Basset Hound
The basset hound originated in France centuries ago. These dogs are known for their low-to-the-ground bodies and short legs. Their heavy bones and sagging skin give them a dopey appearance that is hard not to love. If you’re hoping for an affectionate new friend in your house, look no further!
Breed Profile
Height
11 – 15
Inches
Weight
45 – 75
Pounds
Life Span
10 – 12
Years
Health
health
Elbow and Hip Dysplasia
What is it?
An inherited disorder that affects the dog’s joints.
% of dogs affected
19.6%
Clinical Signs
Symptoms of dysplasia will be present in the puppy at around 6 months of age. These include limping, refusal to move or exercise, or leg lameness.
Treatment
Proper diet and exercise at a young age can help your basset hound with this issue.
Eligible vet bill
$2,000
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://www.spotpetinsurance.ca/sample-policy for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
Personality
Friendly
These social pups will never shy away from meeting new people and receiving lots of belly rubs.
Outgoing
Although they’re known for their lazy personalities, they actually love to play.
Laid-Back
Thanks to their “chill” personalities, they are a great pet to have around children.
Lifetime Care
Coat
The Basset Hounds short coat is known to shed a lot.
Colors
This breed comes in bi-color (tan and white) or tri-color (black, tan, and white) coats.
Hypoallergenic
No.
Grooming
Due to their heavy shedding coat, frequent brushing is a must.
Training
Although they are smart dogs, they are also stubborn. A patient owner is necessary to train the basset hound.
Basset Hound Breed Information
The basset hound breed may have originated in France. Today it is one of the most popular dogs in our popular culture. They’re easy to love based on looks alone.
Their sagging skin gives their eyes a drooping, almost sad look that only adds to their charm. While they are very short thanks to their little legs, don’t be fooled. Their heavy-boned structure makes them one of the heaviest dogs in their size range.
Although they are known to be one of the laziest dog breeds, they are very outgoing and playful. They love meeting new people and making new friends, just as long as there will be a nap in the future. This easy-going nature makes them great with kids.
Basset Hound: Introduction to the Breed
When you’re looking to add a new dog into your home, it’s essential to think about which traits you want that dog to have, or not have. Basset hounds will be great family dogs that you will love to spend a movie night with. However, if you’re looking for a dog to go on long runs with you, the basset hound is not it. Here are a few things to know about the breed before buying.
Basset hounds are:
Great with kids
Stubborn
Scent-trackers
Dogs are a great way to teach your kids about responsibility and thinking of the wants and needs of others. If you’re looking for a dog that will be great with kids (even very small ones), look no further. Basset hounds have very relaxed temperaments and can handle whatever is thrown their way.
The basset hound breed is also known for being very stubborn. This stems, in part, from their love of naps and lying around. Although they’re the perfect partner for a movie marathon, they can be difficult to train. Not to worry, with patience, a trained basset hound is well within reach.
Thanks to their tracking ancestry, these pups have strong noses and love to use them. You will love to watch their nose at work as they curiously explore your backyard. However, sometimes when they start tracking, they just can’t stop. This is why it’s crucial to have a fenced-in yard or an electric collar for the dogs so they don’t wander too far. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind letting them outside without the need to watch them like a hawk.
What are the Origins of the Basset Hound?
The basset hound is, of course, from the hound family of dogs. These pups originated in France in the 1500s. Even their name is French. “Bas” means low and “-et” adding emphasis to just how low to the ground these dogs are.
Their proximity to the ground helped them immensely in their early days as hunting companions. Their job was to track rabbits by following their scent. Thanks to its trademark long nose, the basset hound is an expert tracker.
What Are the Risks for the Basset Hound?
In general, the basset hound is likely to have more health issues than other dogs, but not by much. Many of their problems stem from their sagged skin and small, heavy bodies. One of the biggest problems these pups will face is elbow or hip dysplasia. This is an inherited illness that affects the dog’s joints and can be very painful. Thankfully, dysplasia and many other basset hound diseases can be treated.
Other Basset Hound Health problems include,
Glaucoma
Entropion
Ectropion
Wobbler Syndrome
Thankfully, with the proper care and prevention, many of these illnesses can be treated or avoided completely. Taking the time to bypass these problems before they happen can save you and your basset hound so much time, effort, and pain in the long run. Two ways you can prevent illness are, working with a responsible and reputable basset hound breeder, and keeping up with the dog's ongoing care
Elbow and hip dysplasia, found in many basset hounds can be totally preventable. When you work with a responsible and reputable breeder, the parent dogs will be tested before the breeding process begins. This will give you peace of mind that your new basset hound puppy doesn’t have this disorder.
Basset hounds are famous for their droopy eyes and big floppy ears. You may even want to get one for those specific features. However, it’s crucial for you to keep up with the care that comes with these adorable characteristics. Cleaning your dog's ears, frequent brushing, vaccinations, medication, and visits to the vet will be essential.
Sources:
Wikipedia
Basset Hound Breeders
Animaroo
Basset Hound Enthusiast