Basset Hound Basset Hound is a scent dog initially developed in France. Basset Hounds have ancestors in The St. Hubert Hound, an emaciated dog created during the 10th century amidst a Benedictine monastery.
The first photo shows a Basset Hound date to 1585. Bassets were bred for hunting rabbits and Hares. It is the perfect description for the stature of this breed as they have shorter legs, a longer body, big ears and droopy hair around their necks, faces and the muzzle.
The Basset Hound: Family Dog and Friend
Here are eight reasons Basset Hounds are the best choice for your family. Basset Hound is an excellent choice for a family with kids and could be the perfect family dog.
A Basset Hound is highly affectionate.
The Basset Hound is a sturdy dog that has a lot of stamina. That allows him to keep pace with children who are active and lively.
- The Basset Hound is affectionate and open.
- A Basset Hound is a dog who loves being with people, even children.
- A Basset Hound is a dog with an easygoing disposition.
- A Basset Hound can be very amusing.
- A Basset Hound is exceptionally patient and at ease with the noise and activities.
- The Basset Hound is faithful and secure for his family. He will be watching out for your children.
Getting To Know the Basset Hound
There’s no doubt that bassets possess certain of the most sought-after characteristics you’d want in a dog who spends time with children. When looking into prospective pups for your family, it’s not solely about their characteristics (although it plays an important role). Also, it would help if you considered size, treatment, and budget when deciding whether a dog is suitable for your family. For instance, if your home is tiny, you’ll probably not wish to take on a cute puppy who seems ideal with your children, only to find out that he’ll weigh about 200 pounds once he’s fully grown.
Understanding the fundamentals of the breed, you’re planning to adopt is essential to ensure your bond with your pet will develop and endure for a long time. Here are some essential facts about the charming and affectionate Basset Hound:
SIZE
The Basset Hound hugs the border between a large and medium breed. If you’re interested in this low-key pet but prefer the smaller side of the spectrum, you should consider picking the female. Females of the breed are generally smaller than males; however, that doesn’t mean you’ll get a smaller dog. Bassets measure around 14 inches tall, and some could reach up to 15 inches. Bassets weigh between 40 and 65 pounds.
LIFE EXPECTANCY
The Basset Hound’s lifespan is between 12 and 13 years. It doesn’t matter if you buy your puppy from a breeder and you choose to either adopt or save your pet. Knowing the lifespan of a dog will help you decide if you’d prefer to buy or adopt an older as well as an older breed. This is especially crucial when you have young children and want a pet that will grow with your children.
Critical Characteristics of Basset Hounds
Hounds are usually divided into two subgroups that include scent hounds and sight hounds.
Scent hounds depend on their ability to smell to locate prey, while sight hounds rely on their eyesight. Basset Hounds are scent hounds.
These dogs are robust and have short legs, which enable hunters to keep up with them while walking, and it is easy for dogs to chase down holes for the game, especially rabbits.
How Friendly Are Basset Hounds?
They are affectionate, loving and gentle, with short flashes of enthusiasm. The Kennel Club of the United Kingdom has defined the breed’s typical temperament as “Placid, Never shy or aggressive. Affectionate.”
These dogs can be resistant, and the ideal pet owner should accept compromises based on their behavior. Most likely, you aren’t able to train Basset Hounds to keep off the couch even when you’re not home; however, you can train them to remain away from the couch when eating.
Basset Hound Basset Hound is the perfect pet for those who enjoy humorous behavior and lots of drool, and it is an excellent pet companion.
Common health problems in Basset Hounds
Basset Hounds are prone to specific health issues due to breeding for appearance rather than health. Most of the time, Breed Clubs can also give information on the tests your breed could require and how to complete them. Check that your puppy’s parents have undergone the appropriate health test to decrease the possibility of your puppy suffering from the abovementioned conditions.
Basset Hounds belong to a breed group classified as Category Three in the eyes of The Kennel Club. This signifies that these breeds of dogs have been bred over several years to appear in a certain way, but these changes in how they appear now can cause health issues. For Basset Hounds, this is due to their enlarged ears and skin and can cause skin folds dermatitis (inflammation in the skin) and hair loss/scarring caused by skin dermatitis, as well as their deep body that can rub against the ground and also issues with a bite that is not correct as well as becoming overweight.
If you’d like to minimize the chance of your dog suffering from problems because of exaggerated features, Read our guide on selecting a pedigree breeder.
