The Basset Hound is a fairly popular breed; nowadays they are most often kept as four-legged friends, although originally they were a hunting dog. If you're thinking about getting a Basset Hound, be sure to read up on some key information about one. You've probably seen these incredibly charming and interesting pets more than once in feature films. But it is worth discussing all the important aspects of the dog’s health and behavior so that your life together is happy.
History of the Basset Hound Breed
Basset Hound
Officially, the Basset Hound is considered an English breed, but the homeland of its ancestors was still France. Since the Middle Ages, in the books and manuscripts of French historians, notes began to appear about squat dogs from the Artesian-Norman hound tribe, used for burrow hunting and searching for truffles. In written sources, the animals appeared under the name basset hounds and were depicted as short-legged dogs with massive bones. By the way, the characteristic short stature inherent in all modern representatives of this family was an elementary mutation, subsequently artificially fixed by breeders.
In the 17th century, basset breeding in France became widespread, as a result of which the breed expanded its list of “qualifications.” Now with short-legged dogs they went not only to hunt burrowing animals, but also to hunt pheasants. It is clear that this was mainly a hunt on foot, since Bassets simply would not have been able to keep up with a horse, but they were excellent at wading through the thickets and diving under dead trees for prey. Around this stage, the stratification of the family of short greyhounds began. As a result: by the 18th century, in French kennels it was possible to find 12 basset lines with different external and performance characteristics, some of which later “merged” into the so-called artesian-Norman type.
The English stage of the formation of the breed began in the 19th century, when the Artesian-Norman Basset crossed the English Channel. In Shakespeare’s homeland, they immediately added “national flavor” to the animals by mating them with bloodhounds, which gave the dogs solidity and slight “folding” to their bodies, and their ears an impressive length. The offspring resulting from the cross were called Basset Hounds, and were presented at the Paris Exhibition in 1863.
About 20 years after the official announcement, Basset Hounds had their own club, and in 1887 they finally separated from other types of Basset Hounds through a standardization procedure. At the end of the 19th century, the breed was already well known in America, while these sad short-legged dogs appeared in Russian nurseries only in the late 70s of the 20th century.
History of the breed
The first mentions of them were found in ancient manuscripts. Short legs are a kind of pathology, but fortunately, this does not affect life expectancy in any way.
Basset hounds, like dachshunds, were bred artificially by crossing various breeds in which similar pathologies had already been observed. The main task of this breed is to chase and capture small game such as badgers, foxes and rabbits. The nose, located in close proximity to the ground, is able to detect even the most subtle and barely perceptible odors.
Based on the majority opinion, Basset Hounds were bred back in the sixteenth century for the aristocracy and monarchy, who were very fond of hunting. Another opinion is based on the fact that the Basset dog was developed at the turn of the nineteenth century in Great Britain. The only thing that can be reliably stated is that such short-legged breeds were used exclusively for hunting. It was in Great Britain that the standards and descriptions characterizing this breed were first developed.
Today, this hunting breed has become a friend and devoted companion for most. Basset Hounds are loved for their enormous loyalty, kindness and aristocratic appearance. Their character and stunning look can captivate everyone who has ever seen them in person. True, these same qualities often become the reason for the abandonment of puppies. Based on statistics, we can say for sure that those people who have at least once owned a Basset Hound will never give preference to another breed.
The name of the breed comes from a combination of two words that mean low hound. The first mentions of this short-legged huntress were found in writings found in Ancient Egypt. The remains of her distant ancestor were also discovered there, in one of the catacombs of Saqqara. Similar finds took place both in Ancient Rome and Ancient Greece.
Breeds with similar characteristics were bred at the beginning of the fifth century in one of the abbeys of France. An illustrated description of the basset hound breed was given in a manuscript describing hunting rules in the mid-fifteenth century. Free hunting on horseback has been a privileged pastime of all nobles for many centuries. Hunting dogs accompanying hunters were highly valued, and the selection was very serious.
They stopped breeding basset hounds during the French Revolution, but under the rule of Napoleon Bonaparte everything returned to its previous places. The selection was carried out under official supervision, and in the same year the breed was first exported to England. It was the local residents of this country who made every effort to ensure that representatives of this breed became heavier and more powerful.
Basset Hound breed standard
Basset hound puppy
A basset hound stretched out on a rug gives the impression of a hulking woolly caterpillar, in which it is difficult to suspect a hunter. Nevertheless, the dog is perfectly adapted to chasing prey in rough terrain: Basset hounds’ short legs easily overcome the “traps” of uneven terrain, which other types of hounds cannot do.
The mournful expression of the muzzle, characteristic of representatives of this breed, is their exclusive exterior highlight. The Basset Hound can be peaceful, enthusiastic, angry, but all these mood changes will be accompanied by a single sad face.
One cannot ignore the long ears of the breed, hanging almost to the ground, reminiscent of drooping wings. When a Basset has gained sufficient speed, they flutter under the pressure of the wind, creating the illusion that the dog is about to take off.
The height of the Basset Hound at the withers, according to the standard, should be 33-38 cm. Dogs weigh from 18 to 29 kg.
