Basset Hound
One of the most unusually shaped dogs in the entire canine world, the Basset Hound is also one of the friendliest. This sweet and gentle dog loves everybody, including children. The word bas means “low” in French, and while most dogs in the basset family indeed originated in France, the Basset Hound that most Americans know and love is believed to have been developed in Britain, and as recently as this past century. This loveable dog with the long, low body, droopy ears, and sad expression is loved around the globe. He has appeared in numerous feature films, and been the subject of many cartoons and comic strips. Most will recognize the cartoon character “Droopy Dog”, and still others certainly are familiar with the comic strip Fred Basset. A reliable hunting partner, the Basset Hound also makes a delightful pet, especially in homes with small children.
Here is a great ebook on training your basset hound. Written specifically for the bassett hound breed.
Origin
The French originally developed scent trailing dogs to hunt small game, particularly rabbits. This formed the beginning of the basset breeds. There is considerable speculation that today’s version of the Basset Hound, as we know it, was sculpted in Great Britain. There is little doubt however that the Basset Hound’s breeding was greatly influenced by that of the Bloodhound. Its remarkable ability to concentrate on a single scent, second only to the Bloodhound, quickly earned it immense respect as a hunting partner. In addition, the unique body shape proved remarkably adept at traversing dense forest growth. Rumor has it that Marquis de Lafayette brought Basset Hounds to the United States as a gift to George Washington to be used on his own hunting excursions.
Appearance
Known around the world as the “Hush Puppy” the Basset Hound has the head of a Bloodhound and the body of a Dachshund. It features short, stocky legs on a sturdy, barrel shaped body. It has a hard, dense coat over loose and folded skin. The breed’s long droopy ears, which are actually quite functional to this scent hound, are velvety soft. These characteristics all combine to give the Basset Hound a humorous look, with somewhat slow movements, but it is far from being a clumsy dog. All true hound colors - white, tan, and black in various combinations are seen.
Males are 12-15 inches and 50-65 lbs. Females are 11-14 inches and 45-60 lbs.
Temperament
Sweet, friendly, loveable all come to mind when searching for words to describe the Basset Hound. He is a good natured, sociable dog that is incredibly gentle with children. However, the Basset Hound can be stubborn at times and as such is among the most difficult breeds to house train, so owners must be patient. This can be corrected though with early obedience training. They do slobber a bit as well and tend to drink water rather sloppily so they may not be the best choice for those that keep an immaculate household. Still, you would be hard pressed to find a better breed for a pet if your family has small children. Don’t make the mistake of expecting a good watch dog though because the Basset Hound loves just about everybody. He would probably lick a stranger to death before biting him.
Grooming
The Basset Hound’s short, dense, all-weather coat sheds moderately and will benefit from a once a week brushing. It cannot be overstated that this breed needs to have its pendulous ears cleaned once a week to prevent infections. The ears, chest and belly can get quite dirty too so your Basset Hound may require bathing a bit more than other breeds. As with most dogs, keep the nails trimmed regularly and monitor the eyes for health.
Exercise
Brisk, daily walks as well as some time set aside for play will certainly help to keep the Basset Hound healthy, but discourage this breed from jumping which can stress the legs and spine. As with all scent hounds it is a good idea to use a leash, for this breed can easily wander off when following an interesting scent. Basset Hounds are prone to bloat so two or three small meals a day are recommended to avoid overfeeding.
Summary
There may not be a more loveable dog on the entire planet than the Basset Hound. Certainly not many breeds have the ability to capture one’s imagination at a single glance as this droopy eared, barrel shaped dog with the sad expression. The list of “famous” Basset Hounds either as pets or in print and film is lengthy. Ideal Toys even thought enough of this breed to create a battery operated version in the early 60’s. They named it “Gaylord” and sold thousands in the process. More than likely, many of today’s baby boomers probably remember him as their first “pet.” He is so enamored with his people that the Basset Hound will howl if left alone for too long. Then again, so enamored are owners of this fellow that they themselves rarely want to be apart from him.
For more information on the Basset Hound please read The complete Basset