Basset Hound
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General Description
Basset Hounds have a body that is twice as long as it is tall. Their limbs are stout and their bodies are low to the ground. The breed’s chest is very deep and sticks out in front of the forelegs. The Basset Hound has a large head with a dome-shaped skull and prominent occiput. The plane of the breed’s muzzle is parallel to the top of the skull. Basset Hounds have very loose-fitting skin that falls in folds across the face and body. They have soft, velvet-like ears that are extremely long and meet beyond the top of the nose. Basset Hounds have large teeth that meet in a level or scissor bite and their lips hang down with loose flews. They have droopy brown eyes and a friendly, mope-y expression. Their dewlaps are prominent and their paws are large. Basset Hounds have a short, glossy coat that exists in a number of colors. White, chestnut, and sand-colored markings occur frequently.Know something we don't? Add it here
Character
Basset Hounds are good-natured, loving companion dogs with a sweet disposition. They make wonderful companion dogs and family pets. They are known for their mild temperament and affection towards their master and children. Although never aggressive or vicious (they never bite), Basset Hounds may be a bit stubborn. They are also comparatively difficult to housebreak. This breed needs gentle guidance and lots of positive reinforcement, but they are very obedient with proper training. They like to perform tricks for food and they will chase after an interesting scent. Basset Hounds are very good-natured and kind, but they are not timid. They are friendly and fit into family life quite well. This breed is known for its deep, musical bark.Because of their tendency to chase after scents, Basset Hounds should never be let outside off-leash unless they are in a securely fenced yard. Their ability to find their way back home often does not equal their ability to get lost chasing after interesting scents.
Size
11 – 15 inches
Weight
45 – 65 pounds
General Health
Basset Hounds should not be overfed. Weight gain puts a large amount of strain on this breed’s legs and spine. Because of their short legs and long, heavy body, Basset Hounds are susceptible to lameness and paralysis. They are also prone to bloat. Owners should carefully monitor this breed’s diet. Typically, Basset Hounds live for 10 to 12 years. They average 8 puppies per litter, but it is not infrequent for Basset Hounds to have more than 15 puppies in a litter.
History
Basset Hounds are a comparatively old breed that is a direct descendant of the Bloodhound. There are numerous sources that believe the Basset Hound originated from dwarf dogs that appeared in the litters of other types of French hunting hounds. “Basset Hound” is a name that was coined from the French word “bas” meaning “low”. The breed received popularity in 1863 after it was presented at the Paris Dog Show. Many breeders wished to preserve the hunting traits of the breed, but there were many others who wished to breed the Basset Hound as a companion dog. Through much selective breeding, American breeders developed a Basset Hound that possessed all the attributes of a wonderful companion dog without sacrificing its hunting abilities. In 1885 the Basset Hound was recognized by the American Kennel Club.
Maintenance
Basset Hounds have a smooth, short-haired coat that is easy to groom and maintain. This breed’s coat should be brushed with a firm bristle brush and shampooed only as necessary. Ears should be kept clean and toenails should be clipped regularly. Basset Hounds are constant shedders.
Ideal Environment
Basset Hounds should be given lots of exercise, but jumping and other activities that could put unnecessary stress on their front legs should be avoided. Basset Hounds are content to live in a small household or apartment, as long as they are taken for daily walks or get a chance to play outside on a regular basis. This breed is inactive indoors.
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Ask a QuestionBasset Hound Q&A
My 8 month old Basset Hound is extremely hyperactive and likes to bark and jump especially in the evenings. She gets a daily walk and play time, and is not created during the day. She is with company all day and is allowed to run around and play. What will help to calm her down in the evenings (this in when she gets her walk)? I know that this breed tends to be very stubborn about training and listening so I could use some tips on specific acitivities that are good for Basset Hounds.
I have been crate potty training my 11 week old basset for 3 weeks now. I know that she doesn't have full bladder control but I know she has some because she has only peed once in her kennel (I think something scared her, it was very unusual). I carry her outside immediately when I get her out of her kennel, put her on her leash, and take her to the same spot and say "go potty". Normally I make sure that she goes pee twice before I let her into the house. Sometimes she goes 3-4 times before she comes back in. When she does come into the house she has my undivided attention and I still take her back out every 5-10 minutes to pee again. After all this, she still has accidents in the house. I don't understand. Is this normal basset hound puppy behavior? Or am I doing something wrong?
Honestly, I wouldn't worry too much about it. One of the things people often forget to mention about Bassetts (and Hounds in general) is their sheer contrary stubbornness. I have two Bassetts that are about 7 now, and housebreaking them was, at first, a nightmare. Part of the problem is, of course, that you do have a puppy, but the real issue is that, smart as they are, Bassetts have to decide that THEY want to do or learn something before any kind of training is really effective. Unfortunately, the best advice I can give is to use crate and area restriction training, and patience and persistence. It is, sadly and humorously, just the way the breed is. It's an annoying, but also thoroughly amusing and endearing part of their personalities.
My 20-week-old basset still has accidents now and again. Your issue is exactly the same as mine was at the age she is. Bastian peed outside when i would say "go potty," but always seemed to go potty inside even if I took him out about 12-20 times a day. I even had a urine analysis conducted, but of course, nothing was wrong. IT REALLY HELPED to give him a treat every time he went potty outside and praise him. However, he would pretend to pee to try to get more treats. And once I stopped treating him, his training lapsed a bit, but he began to understand what I wanted from him so long as I praised him with words. He wasn't able to hold anything in long until he hit the 16 week mark. Overall, I think treating would help you, but it all comes down to taking her out within 7 minutes after eating, sleeping, or playing. The bladders of bassets must be weak until they're older and it sucks! Good luck!
I have 2 female basset hounds. One of them is a year old, and only at night, we still have problems with her potty training. We always take her outside on walks and to go potty before bed, but she still goes on her bed during the night. Neither dog cries during the night wanting to be let out. The other basset has no problems waiting until the morning. Any suggestions on how we can eliminate this problem?
I have the same problem with my two year old basset hound. She wakes me up about three times a night to take her out (I live in an apartment). When I take water away from her about two hours before we go to bed, she ends up waking me up in the middle of the night, barking at me, because she wants water in her bowl. I have even woken up to her drinking out of the toliet. I always take her out because I do not want her to mess inside my apartment, but I know that by taking her out, it is teaching her that it's ok to go that often. I feel your pain and I am still trying to figure out what to do about it.
You should try removing the water bowl during the night, that way her bladder won't get filled up until morning. There is also the possibility that she's got some sort of bladder issue. If the water bowl removal method doesn't work, you may have to see a vet.
How can I teach my basset to leave the garbage can alone?
Good luck on that! While the sprays help somewhat, the only real way is to make the trash can unreachable. My dogs eventually just started to ignore the sprays, so it was necessary to move the can and to make it unassailable to long bodies. After all, Bassetts are sometimes just noses attached to stomachs!
There are bitter apple and other scent/taste sprays that will help ward your dog away.
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-116x_120333588187.jpg "Basset Hound, 10, ready told you all bout him in the last picture")
-116x_120333567387.jpg "Basset Hound, 10, norman is a 10 year old basset hound he is tri coloured(black/brown/white)he is pure breed and he's just a lovley dog.")
