color - tricolor;
- The coat is short, dense and smooth.
Within the breed there are varieties:
Blue Gascon.- Artesian-Norman.
- Basset Griffon Vendéen.
- Red-haired Breton subspecies.
Blue Gascon.It seems that the Basset Hound is doomed to a sedentary lifestyle due to its short legs. The photo confirms this. But that's not true.
They are very agile and resilient. On walks, they enjoy running, climbing slopes, and slogging through thickets.
But it's difficult to get him to jump, even though they're excellent jumpers. A Basset Hound would rather go around an obstacle than jump over it.
Advantages
The Basset Hound is a great fit for any family. This dog loves company and is very affectionate and eager to please everyone. It is emotionally stable, making it a great companion for children. Basset Hounds get along well with other dogs and treat cats with respect and patience.
Thanks to its loud bark, the basset hound can be a home guard.
Flaws
Basset hounds have a very difficult time learning new skills. They bark a lot. If left alone for too long, they'll start howling. Basset hounds can ruin things and chew furniture, causing harm to both their owners and their own health. If their home isn't locked, their hunting instincts will drive them away to explore new and unfamiliar places.
If the owner forgets to train the Basset Hound regularly, it will stop obeying commands. If the dog runs around its owner, it's telling them it refuses to obey.
Purchasing a puppy
A puppy should only be purchased from a breeder. This way, you can be sure the dog is healthy and has a normal temperament. Breeders will help you raise your pet with expert advice. Pedigree is the most important thing to consider when choosing a pet. If the puppy's parents meet standards and excel at shows, their offspring will be the same.
Content Features
Basset Hound grooming is very simple. Brush their coat daily for 5 minutes with a natural bristle brush. This removes dead hair and restores the skin's natural oils. The photo shows how beautiful a well-groomed Basset Hound looks.
A basset hound should be bathed no more than twice every 30 days. The dog will not have a distinctive odor. It should be accustomed to bathing from an early age.
It's essential to carefully inspect your dog's ears. Clean them with a pad soaked in a special ear care solution. This will prevent inflammation, infection, and ear mites.
Animal diet
Your pet should be fed professional dog food starting at two months of age. Feedings should be twice a day. The first meal should be in the morning, followed by regular food in the evening.
Puppies are well-suited for low-fat dairy products, eggs, raw meat, rice, greens, apples, carrots, and pumpkin. A fasting day should be given once every two weeks to prevent obesity.
Basset Hounds have sensitive digestion. Therefore, avoid smoked, fatty, and salty foods. Avoid pearl barley, millet, barley porridge, and fish and meat with bones.
Training and education
When training a dog of this breed, it is necessary to take into account the puppy’s character, since it has a number of peculiarities.
Basset Hound – This is a hunting breed. It's precisely this hunting instinct that can create problems for its owner on walks. Captivated by something exciting, the dog can instantly take off and run away. Smelling prey in the air, the dog will refuse to obey its owner's commands or even stop paying attention to them altogether.
If a basset hound smells something in the ground and starts sniffing it, no amount of pleading or commanding will tear it away from this activity. Therefore, it's important to teach the "come" command from an early age. It should immediately stop what it's doing and run to its owner.
Another characteristic of the breed is its desire for constant human contact. If a dog feels loved and cared for by its owner, it will behave appropriately. People will enjoy interacting with it.
Don't leave a Basset Hound alone for long periods of time. It will become sad and then unruly and ill-behaved. It will loudly lament its loneliness, and your neighbors will immediately know about it.
Combating this behavior is necessary, albeit very difficult. If possible, avoid leaving your pet alone at home. If necessary, the puppy should be accustomed to being alone.
Basset Hound Diseases
The hound's weak points are considered to be the following:
- bloating;
- glaucoma;
- eversion of the eyelids;
- ear inflammation, otitis;
- spinal diseases;
- volvulus;
- obesity;
- hip dysplasia.
Basset Hounds live up to 12 years when kept in the right conditions.
Reputable breeders always provide dog buyers with the results of genetic testing of their puppies.
