The Basset Hounds are a medium-sized dog breed famous for their dwarf stature. But despite their low height, they are actually heavy-boned with large bodies. They’re also sweet, gentle and even-tempered.
The Basset Hounds are a medium-sized dog breed famous for their dwarf stature. But despite their low height, they are actually heavy-boned with large bodies. They’re also sweet, gentle and even-tempered.
I have 1 female puppy available to best home. She is wormed vet checked and vaccinated and ready to go . Dad is a bassett mum a harrier hound . Located westerway Tasmania but can send interstate
Amy Triffett
Breed Characteristics
Grooming
Exercise
Size Range
The Ultimate Basset Hound Guide
About Basset Hound
The Basset Hounds are a medium-sized dog breed famous for their dwarf stature. But despite their low height, they are actually heavy-boned with large bodies. They’re also sweet, gentle and even-tempered.
Lifespan
10 to 12 years.
Weight
Male: 23 - 29 kg Female: 20 - 27 kg
Height
Male: 30 - 38 cm Female: 28 - 36 cm
Grooming
They are non-shedding to low shedding dogs. But even though they don’t shed that much, their fur still needs regular grooming. It’s a good idea to brush their coat on a weekly basis to prevent it from getting tangled.
Origins
The Basset Hound can be traced all the way back to the 1500’s. Back then, the pre-revolutionary French were using low-slung, stout hounds to track rabbits. In fact, the word “bas” means “slow” in French.
These dogs were used to hunt small game because of their slow speed. This gave hunters an opportunity to catch up before the dogs scared the animals away.
It is believed that this hound was bred from dwarf-like dogs born in other litters of hunting dogs. However, it was not until the 1800s that the Basset Hound fully blossomed in the British Isles.
Social, and well-mannered. They get along well with both people and most other pets.
Common Health Issues & Considerations
Basset Hounds may suffer from:
Obesity
Bloat
Glaucoma
Osteochondritis Dissecans
Elbow dysplasia
Nature / Temperament
They are naturally well-mannered. Always friendly, rarely aggressive.
Suitable Environment
They are suitable to most environments. Even though they won’t need a yard, they should be given plenty of opportunities to run and play around.
Other Considerations
● Their floppy ears need quite a bit of inspection and maintenance. This way, they’ll be less susceptible to ear infections.
● These are very vocal dogs. They’re particularly loud when left on their own, so ensure you keep yours busy throughout.
● These dogs drool excessively. It does mean that you’ll spend more time cleaning the drool of your furniture and floors.
● The most common colours of this breed are the tri-colour (tan, black and white). They also come in brown and white, black and white, or red and white.
● Basset Hounds are not good swimmers. Due to their short legs and heavy torsos, they cannot swim; hence, should be kept away from water.
How can I take good care of my Basset Hound?
Nutrition
They need 1.5 to 2.5 cups of premium-quality dog food. Basset Hounds do well on a diet consisting of dry kibble. It should contain adequate amounts of protein, carbs and fats.
One of the conditions that Basset Hounds are prone to is bloating. Therefore, owners need to divide their food into a couple of small meals as opposed to one large feeding per day. This can also prevent them from getting overweight as they put on weight fairly easily.
Grooming
Thanks to their short, water-resistant coats, Basset Hounds don’t need much grooming. A weekly brushing is all they need to keep their shedding under control. These dogs have natural oils on their coats that repel dirt; hence, keep them clean.
Recommended Grooming Tips
Clean the inside of their ears every week.
Their eyes are prone to irritation. To prevent this, check their eyes regularly and clean them if necessary.
Trim their nails twice a month.
Bathe them as often as necessary. Ensure you rinse them properly to prevent shampoo from getting inside the ears.
Wipe their wrinkled faces on the regular.
Exercise
Although short, these dogs still need exercise to keep their weight in check, but their exercise demands are low to moderate.
The ideal form of exercise for this breed is taking them for short walks. Or, you could play with your dog in the yard.
Every once in a while, you can also engage them in a hike or long walk of about an hour. This will help to stimulate their mind and keep them fit. One thing you might not know is that Basset Hounds are pack-oriented. They don’t mind the company of other pets when you’re taking them for walks.
Training
Time and patience are the two most important aspects you need to train your Basset Hound. Time to establish yourself as the pack leader. And time to socialise your dog. That entails, taking them for adventures and introducing them to new surroundings.
You’ll also need patience, so that you give your pup ample time to learn. This is because Basset Hounds like taking things at their own, often, slow pace.
These dogs were bred to hunt rabbits and vermin. This was because of their slow pace and impressive sense of smell. Till date, they are ranked the second best canine sniffers.
These are short, long and well-built dogs. Their heads are medium-size with long, deep muzzles. Their eyes are slightly sunken and they have a somewhat sad expression.
Generally not, they are not good at protecting homes.
Yes, they can be quite vocal but that alone doesn’t make them excellent guard dogs. They will notify you of strangers with a loud, baying bark. But a few minutes later, they’ll be friendly and ready to welcome anyone who walks through your front door.