Head
The Basset Hound's head is dome-shaped with a distinctly prominent nape, massive muzzle and moderate stop. The offended-sad expression of the muzzle, characteristic of the breed, is achieved due to elastic skin, forming small wrinkles under the eyes and at the eyebrows. In addition, dogs are characterized by quilling, when the lower jaw is blocked by a freely hanging upper lip.
Teeth and bite
Hey! Give me back my ball!
The Basset Hound's teeth are strong, white, and set in a regular scissor bite.
Nose
Basset Hounds have prominent nostrils: large, wide open, often protruding beyond the line of the lips. The preferred color of the lobe is black, although brown and liver options are acceptable for animals with light fur.
Eyes
The Basset Hound's eyes are distinguished by their shallow set, oval shape and distinctly melancholy expression. Individuals with a dark brown shade of the iris are considered the reference, but for light-colored dogs a medium-brown tone is possible. A strict no to yellow and light brown eyes.
Ears
The Basset Hound's long, folded ears are set below eye level and hang down along the neck. The ear linen is thin to the touch and velvety.
Basset hound ears
Neck
The dog's elongated, thick neck has a distinct bend in the top line and a pronounced dewlap.
Frame
The body is elongated, voluminous, muscular, with a wide back and withers and croup located on the same line. The Basset Hound's chest is harmoniously developed, not narrow, and moderately deep. The belly line should be sufficiently tucked so as not to interfere with the animal when running.
Limbs
Basset hound paws
The dog's front legs are short, thick, with strong bones and small folds in the lower part. The shoulder blades are set at an angle of 45°, providing good reach in motion. Forearms slightly close at the top, but not interfering with the stride. Hind legs with fleshy thighs, good hocks and short, slightly wrinkled metatarsals. In addition, the Basset Hound has massive, arched paws, “set” on large pads. The breed moves smoothly, thanks to the good reach of the front legs and the springy push of the hind legs.
Tail
The strong, long tail of the Basset Hound has a slight bend without obvious curl (saber shape). A moving dog has its tail up.
Wool
The short body of the Basset Hound tightly covers the body without forming fringes.
Color
Theoretically, Basset Hounds can have any hound-like colors. In reality, dogs are most often tri-colored (for example, black and white with tan) and bi-colored (red and white).
Disqualifying faults
Basset hounds with developmental defects that call into question their breed are banned from participating in exhibitions and dog shows. For example, if a dog is oversized (above 38 cm), has long hair, or has a clear kozinets (protruding wrist joint), this is enough to exclude it from the list of competitors.
Dog character and temperament
By nature, Basset Hounds are very gentle, sensitive, friendly, affectionate and good-natured animals. Such a dog has aristocratic features, which gives him some charm and charm. Basic qualities of a Basset Hound:
- Phlegm. If you need to show your pet in all its glory at an exhibition, then it will behave very dignified. He adapts well to crowded places, shows himself well to the public, showing off his appearance to everyone with a sense of self-esteem.
- Calm. If you regularly take long walks, directing your dog’s energy to jogging and playing, then he will be calm at home. The dog is quiet and is great for families with small children who need to maintain a calm environment.
- Perseverance bordering on stubbornness. This quality will be appreciated by many hunters. Dogs, having found the trace of some animal or bird, purposefully search for prey. If you are going to use a dog for hunting, then start training it from an early age. Remember that many commands may not be followed immediately because representatives of this breed are stubborn. If you put emotional pressure on your pet, he will not pay attention to you and will continue to do what he intended.
- Affectionateness and devotion. Pets quickly become attached to their owners and constantly require attention. The dogs are clean, take root well in large families, behave well with children, demonstrating the qualities of protectors and nannies. Due to the fact that they have a loud voice and a responsible character, they are often used as watchmen.
- Excellent sense of smell and passion for hunting. The large and heavy appearance of the dog suggests that he is slow. However, the hound is always very active, fast, hardy and tireless, therefore it is often used to hunt rabbits and other animals.
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Basset hound photo
Basset Hound Personality
Basset Hound with a child
The Basset Hound, despite its amusing, distinctly clumsy appearance, is still a tricky dog, both in terms of physiology and intellectual indicators. Proud and proud, he not only reacts painfully to criticism and infringement of personal rights, but is also capable of developing and then putting into action a plan of small revenge on the one who angered him, so if one day you find a suspicious stain or pile on your favorite carpet, do not rush to be indignant . It is quite possible that the basset hound planted a pig on you to make up for yesterday's insult.
Representatives of this breed have their own views on life, which does not prevent them from being on good terms with their owners. Don't look at the sad face forever stuck to the dog's face. Inside, Basset Hounds are sociable and very cheerful creatures. For example, in a home environment, a dog behaves like a typical sybarite: it stuffs its belly with treats until it swells like a bubble, lies on the sofas, wrapped in its ears, and hangs around its owner’s feet, waiting for affection. In general, with all his appearance he shows that he knows a lot about pleasure.
As befits a real hound, the Basset Hound is absolutely not aggressive. Of course, if you try, you can throw any dog off balance, but in general the breed will not grumble or bite. Moreover, the Basset Hound can tolerate other dogs and, much less often, cats. Naturally, no one will force patience to be applied to all animals without the exception of the Basset Hound. But if you introduce the “eared dog” to other representatives of the domestic fauna in advance, he will not terrorize them either.
