BASSET HOUND

Temperament: Tenacious, Affectionate, Loyal, Friendly.
Height: Up to 14 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: Male: 40-60 lbs; Female: 40-60 lbs.
Life Expectancy: 8-12 years

MORE ABOUT THIS BREED

The basset hound is a friendly, easygoing dog. Originally hunting in packs, they tend to be good with other dogs and other pets in general. Bassets are people oriented and get along well with children. Fairly smart dogs, bassets are not easy to train as they are somewhat stubborn. A firm, patient hand with plenty of creativity is required to bring out the best in them. Bassets can be serious barkers and with their sturdy feet and nails they tend to be diggers. The hunting urge is still quite strong and if not safely confined they will go off hunting on their own.

The Basset Hound dog breed was bred for hunting small game such as rabbits and is still used for this purpose in some parts of the United States. When they’re not on the trail of a bunny, they’re laid-back family friends who love kids.

He may be best known as the Hush Puppy dog, but the Basset Hound is much more than an advertising icon. With his placid personality and short-statured yet noble appearance, the Basset Hound is a popular family companion, as well as a slow-paced but keen hunting dog.

PERSONALITY

Adaptable, affectionate, and relaxed, these dogs will even appeal to novice pet parents who are new to the dog world.

Like every dog, Basset Hounds need early socialization — exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences when they’re young. Socialization helps ensure that your Basset puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog.

FEEDING

Recommended daily amount: 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dog food a day, divided into two meals.

NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. 
Bassets like to eat and are prone to obesity. Keep your Basset Hound in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time.

HEALTH

Basset Hounds are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they’re prone to certain health conditions. Not all Basset Hounds will get any or all of these diseases, but it’s important to be aware of them if you’re considering this breed.

If you’re buying a puppy, find a good breeder who will show you health clearances for both your puppy’s parents. 

CARE

Basset Hounds are usually calm dogs that do well even in small houses and apartments. They should live indoors with their family, ideally with access to a yard. They’re not suited to living outdoors in extreme heat or cold.

Bassets are inactive indoors, happy to lie in the sun all day, but they’ll enjoy a long and meandering walk with lots of sniffing time.

When Bassets are outdoors, they should be in a fenced yard or on leash so they don’t wander off after an interesting scent. Until he’s a year old, discourage your Basset puppy from jumping on and off furniture and going up and down stairs, which puts extra stress on his front legs and back and can injure his joints. You may need to help a Basset of any age in and out of the car. He’s not a very good jumper. Consider getting him a ramp or steps.

GROOMING

Except for cleaning their ears and facial wrinkles and wiping up the drool they leave behind, Basset Hounds are easy to groom.

They rarely need baths (unless they have rolled in something particularly stinky), and a good rubdown with a bristle brush, a coarse cloth, or a hound glove is all that’s needed to keep their coats in good condition. Basset Hounds shed all year around, but if you brush them weekly, this shouldn’t be a problem.

Basset Hound ears are long and drag the ground, so they can get very dirty. Ear infections are also an issue because air doesn’t circulate well in the inner ear. Clean the interior of your Basset Hound’s ears at least once a week with a solution recommended by your vet, wipe down the outside of the ears to remove any dirt, clean out the facial wrinkles with a damp cloth and thoroughly dry them, and check his large paws for sores between the toes.

Brush your Basset’s teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and the bacteria that lurk inside it. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath.

Trim nails once or twice a month.

Begin accustoming your Basset to being brushed and examined when he’s a puppy.

Source: dogtime, hillspet.