Basset Hound

Basset hounds have a stubborn streak that manifests as a charming personality trait. Although they are obedient, you should expect your basset hound to express themselves by sighing or even attempting to participate in your family’s conversations.

With sweet personalities and charming faces, basset hounds are a beloved part of modern culture. Bassets originated in France; although their ancestors date back centuries in France, the modern Basset Hound breed was developed in Great Britain in the 19th century. Today, Basset Hounds are found worldwide, including in Europe and the United States.

These gentle dogs make a great addition to the family, but they suffer from serious separation anxiety and don’t do well when left home alone. These hounds are a good choice for large families who can afford to take care of these lovable but high-maintenance pets.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Basset Hound

Evolution

Bassets are believed to have originated in the 6th century through the breeding program of the monks of the Benedictine Abbey of St. Hubert. The monks maintained a dog breeding venture that brought revenue to the Abbey by selling the dogs to European nobles and huntsmen. St. Hubert’s Hounds were descended from the Laconian hound, a group of dogs discerned from Greek descriptions. Laconian hounds were renowned for never giving up their scent until they found their prey.

The dogs eventually known as Basset became popular in France after the revolution among regular people who didn’t hunt on horseback like the royals and country squires of the era. The dog’s short stature, with its nose literally to the ground, made it a perfect hunting dog and pet.

Size and Weight

These hounds are medium-sized dogs with thick torsos and short stature. Males stand between 12 and 15 inches tall and can weigh as much as 45 to 75 pounds. Females are slightly smaller; they can grow up to 14 inches tall, and they usually weigh 40 to 65 pounds. Babies start incredibly small and may only weigh around 8 pounds by the time they are 8 weeks old.

Common Health Issues

These hounds have a comparatively short lifespan and are at major risk for several health conditions. Due to the structure of their torso, basset hounds are particularly prone to back, hip, and elbow problems — all of which can be seriously aggravated by obesity. They also have incredibly sensitive eyes and ears, which means that they may be subject to infections and other issues related to soft tissue. Finally, like other purebred dogs, basset hounds are at risk for von Willebrand’s disease, which can cause bleeding and clotting problems.

The best way to keep your dog healthy is to take them in for regular eye, ear, and joint exams.

Temperament

These dogs are sweet, gentle, intelligent, and stubborn pets. They have incredibly loving personalities and mesh with nearly any family that they are introduced to. Bassets are known for their intelligent behavior and gentle temperament; they tolerate children, and they usually get along well with other pets. However, most basset hounds are also known for having a stubborn streak that can make training difficult, especially if they are not introduced to basic commands as a pup.

One of the most important things to realize about these dogs is that they are incredibly prone to separation anxiety. Your basset will see himself as your best friend, and he will become incredibly worried if he is left at home alone. Expect to spend plenty of time with your dogs, and look forward to enjoying their intelligent and lively personality.

How to Take Care of a Basset Hound

Basset hounds are domestic dogs that prefer to stay right by their owner’s side. Your dog will need daily walks and a moderate diet to prevent obesity. You should also plan on taking your basset to the vet for regular checkups, especially if they have had any joint issues in the past. Finally, remember that puppies need to be trained from a young age to help them learn commands despite their stubborn streak.

The Best Dog Food for Basset Hounds

These dogs gain weight easily, but they have an incredibly hard time taking it off. This means that the best way to keep your basset hound healthy is to watch its diet closely.

Your basset will be happiest on a diet that includes a high amount of protein and healthy fats and a low amount of carbohydrates. Dry kibbles can be a good choice, but watch out for the quality of the food; some kibbles simply contain far too many grains for a basset hound’s slow metabolism. Many basset hound owners prefer to feed their dogs a mix of either cooked or raw meat combined with vegetables. Always consult with your vet to determine a good balance for your basset’s ideal weight.

Babies need more food than adults; depending on their age, they may want to eat as many as three times a day. Be aware that these hounds can develop a food fixation. To combat this, get them used to a regular feeding schedule from a young age.

Maintenance and Grooming

These dogs are short-haired, so they don’t need to go to the groomer very often. However, because they shed a lot, you should still brush your basset with a mitt or a washcloth at least once every few days. Basset hounds also have a lot of wrinkles; to keep them healthy, bathe them at least once a month. Use a gentle soap to avoid irritating your basset’s sensitive skin.

The signature droopy ears of these dogs are unfortunately prone to infections. Inspect and clean their ears regularly. Your vet will prescribe an appropriate cleaning mix to keep major issues at bay.

Training

These hounds are intelligent, but they are also stubborn. The result is a dog who is capable of learning commands but who may need to be convinced to participate in activities. For best results, start training your dog as young as possible, and make sure to use positive reinforcement throughout the process. Most basset hounds have no problem learning essential commands after only a few training sessions.

Exercise

These dogs need a moderate amount of exercise. As long as they are on a healthy diet, a single daily walk should be enough to help prevent obesity. Older dogs are especially prone to joint problems, so don’t push them to exercise past their natural limits. In general, your basset hound will be happiest if they are allowed to take extended walks at a leisurely but enthusiastic pace.

Puppies

Basset puppies are sweet and energetic. Because basset hounds develop health problems as they get older, your puppy will want to get as much running and playing done as possible. Remember to start training your dog while they are young; that way, they will already know their basic commands when they inevitably decide to express their unique personality.

Basset Hounds and Children

These dogs get along incredibly well with children and make great family pets. However, because they are prone to back problems and have incredibly sensitive faces, it’s not a good idea to leave your basset alone with unsupervised toddlers. Never let a child sit on or otherwise place pressure on your basset hound’s back.

Dogs Similar to Basset Hounds

These dogs are hunting dogs with gregarious personalities. Three of the most similar breeds to basset hounds include bloodhounds, American foxhounds, and beagles.

• Bloodhounds: The bloodhound is a classic hunting dog with a droopy face and luxurious copper fur. Bloodhounds have longer legs than basset hounds and are more suited to an active lifestyle.
• American Foxhounds: Originally bred by George Washington, this patriotic hunting dog has short fur, long legs, and incredibly bright eyes.
• Beagles: These small hunting dogs have vivacious personalities and a high amount of energy. Beagles tend to be healthier than basset hounds and have longer lifespans.

Famous Basset Hounds

The basset hound is an iconic part of popular culture. Expect to see basset hounds featured frequently as sidekicks in movies, television shows, and comic strips. Some famous examples include Arthur from “Our House,” Cynthia from “Green Acres,” and Droopy Dog.

In real life, the most famous basset hound is probably Mr. Jeffries, a basset hound from England who holds the world record for having the biggest ears. Mr. Jeffries’ ears measure an impressive length of 11.49 inches.