Representatives of this breed categorically do not want to give up their favorite habits, preferring, as a compromise, to change the lifestyle of their owners. For example, all basset hounds are tightly “wired” for comfort, so if the pet has chosen a specific place in the apartment, it is almost impossible to move its refuge to another part of the home. Dogs are also not happy about solitude and loneliness, so if for some reason you didn’t take your basset hound with you, but he really wanted to, get ready for minor mischief. Eared cats love to lie on sofas, from the first months of life they almost reflexively climb onto the owner’s bed. Moreover, a secret passion for soft feather beds persists even among those individuals who, it would seem, have been weaned from this habit. Left the house for an hour? You can be sure that the basset hound will not miss the opportunity to use your absence to his advantage and relax on your own bed.
Basset hound with a cat
General characteristics of Basset Hounds
Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is a breed for everyone. He has an extraordinary appearance, at first glance he gives the impression of a sad and clumsy dog. But in fact, it is a tireless hunter, an active companion and a devoted friend. There are several features of the dog's appearance that make it easy to distinguish it from similar dogs. It is a massive body with large folds of skin, short legs, long ears and sad eyes. You can recognize it at one glance at the photo.
The first impression of this dog is deceptive: it seems that he is a lazy and constantly sad fellow. But underneath the folds of skin hides the strong body of a hound. Bassets are playful, enjoy running around a lot, and know how to have fun. This is a cheerful, loyal and very smart dog. Dog handlers consider him the smartest of the dogs that live next to humans. The cost of a show puppy is 30-45 thousand rubles, a dog without documents can be bought for 10-15 thousand.
To understand how this dog differs from similar breeds, you can consider its main characteristics:
| Options | Characteristic |
| aggressiveness | Non-aggressive, very friendly |
| intelligence | High |
| livability | Gets along well with children and other pets |
| activity | Needs walks 1-2 hours a day, loves to run, but will not refuse to lie on the couch |
| content | Suitable for apartment living |
| security qualities | Due to their friendliness towards people, Basset Hounds are poor guards, but they will protect their owner from any aggression. |
| training | Quickly begins to understand commands, but does not always follow them |
| health | Average, with good care, life expectancy is 12-14 years |
| molting | Moderate |
| noise | Rarely makes noise, but the barking is loud |
More information about the main characteristics of the breed can be found in the video:
Pros of the breed
Not everyone likes the unusual appearance of these dogs. But owners of Basset Hounds note that they have many advantages compared to other similar breeds.
- This is a devoted friend, companion. He loves to copy the behavior of his owner and always accompany him. The dog will do everything to make his beloved owner happy.
- Good hunting qualities allow the dog to be used for hunting birds or small burrowing animals even without special training.
- They are wonderful nannies and get along well with children. A Basset Hound will never bite a child or offend him, even if he hurts him.
- They have a very sensitive sense of smell. There are about 20 thousand receptors on the nose of these dogs.
- Dogs of this breed have a balanced, calm character. Bassets are not fussy or aggressive.
- They are not picky eaters; most dogs of this breed will eat anything.
Cons of the breed
Before getting a Basset Hound dog, you need to understand that they have disadvantages.
- These pets love to eat. And due to their body type and low activity, they are prone to obesity.
- For the same reasons, basset dogs often suffer from diseases of the joints and spine. And long ears that drag along the ground can become inflamed.
- They do not tolerate loneliness well. If you leave your pet for a long time, he will behave like a hooligan and howl. And since the Basset has a loud voice, he can cause serious trouble to his neighbors with his barking and howling.
- Bassets are very stubborn. These are smart but selfish dogs. If they don't want to do something, it's impossible to force them.
- These are very slobbery dogs. They drool frequently and splatter when they move.
- Caring for a Basset Hound is difficult due to its many skin folds.
Who is the breed suitable for?
Despite the popularity of Basset Hounds, this dog is not for everyone. It is not recommended to have one as your first pet, as care and education require experience. Basset hounds choose one owner to obey. With the rest he will behave as he wants. The breed is not suitable for those who are constantly at work and do not have the opportunity to walk the animal and communicate with it.
Appearance of a Basset Hound
But with proper training, this is an ideal breed for families with children. The Basset will become a caring nanny and a devoted friend to the child. It is especially good to keep such a pet in a country house with a plot. But he must live in a house. Basset hounds are dogs for those who can devote time to them, know how to negotiate and give in, and will love the dog with all its shortcomings.
Interesting facts about the breed
Basset Hounds are an unusual breed. There are many interesting facts about them.
- Basset hounds have the longest ears, as recorded by the Guinness Book of Records. When walking, they can drag along the ground.
- The name of the breed translates as “low hound”.
- In the UK these dogs are called "armchair athletes". They love to spend time on a soft sofa.
- The front of the dog's body is large and its legs are short. That's why basset hounds can't swim.
- Despite being kept in urban conditions, the hunting instincts of these dogs have not disappeared. They are very keen, they can follow the smell that interests them or hunt small animals.
- These dogs are very sloppy when eating and drinking. Closed drinking bowls were invented especially for them.
- Due to their short legs, they are uncomfortable walking on stairs. Owners of Basset Hounds often carry them in their arms during descent and ascent.
