In life, people strive to surround themselves with the right companion. Just like choosing a friend, deciding on the perfect pet can be quite a big decision to make. While you may choose from various types of animals to be your pet, usually, most households prefer to have dogs as their companion.
Known for its short stature, floppy ears, and sad eyes, the Basset Hound dog breed is easy to recognize among all the dog species (check out their cute pictures here!). Their notable appearance adds to their charm, making them more lovable as a pet. Because of its gentle and friendly demeanor, Basset Hounds can be the perfect furry companion your family needs.
A Brief History
The origin of this dog breed can be traced back to France. The term “basset” is the French word for “low.” They are descendants of the sixth-century hounds owned by St. Hubert. The combination of various older French breeds done by the friars at the Benedictine Abbey of St. Hubert is believed to be the reason why the low-built scent hound is created.
Basset Hounds are initially bred for hunting purposes. Because this breed is fit for traversing rough terrains, they are considered valuable to their owners, especially when hunting on foot. Also, they are devoted to tracking, aided by their sensitivity to smell and ability to ground scent, which is second only to its long-legged cousin, the Bloodhounds. To learn more about them, read here.
Appearance and Personality
Basset Hounds are easily recognizable among the many dog breeds because of its distinct features. Its long floppy ears, loose elastic skin, mournful eyes, short-legged long body, and a tail curved upward have been their breed’s exclusive trademark. Despite their short stature, with a height reaching only up to fifteen inches, they are considered as large dogs, with them weighing up to sixty-five pounds.
Its coat is short and smooth. Its coat color is usually a mixture of black, brown, and white, a tricolor, or sometimes it may be tan or lemon and white, which is bicolor. However, it should be noted that any recognized hound color is acceptable.
Basset Hounds are easygoing and friendly, and they do not have problems socializing with other dogs or even children. You can check out websites like https://www.holistapet.com/basset-hound-dog-breed-
temperament-personality/ for a complete guide about the Basset Hound’s temperament and personality. Furthermore, they are independent, so they may be a little stubborn to train at first, but with patience and consistency, they are highly trainable.
The Diet, Care, and Exercise Basset Hound Needs
Like humans, dogs need to watch out for their diet too. Because these pups are likely to suffer from obesity, it is vital to monitor the amount and quality of the food they eat to avoid worsening of their back pains, joint problems, and heart disease. It is also necessary to provide them with food which is appropriate to their age as well as fresh and clean water.
Basset Hounds should have a regular visit to a veterinarian for their checkup and vaccination. Since they have long floppy ears and droopy eyes, it should be cleaned to avoid infection from stored dirt and wax. Though they can be a bit lazy, walks in parks and a play in the backyard will positively affect their body.
Health Issues to Watch Out
As pet lovers, we always want what’s best for our fur babies. It is truly a blessing if they can maximize their life span, which, in their case, is twelve years. However, no matter how we take good care of them, some health concerns are beyond our control since it may have something to do with the breed’s genetics. Here are some of the health issues Basset Hounds may experience:
- Infections
- Dental Disease
- Gastric Dilatation Volvulus
- Glaucoma
- Luxating Patella
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
- Bleeding Disorders
- Joint Disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD)
Rescuing and Adopting One For Yourself
Because Basset Hounds tend to drool a lot and be stubborn, they are often found stuck in rescue groups or shelters. It is crucial to understand their personality because once you get to know them, it will be hard not to love this type of hound.
Instead of purchasing a puppy, you can foster dogs from the refuges near you. By doing this, you can help provide a better life for these friendly short-legged hounds. If you are interested in adopting Basset Hounds, visit this link for further information.
