A direct descendent of Bloodhound with an outstanding nose to smell tracking (for hunting hares and rabbits, foxes, pheasants, and opossums in the open or inside a den), the Basset Hound is a recognized breed in France. In 1863, this breed started getting popularity after being shown in a dog show in Paris. Later, it spread to England where it was maintained as either a companion dog, or a hunting dog, or a show dog, and the US, where it was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885.
With a height of 12 to 15 inches and weight of 50 to 65 pounds (females are comparatively smaller), the Basset Hound is heavy and short. The head is large and the skull is rounded. The skin falls in folds on the head. Even the body skin hangs loose. The muzzle is heavy and deep. The eyes are sunken and are brown in color. The ears are velvety and set quite low—hangs towards the ground. Extending in front of the front legs, the chest is quite deep. With round and full hindquarters, the paws are big. The coat is short, shiny, hard and dense, and it can be tan, red, white, black, or white with sand-colored or chestnut markings. Shampoo the coat when necessary and brush it with firm bristle brush often as it is a constant shedder. The toenails should be trimmed on a regular basis and wipe under the ears once or twice every week.
Naturally well-behaved, devoted, gentle, peaceful, mild but not timid, and sweet, the Basset Hound fits well in any family life. Though its temperament is friendly, the owner should see to it that it should never change to be moody, harsh or vicious. Then, it is a situation very difficult and problematic to handle. It is very friendly with children and overall protective of the family. Its deep musical bark is pleasant to the ears. It needs gentle but proper obedience training, and should never be given the upper hand. Keep it in lead and take it off only when it is in a safe area. If by chance it picks up a scent and runs after it, it becomes very difficult to call them back, and get their attention towards you. Indoor it is very inactive; once outdoor, it will keep playing and running around for hours. To keep it mentally stable, trim, and healthy, it should be exercised and taken on long walks on a daily basis. Make sure it does not stress the front legs or jump. Healthy nutritious food should be given but not in large quantities—little meals twice or thrice a day would be perfect. Sometimes, it may act greedy over and above its regular meals. In such a case, do not feed it unnecessarily and make it obese. Its legs and spine would be badly affected.
The lifespan of the Basset Hound is about 10 to 12 years. Due to heavy body and short legs, it may end up with paralysis or become lame. It is prone to bloat and as such, the owner needs to keep a strict check on its food.
With a height of 12 to 15 inches and weight of 50 to 65 pounds (females are comparatively smaller), the Basset Hound is heavy and short. The head is large and the skull is rounded. The skin falls in folds on the head. Even the body skin hangs loose. The muzzle is heavy and deep. The eyes are sunken and are brown in color. The ears are velvety and set quite low—hangs towards the ground. Extending in front of the front legs, the chest is quite deep. With round and full hindquarters, the paws are big. The coat is short, shiny, hard and dense, and it can be tan, red, white, black, or white with sand-colored or chestnut markings. Shampoo the coat when necessary and brush it with firm bristle brush often as it is a constant shedder. The toenails should be trimmed on a regular basis and wipe under the ears once or twice every week.
Naturally well-behaved, devoted, gentle, peaceful, mild but not timid, and sweet, the Basset Hound fits well in any family life. Though its temperament is friendly, the owner should see to it that it should never change to be moody, harsh or vicious. Then, it is a situation very difficult and problematic to handle. It is very friendly with children and overall protective of the family. Its deep musical bark is pleasant to the ears. It needs gentle but proper obedience training, and should never be given the upper hand. Keep it in lead and take it off only when it is in a safe area. If by chance it picks up a scent and runs after it, it becomes very difficult to call them back, and get their attention towards you. Indoor it is very inactive; once outdoor, it will keep playing and running around for hours. To keep it mentally stable, trim, and healthy, it should be exercised and taken on long walks on a daily basis. Make sure it does not stress the front legs or jump. Healthy nutritious food should be given but not in large quantities—little meals twice or thrice a day would be perfect. Sometimes, it may act greedy over and above its regular meals. In such a case, do not feed it unnecessarily and make it obese. Its legs and spine would be badly affected.
The lifespan of the Basset Hound is about 10 to 12 years. Due to heavy body and short legs, it may end up with paralysis or become lame. It is prone to bloat and as such, the owner needs to keep a strict check on its food.