To decide whether to buy a puppy of this breed, you can watch a video describing its pros and cons.
Education and training
Give me your paw
Basset Hounds are sociable and funny dogs, but zealously protecting their own interests. For example, they love to adapt the learning process to their needs and will more than once try to break the rules of the game if something does not suit them. Accordingly, if you have decided to raise an obedient pet, then do not make exceptions while the puppy is small and defenseless. It's not that the basset is so pathologically stubborn, it's just that he's too smart not to try to negotiate some concessions for himself.
An experienced owner or a kennel club specialist should teach the dog the rules of behavior in the house and commands, although this does not mean that it is necessary to “pressure” the animal. On the contrary, try to look at the activities through the eyes of your pet, which will allow you to understand his desires and aspirations. With the right approach, Basset Hounds are good at any obedience discipline, as well as all sorts of dynamic competitions like agility. True, you shouldn’t hope for the breed’s impeccable performance. Still, basset hounds are not working dogs, and they quickly get bored with constant tugging. Consequently, you will have to be understanding of the fact that one day your ward will deliberately “not hear” the call or prohibition.
I'm kind of tired...
The best incentives in working with Basset Hounds were and remain tasty rewards. The main thing is to skillfully play on the breed’s tendency to gluttony and not overdo it. It is advisable not to use negative reinforcements at all. Don’t forget, the Basset Hound is touchy and will definitely respond to infringement of personal rights with some kind of harm. However, if the animal persists and deliberately causes mischief, it is not forbidden to lightly spank it with a twig. Traditional rolled up newspaper is not an option; Basset Hounds are literally thick-skinned creatures.
The duration of lessons for the breed should be minimal. The maximum that a basset hound can tolerate is 10 minutes, after which the dog will need an emotional “reboot.” In addition to standard training, Basset Hounds are taught to tolerate forced solitude. A pet left in an apartment for an hour or two should not frighten neighbors and passers-by with “opera arias.” It is clear that it will not be possible to achieve one hundred percent silence with this breed, but it is possible to reduce its talkativeness. From the first days after moving to a permanent place of residence, wean the puppy from “collecting” the owner’s things, which for basset hounds is something like a hobby. Remove all shoes from the eared prankster, even if they are old and should have been thrown away long ago. Don’t forget, the animal doesn’t see the difference between worn-out flip-flops and just bought Nikes, so he chews on them with the same passion.
Appearance
The modern Basset Hound conforms to the breed characteristics approved by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1988. It must be said that modern dogs are significantly different from their ancestors. French Basset Hounds were prized for their crooked front legs. Yes, you understood everything correctly, the more the dog’s limbs were curved, the more purebred it was considered. The ideal Basset was so low that his chest literally touched the ground.
Outcrossing with Bloodhound and Beagle, undertaken on the initiative of English breeders, made it possible to straighten the dog's front legs, but the question of the root cause of the pathology remains open. Modern representatives of Basset Hounds are prone to crooked front paws. Experts consider the following root causes:
- Improper nutrition of the bitch during pregnancy or in the early postpartum period.
- Crossing of individuals suffering from rickets at the stage of breed formation.
- Genetic defects associated with the development of the musculoskeletal system.
If you are wondering why the breeders made such sacrifices, why a taller and problem-free dog was not bred, then the answers are quite simple. A taller dog existed - the Beagle, but the breed was not distinguished by endurance. A fan of Basset Hounds, Fred Blaine compared the breed to a draft horse, and the Beagle to a racehorse, the difference is obvious.
Breed standard
The Basset Hound is considered the largest and heaviest of the Basset hounds. The size of an adult dog is quite impressive, height 33–38 cm, weight depends on gender - standard for males is from 23 to 29, females from 20 to 27 kg.
- The head is massive, rectangular. The forehead is high, flat, and goes into the back of the head with a noticeable bump. The transition to the muzzle is sloping. The skull is wider and shorter than the muzzle, the cheekbones are high, and the eye sockets are prominent. The bridge of the nose and forehead are on parallel lines. The skin covering the muzzle is free and can be pulled back if desired.
- The teeth are even, large, strong, the mouth is deep. Scissor bite.
- The nose is pigmented in black or brown, depending on the color tone. The nostrils are wide and open. The size of the nose varies from medium to large and protrudes beyond the line of the lower jaw.
- The muzzle is deep and evenly wide. The upper lip is free, completely covers the lower jaw and hangs down.
- Eyes – due to loose eyelids, the shape of the eyes is perceived as diamond-shaped. It is worth considering that the shape of the eyes is assessed when the dog is standing in a natural position. The color of the iris is preferably dark, but almost all colors in the brown palette are allowed; light eyes are considered a disadvantage.
- Ears – drooping and close to the cheeks, evenly narrow, thin, soft, flexible, low set.
- The body is strong and elongated. The neck is broad and strong, gracefully arched when at rest. The back is wide and level. The chest is neat, low, wide and convex. The ribs are rounded and elongated. The skin is loose, including on the stomach and decorating folds on the neck.