A few of the conditions Basset Hounds may develop include:
Elbow dysplasia is when the elbow joint does not meet perfectly, which can eventually cause arthritis. Before breeding, dogs must be examined by x-rays using the BVA/Kennel Club Hip Dysplasia Scheme.
Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) is a condition in which a dog’s stomach gets bloated and turns in itself, which can cause death.
Intervertebral Degenerative Dystrophy (IVDD) is a slipped disk that can cause back pain and paralysis.
Skin inflammations (especially those caused by Malassezia, one of the types of yeast infections).
Caring for the Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are calm and friendly but also determined and independent. They are highly vocal and have a booming bark, particularly when excited or upset. They have a smooth, short coat that needs little grooming. However, they shed a fair amount.
They’ve got a droopy look on their face, ears, lips, and cheeks, and they are known to tend to drool. They are more prone to skin rashes as well as an infection of the ear. They need frequent bathing and cleaning. They’re low-energy dogs; however, despite their tiny legs and stumbling gait, they enjoy playing. Their short legs are susceptible to arthritis.
Basset Hounds have a powerful sense of smell. They can identify people, food items and other objects to the point where they might wander when they smell.
How Much to Feed a Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are very predisposed to obesity due to their lack of energy.
Be attentive to the recommended amount of food on the food bag, or according to the advice of your vet, using the measuring cup. Typically, 2 cups of large-breed kibble will be sufficient in the case of your Basset Hound, but this is a good idea to adjust it by 10 to 25% if your dog is overweight or overweight.
The smell of a Basset Hound is delicious, and they can smell food even when other dogs might not, and they will ask for it or take it. Please do not feed your Basset Hound human food since it may give them an appetite and desire for the food and unneeded calories.
Nutritional Tips for a Basset Hound
A Basset Hound is prone to joint issues because of their short, bendy legs. A high-quality joint supplement made of glucosamine and chondroitin can aid in keeping your dog happy and active for longer.
Many Basset Hounds also benefit from omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids that can aid in managing and reducing ear and skin inflammation. Many veterinary products offer the ideal level of fatty acids for your dog; however, the fish oil supplement is an excellent alternative.
It is expensive to own the Basset Hound.
A Basset Hound will cost a minimum of PS80 per month following installation and purchase costs and up to PS13,000 during their lifespan.
The costs you’ll have to think about are:
Costs of purchase
Adopting an adult animal from a shelter is a cost-effective option while offering the benefit of providing a home for an animal that doesn’t have one. Look into whether the rehoming facility you’re considering offers donations for rehoming.
If instead, you’re buying the Basset Hound puppy from a breeder, you’ll have to consider this cost. Be wary of puppies that are priced low since they could be from an animal farm. If you are looking to purchase a pedigree dog, We recommend searching for a Kennel Club Assured breeder, as they are required to pass extra health tests and must meet the highest standards.
In-continuing costs
- Food.
- Prevention of illness – budget for regular visits to the vet to stop your dog from becoming sick and to catch any problems in the early stages. It is essential to have annual checks, vaccinations, and regularly scheduled treatment for worms and fleas. Make sure your vet has health insurance plans since this could assist in spreading the cost over the year.
- Pet bills or vet insurance If you don’t own pet insurance and your dog requires vet treatment due to illness or injury, and the costs will quickly increase. Find out what’s covered and what isn’t before comparing insurance policies.
- Accessories include many litter bags, replacement of damaged grooming equipment and toys, purchasing doggy toothpaste, and other items they may require.
Other expenses
Basic training in dog training is essential, and dogs may benefit from formal classes. Certain dogs might have or develop behavioral issues that require professional supervision.
Boarding: You may require a budget for dog sitting and boarding expenses if you’re planning to travel away from your home during the vacation.
Day-care and dog walkers – look into hiring the services of a professional dog walker for your pet to ensure that they are content and healthy in case you are unable to go out with your dog regularly or care for their needs during the day when you’re required to go on the go for more than 4 hours.
It’s always best to prepare for the future, budget your expenses, or buy insurance for your pet if it is injured or becomes sick. If you’re having trouble paying for vet bills and are unsure of your eligibility, you can find out whether you’re eligible to receive treatment through PDSA here.
If you’re considering getting pet insurance, then our PDSA Pet Insurance could be the best option for you, and it’s fast and simple to request an online quote.