Basset Hound

Breed: Basset Hound Breed Standard

Breed Group: Hound Group

Weight: 50 to 70 pounds

Height: 13 to 15inches

Color(s): Normally black, tan, and white are their colors though some other colors like open red and white or closed red and white are noticed.

Coat

The Basset Hound has generally smooth and shorthaired coats. However, rough-haired coats are found among them.

Overview

The Basset Hound is a good pet since it claims the attention and affection of the whole family. Even in the pages of history of England at least it has left its footprints. We know that the King Edward VII and Shakespeare were very fond of it. For hunting small games it was bred initially. To follow the prey slowly with their short legs they are very suitable and they give ample scope to the hunters on foot to follow them. Steadiness they get from their large feet while their heavy bones are hind sturdiness. As a watchdog it is not very useful but can learn to bark as a warning.

Character

Originally they were bred to trail the prey to help the hunters. Their tolerant nature and equal behavior with all family members make them very popular. If they are not kept within a fenced area they may venture out to wander away. If they go out unnoticed that is fraught with danger since they are not good to find out the route to come back home. They like to be with children. Normally 2 to 4 cups of food are its ideal daily diet.

Temperament

They are friendly and of gentle dispositions normally. Aggressiveness is less in their males in comparison to those in many other breeds of dogs. They do not like to be left for a considerably long time and in such case express dissatisfaction by howling loudly.

Care

Though the Basset Hound is generally healthier than many other breeds still it may be affected by quite a few serious illness like bloat and to protect it from those much care is needed. For bloat in which swollen stomach is the symptom surgery can generally be the way out. Since it has a tendency to overeat its feedings are to be regulated to prevent overweight. Regular exercise can also be the remedy to overweight

Training

It is difficult to train the basset Hound. It is interesting that in exchange of food reward it will follow commands but will forget the lesson in absence of the reward. However persistent efforts to train it may yield results ultimately. For that patience on the part of the owner is the need.

Activity

If it remains indoors it becomes very inactive though in an apartment it can adjust well. But it is taken outdoors it gets back full vigor and runs for hours and play and that is essential for maintenance of its health. Even the absence of a yard is no problem for it’s carrying on these activities if minimum opportunities are given to it for that.