- The limbs are powerful, covered with a large amount of skin, collected in folds. The front legs go around the chest, in the lower part they come slightly closer together (in no case touching). The withers and shoulders are proportional. The hind legs are very muscular and strong, the croup muscles are elongated. The hind legs are also covered with loose skin, but the folds are not massive. The hands are very large and strong, the front ones are set straight or slightly apart, the rear ones are extremely straight. The dog's track must be complete. The pads are massive and separated.
- The tail is powerful, set high, tapering to the tip, carried high when working.
Maintenance and care
Unlike its French ancestors, today's Basset Hound is not well suited to life in the yard, so its place is in the house. Special conditions for keeping a dog are not required, so you will have to buy for it all the same household items as for any apartment breed, that is, a bed, bowls for food and water, toys, a tray, a leash, a collar and other accessories.
Until six months, all movements of puppies around the house must be monitored. At this age, the short legs of Basset Hounds are fragile, unstable and are injured even by minor jumps, for example from a sofa. It is better to avoid stairs before 6 months of age, or go up and down them with your pet in your arms.
Hygiene
Basset Hounds shed in the fall and spring, but that doesn't mean you need to brush their short coat as often. You should massage your pet's skin and hair follicles with a soft brush, if not daily, then at least a couple of times a week. This, firstly, stimulates blood circulation in the deep layers of the skin, and secondly, improves the structure of the hair.
My dirty little one
As for the dog smell, in Basset Hounds it only appears when the fur gets wet. Bassets, which are bathed at least twice a month, also exude the “aroma” of a mouton coat, but it is, as a rule, not too pronounced and does not irritate the sense of smell. By the way, “boys” and individuals with more folds always smell more intense.
In a situation where you want to minimize the dog “smell,” you can wash your basset hound with tar shampoo or add a little diluted acetic acid to the bath. If your dog smells too much of a nasty odor, there is a chance that he has contracted a fungus or his anal glands are clogged. The latter happens often with Basset Hounds. Have you noticed that your pet has started to walk backwards on the floor? Urgently take him to a specialist to clear the clogged passages, or do the procedure yourself, following step-by-step instructions.
Basset Hounds' fan-shaped ears require extra attention. Not only will you have to constantly monitor whether water has entered the ear canal when bathing your dog, you must set aside time for daily “inspection” of the ear funnel and ventilation. Total surveillance of a pet's face also takes place. Basset hounds are also slobbery creatures, and they have a specific way of lapping (splashes and puddles like a fountain in all directions), so you will have to be on duty near the dog with a towel willy-nilly. Basset hound eye hygiene consists mainly of wiping the mucous membrane with herbal infusions (tea, chamomile). Remember to take care of your dog's thick paws by cleaning them after walks with a damp cloth and trimming their nails about a couple times a month.
Toilet
There is no need to invent a special technique for training a basset hound to use a litter tray or newspaper.
These cunning people cope with the traditional program. A separate question is how often they follow the rules. Of course, among the representatives of the Basset family there are real perfectionists who humbly do their “things” where they should be, but less than half are such goodies. The remaining 50% periodically mine the living space in which they live. There may be several reasons for this, ranging from the desire to annoy the owner and ending with the inability to wait with the toilet before going for a walk. Many Basset Hounds do toilet mischief at a young age and, when they grow up, give it up completely. However, it is almost impossible to predict how a particular puppy will behave, since each Basset is a small, eared individual with a unique character and inclinations. Sometimes a dog may stubbornly refuse to go to the toilet during a walk, and when he comes home, he immediately leaves a “puddle” on the floor. This is already a protest that should not be allowed to happen again. If a dog comes into your home without relieving itself on the street, after five minutes take it for a walk again, and so on until the animal understands that it will not be left alone.
Walking and hunting
Basset hounds are real undercover agents. As soon as the dog leaves the boundaries of his own entrance, he instantly becomes active, transforming from a couch potato into a stubborn tracker. Remember this feature of the breed and do not let the animal off the leash near highways. The standard walking schedule for a basset hound is morning and evening, about an hour each. However, if it is possible to take your pet out more often, this is a big plus. A healthy basset will never refuse an extra walk, and unscheduled walks are especially useful for young individuals with unformed toilet etiquette.
Basset hound on a walk
Breeders advise taking Basset Hounds outdoors according to the number of feedings, that is, if a 4-month-old puppy empties his bowl five times a day, he should have the same number of trips outside. Your Basset Hound should be walked at a brisk but relaxed pace. Do not burden your dogs with marathon runs - the breed is not created for them. It’s better to walk along the street with your pet, play ball or catch, but without fanaticism.
The Basset Hound's coat is dense, with a good layer of undercoat, so the breed does not need warming blankets in cold weather. However, you can often see dogs in overalls. Such equipment is associated with the owner’s desire to protect the pet’s fur from dirt and splashes, which the Basset’s low belly attracts like a magnet. An important point: as befits a hunting dog, the Basset Hound likes to camouflage itself on the street. He does this in the traditional way, wallowing in carrion and even feces. This, by the way, is an additional reason to dress the long-eared lawless man in a blanket.
The main working qualification of Basset Hounds is blood trail hunting, which they did brilliantly in England. The dog’s strong, short legs were very useful here, as they helped to get through the dense thickets of bushes and rhizomes. Funny ears of the breed are also a useful “accessory”. The canvas fluttering as it ran “captured” the smell of game and brought it to the dog’s sense of smell.
