Basset Hound
Pic - FOTD
The Basset Hound is an old breed (Hound Group; AKC recognized in 1885) and is a direct desecendent of the Bloodhound and was originally developed in France as a trailer of small game that hunters could follow on foot.
They were used throughout Europe as hunting dogs. Designed by monks who wanted a slower dog that could be followed on foot and proved to be excellent slow trackers of rabbit and deer.
Dogs on average have about 130 million scent recptors, and the more a dog is bred for scenting the more scent receptors it has, with the Basset being one of the highest with about 300 million scent receptors!
The name is French in origin and means “bas – low/dwarf/low set”. They have the most glorious silky ears and I think it was Sharkepeare who described the ears as ‘ears which sweep away the morning dew”
Personality
The Basset Hound is sweet, gentle, devoted, peaceful and naturally well-behaved. It fits into family life well. It requires firm owner and should be treated with positive reinforcement methods for best results as it can tend to rule the roost if the owner is not firm enough.
They are know in general to be more difficult to house train, but with patience and consistency this can be overcome, as too bringing in the use of a crate for night time toilet training.
When a Basset is on the scent, it can be extremely hard to get it back and the dog can appears somewhat stubborn in this regard – they are actually so focused on what they are doing that they dont hear you call. They should be kept on lead unless in an area where it is fenced and safe and the dog cannot get out.
They can be very vocal when they want something, howling or even “talking” in a low murmuring sound until their needs are met.
Is this the right dog for you and why
Mild-mannered and obedient, Basset Hounds are excellent members of just about any home. And they’re also a whole lot of fun. Slightly mellow—but not shy—they can just as easily hang out around the house as go for a walk and a run.
Bassets are “pack” dogs: They want to be part of the action, even if the action simply involves the family sitting around and watching a movie. Not especially rambunctious or excitable (except when new people come to visit) Bassets easily blend with the group. They like nothing more than a snuggle on the couch.
They do require daily exercise to keep them stimulated both mentally and physically and keep their weight down.
They were used throughout Europe as hunting dogs. Designed by monks who wanted a slower dog that could be followed on foot and proved to be excellent slow trackers of rabbit and deer.
Dogs on average have about 130 million scent recptors, and the more a dog is bred for scenting the more scent receptors it has, with the Basset being one of the highest with about 300 million scent receptors!
The name is French in origin and means “bas – low/dwarf/low set”. They have the most glorious silky ears and I think it was Sharkepeare who described the ears as ‘ears which sweep away the morning dew”
Personality
The Basset Hound is sweet, gentle, devoted, peaceful and naturally well-behaved. It fits into family life well. It requires firm owner and should be treated with positive reinforcement methods for best results as it can tend to rule the roost if the owner is not firm enough.
They are know in general to be more difficult to house train, but with patience and consistency this can be overcome, as too bringing in the use of a crate for night time toilet training.
When a Basset is on the scent, it can be extremely hard to get it back and the dog can appears somewhat stubborn in this regard – they are actually so focused on what they are doing that they dont hear you call. They should be kept on lead unless in an area where it is fenced and safe and the dog cannot get out.
They can be very vocal when they want something, howling or even “talking” in a low murmuring sound until their needs are met.
Is this the right dog for you and why
Mild-mannered and obedient, Basset Hounds are excellent members of just about any home. And they’re also a whole lot of fun. Slightly mellow—but not shy—they can just as easily hang out around the house as go for a walk and a run.
Bassets are “pack” dogs: They want to be part of the action, even if the action simply involves the family sitting around and watching a movie. Not especially rambunctious or excitable (except when new people come to visit) Bassets easily blend with the group. They like nothing more than a snuggle on the couch.
They do require daily exercise to keep them stimulated both mentally and physically and keep their weight down.
Should you have two of the same breed or two pups together?
In several breeds the females and males will fight against one another, which is due to the dog's personality and territorial rights. The Basset Hounds are not like that as they get along well with other dogs and both sexes of their own. It is always recommended to have all dogs sterilized.
Having two pups from same litter is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
Training
As with all dogs, Basset’s should attend early socialization classes and training should be continued. They are clever dogs and if one incorporates the use of scenting as a reward for training they excel.and love doing tricks. As they become so focused when on a scent, it is essential that you have an excellent recall and the one Real Reliable Recall is recommended, and kept reinforced daily.
