Basset Hound

Basset Hound

The Basset Hound first gained stardom as a breed when it was made famous on TV by Cleo. Following her popularity, the breed was made internationally famous when its endearing expression and other lovable characteristics were used to advertise the casual shoes called Hush Puppies; the breed was further popularized by the cartoon character Fred Basset.

The Basset Hound is an ancient breed of dog originating from France in the 1600s. It is believed that the short legs were originally the result of a congenital bone disease. The scenting ability of the dog remained perfect, and only the legs were shorter. A plausible story is that rather than this being seen as a problem, peasant hunters were delighted: before it was necessary to follow the long-legged hounds on a horse; now it could be followed on foot. If you have ever run after a Basset Hound, you will realize that despite its short legs, it can still move fast enough.

History:

The Basset Hound may have descended from some now extinct breed of French hunting dog such as the Basset d'Artois. Originally the short-legged variety may just have been kept as a curiosity, or perhaps the story of utilizing the short-legged variety for hunting on foot has some merit. Some authorities believe the Basset Hound was brought back from Constantinople (Istanbul) after the Crusades. However, the Basset Hound is certainly not of British or American origin. The English added the Bloodhound strain to the breed to produce a dog with a longer head.

Physical characteristics:

The short legs make the dog appear that it is half the height it should be, and twice the length. It is, however, a most substantial dog and its short legs are very powerful.

Height: 13 15 in (33 - 38 cm). Weight: 40 - 55 lb (18 - 25 kg). The Basset Hound has a dome-shaped broad head with loose skin falling in folds over the eyebrows. The muzzle is blunt-ended and the large teeth have a scissor bite. The lightly set oval eyes are usually hazel and contribute to the dog's endearing expression of good-natured intelligence. The ears start well back on the head and hang pendulously in loose folds curving slightly inwards. The muscly neck has a pronounced arch to it over strong shoulders. The powerful body is barrel-shaped with wrinkled forequarters.

The coat is short and dense and is generally any hound combination such as black, white and tan, or even yellow or white.

Behavior:

This large dog on short legs has a gentle temperament and is slow to anger. This dog knows that it is powerful and requires a strong hand when it is young. Its independent nature means that it must be adequately fenced or it will have a tendency to roam.

A Basset Hound can make a good watch-dog if it is encouraged to bark at the things you think are important. It certainly has an amazing bark which acts as a powerful deterrent to any would-be intruder.

Basset Hounds are normally sociable with other dogs and are keen to play. Their powerful bodies give them confidence and other dogs find their reduced height non-threatening.

Excellent family pets can be made from Basset Hounds because they are very tolerant of children. However, they do not take to commands easily unless you are most insistent. They are inclined to be very stubborn and it requires a deal of patience to train a Basset Hound. Children should not be allowed to tease the Basset Hound because although it does look very cuddly, it is still a very powerful animal under extreme provocation.

The Basset Hound should be exercised regularly, as it is easily bored. This hardy dog should be provided with a simple kennel for protection from the elements. The Basset Hound's long ears reduce air circulation and can become a problem. It is advisable to provide them with a deep and narrow food bowl so that their ears are not soiled with food. Failure to keep the ears clean can result in sores and other infections on the outside and they should also be regularly checked inside for infections. The nose should be checked periodically and especially after exercise, as grass seeds and other items can often become lodged inside.

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