As for Russian hunters, they prefer “full-size” hounds to basset hounds. This selectivity is explained by the fact that it is problematic for short-legged basset hounds to hunt in the middle zone. In particular, in snowy winters the dog will drown in snowdrifts. We should not forget that the optimal prey for the breed has always been rabbits, which are extremely rarely hunted in Russia. For this reason, the vast majority of domestic Basset Hounds are decorative dogs with developed, but not practical, hunting instincts.
Bloodhound in action
Great! You are joining the police
Feeding
The Basset Hound is a fast-growing breed. In particular, at 3.5 months the puppy’s milk teeth are completely replaced by permanent ones, and its skeleton gradually finishes forming. Due to this feature, babies need to be fed nutritiously from the first months of life. The main dish for Basset Hound puppies is porridge with beef, in addition to which you can give low-fat kefir or fermented baked milk. The approximate serving size for a 2-month-old puppy is 100-200 g; for 3-4 month old individuals – 400 g; from 4 to 6 months. – 500-600 g.
You can't do that
And so too 
It is customary to transfer 10-month-old Basset Hounds to two meals a day and an adult diet. At this age, the breed can eat almost anything, including offal, fish fillets, vegetables (except potatoes and legumes), fruits, cereal porridges, and, as a rare treat, brain bones. Supplements with calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D are another mandatory menu item for both adolescent and adult basset dogs: the load on the joints of the breed is colossal. Growing puppies may benefit from adding chondroitin and glucosamine supplements to their food to prevent them from growing up with bow legs. But basset hounds do not require a special gastronomic variety. If the dog is healthy and leads an active lifestyle, he will eat everything that smells edible. Experienced breeders recommend not to be touched by the dog’s brutal appetite, but to restrain it, because the breed gains weight masterfully.
Throwing food into a bowl and forgetting about the Basset Hound will not work: engrossed in the process, he will definitely rinse his ears in the bowl. To prevent this from happening, it is better to tie the “locators” with an elastic band at the back of the head. In addition, after a meal, a small amount of food remains in the Basset Hound's cheek pouches, which over time begins to smell unpleasant. You will have to get rid of the rotting remains manually: open the dog’s mouth and remove the decomposing pulp with a cloth.
Characteristics and description of the breed
Aggressiveness
The breed is not characterized by aggressiveness towards people and other animals. It is difficult to provoke the Basset Hound into a fight with other dogs; thanks to its calm temperament, it prefers to remain on the sidelines. At a show, a dog showing aggression will be disqualified because this quality does not correspond to the breed.
Activity
The Basset Hound is moderately active and it is important to go for walks at least twice a day, but it does not have to be very vigorous. A walk at a moderate pace is enough for the dog; it is not necessary to run and do exercises. If the basset has become noticeably less active than before, this may be due to age-related changes or health problems, for example, excess weight gain.
Suitable activities:
- walk
- a game
- training
- hunting
Training
The Basset is not very easy to train, as stubbornness is an important trait of its character. However, it is quite possible to teach a dog many commands. Be sure to start classes from a very early age: later it will be much more difficult to instill an interest in learning teams. There must be an abundance of positive incentives to reinforce the execution of commands, this could be:
- delicacy
- weasel
- a game
If you always use only one thing, the basset will quickly become bored; it is important to alternate. Requiring your dog to follow commands without reward is not an effective strategy. It is important to repeat all the learned commands, because they are forgotten quite quickly.
Important: since the basset is an extremely sensitive dog, it may refuse to train if it is stressed or offended by its owner. In this case, his stubbornness will manifest itself to the fullest.
Shedding
The breed sheds all year round, being most active in spring and autumn. At this time, you need to pay more attention to combing. The basset has short hair, so the molting period will not cause much discomfort to the owners. A brush will be needed to maintain the appearance of the coat and help the dog get rid of old hair and dead skin particles.
Need for care
Bassets are not very fastidious dogs. Even the owner, without much experience in living with pets, can handle them. The most basic requirements:
- comfortable place for a dog
- balanced diet
- sufficient activity (walking)
- coat and face care
- contacting a veterinarian if necessary
Friendliness and attitude towards children
The breed is absolutely peaceful, the dog chooses one main owner (the person who interacts with him the most), but treats all family members very well and warmly. There is no need to be afraid for the children: the basset will not harm them, will be patient with pranks and will be able to support joint games and entertainment.
Health
Dogs of the breed have fairly good health, but they also have their weaknesses. First of all, these are the joints, which bear a lot of stress due to the characteristics of the physique. In addition, representatives of the breed are prone to overeating. Other weak points are the ears and eyes. If you carefully study the features of care and monitor the dog’s health, while always contacting a veterinarian in a timely manner, the life of your four-legged pet will be long and happy.
