Basset Hound

The Basset Hound is a scent hound bred to hunt rabbits. Their sense of smell is second only to the bloodhound. Originally bred to have dwarfism, these dogs have large bodies with short legs. They have what seems to be too much skin on their bodies causing a sagging effect, especially around their faces. This excess skin around their face and neck aides in their ability to track a scent. It also gives the basset hound a face that has a constant look of being sad a trait that many basset lovers believe adds to their charm. These friendly breed make excellent family pets. The basset hound has an average life expectancy of 10-12years. Basset Hounds are well known for a variety of reasons. Their excellent sense of smell makes them renowned hunters and trackers. They also gained fame as the pets of famous rulers. History The Basset Hound originated in France, where it was used to track and find small game with hunters. Breeders crossed the Basset Artisien Normand, the Bloodhound, and the Regular Artisien Normand to create the breed. During Napoleon's reign, they grew in popularity. They became even more famous when Queen Alexandra decided to have Basset Hounds as royal pets in 1880. Their immigration to the United States occurred during George Washington's presidency, when the Marquis de Lafayette brought the hounds over to the "New World."� Due to their heightened sense of smell, they continued to serve as hunting dogs. The American Kennel Club finally recognized the breed in 1885, and it has competed in shows ever since. Appearance Most prospective pet owners know what a Basset Hound looks like since these dogs are so famous. It is a small dog with short legs and thick bones. Most dog lovers can picture this easily in their minds, and they often picture the dog walking along with its nose to the ground, following a scent trail. All Basset Hounds are less than 14 inches tall when measured at the withers, and the average weight is between 50 and 65 pounds. This hound has a large head with long, droopy ears that give it a sad expression. Loose skin falls in wrinkles on the forehead and other areas of the face and body. They eyes are usually sunken, which adds to the sad expression, and they are typically dark brown. However, their tails are often held high, giving the impression of excitement and happiness. A Basset Hound's coat is short and shiny, though it may be hard and smooth to the touch. They come in a variety of colors like most hounds; blue, gray, tricolored, red and white, and honey coats are normal. Popular Culture The Basset Hound appears in many different comic strips, movies, and other media venues. As a mascot, it is used for the Hush Puppy slushy company. It has appeared in Spider-Man 2, Smokey and the Bandit, An American Werewolf in Paris, and many other films. It's also feature in The Aristocrats, the Tiny Toon Adventures, and as Droopy in Tex Avery's cartoons. Temperament The Basset Hound is often a very laid back dog. It loves being with a family and is affectionate towards its "pack."� It is rarely aggressive or confrontational, so it can be kept with other pets and small children. It is also comfortable working with a pack of dogs on a hunting expedition. The only unpleasant habit these dogs possess is their tendency to howl a lot and make themselves heard. Health Issues The average lifespan of a Basset Hound is around 12 years. The most common causes of death are old age, cancer, and stomach bloat. Because of their large, droopy ears they are prone to ear infections, so owners should check the ears regularly. Other common health problems include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, obesity, yeast infections in the motuh, epilepsy, and glaucoma. Good health practices, like portion control at meals and regular exercise, can help prevent these conditions. Pet Care The first thing owners need to be aware of is this dog's tendency to follow random scents when out on a walk. This means that they will need extensive leash training. Other training is easier, and the Basset Hound is known to do well in obedience competitions as a result. Owners should keep in mind that the Basset Hound's biggest motivator is food, especially fragrant treats. Training by giving rewards is often very effective. This dog is relatively easy to care for when indoors. They do not require much grooming, nor do they need a lot of exercise. What Owners Have to Say Most Basset Hound owners praise this dog for its gentle disposition. They are known to be sweet dogs and excellent companions, so they are a great choice for families. Owners who enjoy entering their dogs in competitions also praise this dog for its trainability. Basset Hounds are great at tracking, pack hunting, field trialing, conformation, and obedience competitions. This is a fun way for owner and pet to interact outside of the home. Is this the right dog for you? If you're looking for a great family pet, then the Basset Hound is worth consideration. It is a sturdy dog with a heavy look, so it can handle a few rough play periods with young children. It also has the patient and calm demeanor needed to handle young children. Its exercise needs are minimal, so short walks and playtimes will suffice. This breed is also known to be very social and friendly, even to strangers, and is rarely aggressive. Plus, it is content in small apartments. However, the Basset Hound, like all other dogs, is not without its faults. Though it is capable of competing in obedience trials, training can be difficult. Some Bassets are very stubborn and need constant motivation to learn commands; this motivation is almost always food. Constant treats may lead to discipline, but it can also cause obesity, which is a serious health problem. The other major downside of this dog is its loyalty to its own nose. If it catches a whiff of an interesting scent, it may run off and disobey an owner's orders. They can be a little bit messy because of their skin folds. Drooling is normal, ears can become infected easily, and dirt collects in the eyes. And, if you aren't found of bad scents, beware of the Basset Hound's flatulence. If they want attention, these dogs will howl to get it, which can be distracting or annoying. That said, these are problems typical of many dogs. If the pros outweigh the cons for you, odds are the Basset will be a good match. There's a good reason they work well with most family homes.

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