Grooming
The smooth coat is easy to groom and just requires a brush, however the breed sheds a lot and regular brushing is necessary - and wash only when necessary. Under the ears should be wiped weekly as the long ears can trap dirt and tend to retain moisture. Most vets have a mixture that you can use for this. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and shampoo only when necessary. They have short, dense, weather-resistant coats that come in almost any color
Do’s and Dont’s
Do’s
Don’t
In several breeds the females and males will fight against one another, which is due to the dog's personality and territorial rights. The Basset Hounds are not like that as they get along well with other dogs and both sexes of their own. It is always recommended to have all dogs sterilized.
Having two pups from same litter is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
- Bond with each other to the exclusion of you
- Will stress without the other dog being around
- Fight with each other
- Be more destructive and boisterous
- Two pups together often leads to one being more assertive and the other more submissive. This could well end up in a situation where the more submissive dog will never develop its full potential.
- Mature later
Training
As with all dogs, Basset’s should attend early socialization classes and training should be continued. They are clever dogs and if one incorporates the use of scenting as a reward for training they excel.and love doing tricks. As they become so focused when on a scent, it is essential that you have an excellent recall and the one Real Reliable Recall is recommended, and kept reinforced daily.
Grooming
The smooth coat is easy to groom and just requires a brush, however the breed sheds a lot and regular brushing is necessary - and wash only when necessary. Under the ears should be wiped weekly as the long ears can trap dirt and tend to retain moisture. Most vets have a mixture that you can use for this. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and shampoo only when necessary. They have short, dense, weather-resistant coats that come in almost any color
Do’s and Dont’s
Do’s
- Do take your pup for socialization
- Give daily, regular exercise
- Allow your dog to be part of the family – this breed thrives on being with its people
- Give regular brushing and ear care.
- Take your dog for basic training and keep simple house rules in place
Don’t
- Feed one meal daily, rather two or three smaller meals as this breed is prone to develop bloat.
- If changing food, do over about a week adding in the new food daily due to their digestive system.
- Allow your Basset to become overweight, this will put extra strain on back and legs
- Allow off lead in any area that is not safe due to the dogs scenting abilities – very hard to get them back when on a scent
- Leave this breed outside alone – behaviour problems will develop
Are they good with children?
The Basset is one of the best breeds for children and is very tolerant, although it must be remembered that it is up to the parents to teach the child how to interact with the dog. Taking the child to puppy socialization with the pup is always a good idea.
Do they get on with other dogs?
Most Basset Hounds enjoy the company of other dogs, pets but is is always better to ensure that the pup receives early socialization.
Health
Overall this breed is in general a healty breed but they are prone to Common health issues include skin allergies and tumours. A regular check for lumps is suggested.
They can have certain genetic disease such as Von WillebrandÂ’s disease and Canine Thrombopathia which are inherited bleeding disorders. The are also known to develop Cherry Eye.
This breed must be kept trim as extra weight places too great a load on the legs and spine. A problem area is possible lameness and eventual paralysis because of short legs and a heavy, long body. As they are prone to bloat, it is also wise to feed them two or three small meals a day instead of one large meal.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Life Expectancy
About 10-12 years
Interesting Facts
References
http://www.akc.org
http://www.just-basset-hounds.com/
http://www.terrificpets.com/dog_breeds/Basset_Hound.asp
The Basset is one of the best breeds for children and is very tolerant, although it must be remembered that it is up to the parents to teach the child how to interact with the dog. Taking the child to puppy socialization with the pup is always a good idea.
Do they get on with other dogs?
Most Basset Hounds enjoy the company of other dogs, pets but is is always better to ensure that the pup receives early socialization.
Health
Overall this breed is in general a healty breed but they are prone to Common health issues include skin allergies and tumours. A regular check for lumps is suggested.
They can have certain genetic disease such as Von WillebrandÂ’s disease and Canine Thrombopathia which are inherited bleeding disorders. The are also known to develop Cherry Eye.
This breed must be kept trim as extra weight places too great a load on the legs and spine. A problem area is possible lameness and eventual paralysis because of short legs and a heavy, long body. As they are prone to bloat, it is also wise to feed them two or three small meals a day instead of one large meal.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Life Expectancy
About 10-12 years
Interesting Facts
- 1880 Queen Alexandra kept Basset Hounds in the royal kennels.
- Marquis de Lafayette brought Basset Hounds, known for their impeccable sense of smell, to the United States as a gift to President George Washington to use in his hunting expeditions.
- The foremost use of the Basset Hound in the United States is for the hunting of rabbits.
- In trailing ability, the accuracy of the Basset’s nose makes him second only to the Bloodhound.
References
http://www.akc.org
http://www.just-basset-hounds.com/
http://www.terrificpets.com/dog_breeds/Basset_Hound.asp