Attitude towards loneliness
The Basset does not tolerate loneliness well, perhaps the fact is that initially it is a dog living in a pack of hounds. In addition, hunting dogs are human-oriented; they exist in close alliance with their owner. Longing for loneliness, the Basset may begin to bark and howl heart-rendingly, which will displease the neighbors. Another way the Basset Hound deals with abandonment stress is by overeating. You should not leave a lot of food if you leave, because the dog will not feel the edges and will eat everything that is there. A Basset, left at home without company, can ruin furniture, chew off shoes and clothes, and peel off wallpaper. You should not punish or strongly scold your pet for this; you need to understand that the dog does all this to cope with his strong feelings. The solution to the problem is to remove all valuables so that they cannot be reached. In addition, you should not suddenly leave your basset hound alone, you need to prepare him by leaving him for short periods of time, which will gradually increase.
Important: You can leave some of your items specifically for your pet. An old T-shirt is ideal; the smell of the owner emanating from it will calm the dog.
Maintenance cost
The breed does not have high requirements for living conditions, so it is suitable for people of any income. You will need everything the same as for all other dogs:
- bed
- bowls for food and water
- coat care products (shampoo, combing brush)
- collar and leash
- toys
- balanced cooked food or breed-appropriate food
- vitamins, calcium, to maintain health
- parasite remedies
Read Origin and characteristics of the Australian Bulldog breed
The Basset does not require mandatory professional grooming, of course, except in cases where the animal is already very neglected. This significantly saves the budget, because the owner will be able to cope with the care and maintenance of the pet’s appearance on his own.
Intelligence
These dogs are very smart, they look for their own benefit and can invent ways to disobey their owner. For example, during training, a basset may stubbornly refuse to follow commands if he does not like what he is rewarded with. The dog loves to perform all sorts of interesting tasks together with its owner. Since the Basset is a hunting breed, it is close to activity in this area. You can bury a toy in the ground after letting your dog sniff it. The Basset will gladly take part in such games; due to his intelligence, he even needs such stimulation to perform work tasks.
It is important to understand that dogs of this breed love to test boundaries. If something is forbidden to them, they will not necessarily follow the rules; rather, they will prefer to achieve what they want.
Noise
Basset Hounds are usually not very noisy. The exception is when they are left alone. For a dog, such a situation will become a reason for barking or howling.
Important: Dogs are famous for their deep, chesty, booming voices, which can be a problem for neighbors.
Security qualities
On the one hand, the basset loves to bark, especially if there are no loved ones around. So he can act as a siren when a stranger approaches. On the other hand, dogs of this breed are very friendly. They will not rush at a stranger, but can only scare you with their excessive love when they are happy that someone has finally come to them.
Lifespan
Bassets usually live 10-15 years. The type of care given to a dog can greatly affect its lifespan.
Basset Hound Health and Diseases
Master, let's always walk like this? I like!
Basset hounds are not such frail dogs, but they do have their weak points. For example, like any fold-eared breed, basset dogs are susceptible to otitis media. Von Willebrand's disease (blood clotting disorder) was inherited from their ancestors, just like an allergy to certain types of plants and a tendency to volvulus. The wide, plump paws of Basset Hounds are another vulnerable spot where abscesses, fungus, and interdigital cysts sometimes occur.
Panostitis is a rather unpleasant breed disease. The disease is accompanied by temporary lameness, which is why it is often confused with hip dysplasia and luxating patella. Panostitis occurs only in puppies, does not require surgical intervention, and by the age of two years it ceases to bother the animal. However, due to the difficulty of diagnosing basset hounds with this disease, they are mistakenly operated on, which does not have the best effect on the dog’s health.
Care and maintenance
Modern basset dogs are not well suited to living outdoors, so enclosures and kennels are not a suitable place for them. The Basset Hound needs to live in a house or apartment. Caring for Basset Hounds is not difficult. A soft bed, a stand with adjustable height of bowls, toys - a standard set for a domestic dog.
But there are also features:
- The Basset will most likely decide on its own place to sleep and rest. Persuading him to change places is problematic.
- The basset's paws are quite fragile at an early age - up to about a year. It is necessary to exclude jumping even from the sofa, and climb stairs with a puppy in your arms.
Hygiene
- be brushed twice a week. This includes tidying up the fur, massage, and stimulating blood circulation. During molting - in spring and autumn - combing becomes a daily procedure. Basset hounds do not need a haircut.
- Water treatments - twice a month. Basset Hounds have a specific smell from their fur, and their short legs make it difficult to keep them clean during walks. When washing, only special shampoo is used so as not to harm the Basset's skin and coat.
- Ears require special attention - both when bathing, when you need to make sure that no water gets into them, and when cleaning. Ventilation of the ears in this breed is poor, so inflammation is not uncommon. Ear examinations should be done weekly, as should cleaning of excess wax. A cotton pad and veterinary lotion will help.
- The eyes are also a vulnerable spot for the basset. They are prone to conjunctivitis and excessive tearing. Regular rinsing with chamomile infusion or veterinary lotion will help with prevention.
- Folds in the skin are another “sore point” for the Basset. After each meal and walk, it is necessary to wipe the folds on the animal’s face so that food debris and dirt do not accumulate in them. In combination with excessive salivation, a favorable environment is created for pathogenic bacteria.
- Nails must be trimmed as they grow using a nail clipper.
Walk
The recommended time for walking Basset Hounds is twice a day for an hour or more. During a walk, the basset hound transforms from a couch snob into a gambling hunter.
It is better not to let your Basset Hound off the leash in public places: chasing a cat or bird can lead him far. But free range is also necessary for representatives of the breed.
While walking, you should not overload your basset with marathons or speed running. Tagging in a limited space and playing with a ball are much better suited. Walking on a leash should not be exhausting for the dog and the owner, but a “snail” pace is not suitable either.
Proper camouflage is one of the traits of a hunter, so the basset willingly rolls around in mud, carrion, and waste products. The owner should be more careful while walking.
To protect the dog from the effects of camouflage and road dirt, many owners use overalls. They serve to protect the dog from pollution, not from weather conditions. Dense wool with a thick undercoat provides excellent protection from frost and heat.
Feeding
The Basset Hound is one of those breeds that knows no limits. He is ready to eat, eat and eat, so control over the number of meals, diet, portion size falls entirely on the owner.
The Basset is quite happy with dry food, but not less than super premium food. Such food contains everything necessary for health, good quality of life, and development of a representative of the breed. The serving size is indicated on the package.
An adult Basset Hound eats twice a day. Sad eyes and requests for more will have to be reluctantly refused.
Basset hounds are prone to obesity , which leads to a huge number of health problems, so no feeding, no increased portions - the basset simply cannot get enough.
With natural feeding, the Basset Hound diet includes:
- lean meat;
- low-fat fermented milk products;
- sea fish fillet;
- vegetables and fruits;
- cereals
Strictly prohibited:
- fat meat;
- marinades and pickles;
- smoked meats and sausages;
- sweet and flour dishes;
- chocolate;
- canned food;
- River fish;
- legumes
With a natural diet, it is necessary to periodically add vitamin and mineral complexes to food - the necessary things are simply not found in ordinary foods. Mixing natural feeding and dry food is strictly prohibited.
How to choose a puppy
- If you didn’t manage to meet professional basset hound breeders at the exhibition, contact the breed club, where there are always addresses of reliable kennels.
- Inspect and compare a couple, or better yet, three litters at once.
- Gently feel the tail of the Basset Hound puppy you like. It should be smooth and elastic. Creases and curvatures are a significant defect that is worth bargaining for to bring down the price.
- Carefully examine the babies' paws. Preference is for a basset hound with thick, even legs, indicating solid bone structure.
- Unfold the puppy ears and look into the ear canal. There should be no shortness or sulfur in it, as well as an unpleasant odor.
- Turn your little basset hound over onto his back and examine his belly for excessive bloat or herniation.
- Observe how the puppy you are interested in behaves in the pack, whether it eats with appetite, and whether it is frightened by every rustle.
Character and training
The adorable puppy in the photo turns out to be a stubborn, touchy and very independent pet. The classic characteristics of the breed more than correspond to reality - Basset Hounds are proud, calm, clean, and a little aloof. Many owners agree with the catchphrase: “If you need an owner, get a Basset Hound.”
Basset lovers note gentleness, calmness and a complete lack of aggression as the key characteristics of the breed. Naturally, if a child grabs the dog’s ears or deliberately causes pain to the animal, then the docile nature will evaporate. The Basset Hound is not a nanny, he is a member of the family with the same rights as humans. It is also worth understanding that a dog with sad eyes is a mediocre guard. Undoubtedly, a four-legged pet will bark on the threshold, but rushing into battle to save property is the prerogative of guard dogs, not hounds.
The dog gets along well with other pets. Against the backdrop of an instinctive desire to form a pack, the Basset can be aggressive towards weaker relatives; most often, young males tend to dominate. The Basset is wary of strangers, but quickly softens when its owner is positive. The main indicator of a pet's mood is the tail; if it is raised high and does not move, the dog is alert.
In puppyhood, the ward should be led exclusively on a leash, firstly, the little Basset is quite timid, and secondly, the dog has a habit of ignoring the owner, carried away by the game. If you want to go off-leash in the future, socialization should come first. A growing four-legged animal will have a desire to chase anything that resembles prey, be it a cat, a mouse or a ferret. The puppy should have contact with cats as often as possible, under your supervision, of course. The cat is not in any danger, Bassets chase, but do not bite the prey, but the cat may not be so tolerant.
Note! Basset hounds hear perfectly, but ignore commands if they are carried away by the prey rut.
Many owners, having heard about the difficulty of training Bassets, initially raise the four-legged dog as a couch dog. This is completely wrong! An adult Basset Hound is strong, stubborn and weighs a lot. If the four-legged dog does not obey, an ordinary walk can end in failure. Training hounds is always more difficult than training working breeds. You will need much more time and patience, you will have to use tricks and find motivation. If you are not prepared for the difficulties of training a dog, the Basset Hound is not for you. It should be noted that the four-legged dog will stubbornly ignore orders that, in his opinion, are useless, so your task is to teach your ward basic commands and calling.
The Basset Hound has its pros and cons, but these dogs are the best at what they do - they can follow the scent for hours, without getting tired or stopping. Otherwise, the ward’s abilities will depend on the amount of time the owner invested in training. The breed is prone to calm, even apathetic behavior at home, but like any four-legged animal it needs exercise - walks and, if possible, coursing.
Note! Bassets don't have the agility or speed to boast of, but they are very good at digging, so if your pet wanders around the property, it's worth keeping an eye on him.
