The Basset was bred for hunting small game. The Basset's long ears were developed to stir up and hold the scent for their strong nose to smell. The folds of skin under the chin, called the dewlap, help trap and hold the scent. Wrinkles about the head and face also help in holding the scent. Their large feet make them steady and the heavy bones make them sturdy. With their short legs they are ideal for slow trailing which allows hunters to follow on foot. The Basset is used primarily to hunt rabbit .
"How big is a grown Basset and how should they look?
The adult male Basset Hound usually weighs between 55 and 75 pounds, and stands 12-, to not more than 15-inches tall at the shoulder. They are a big dog on short legs. The female is usually about 10 pounds lighter .The Basset has a large, well proportioned head, sad, droopy eyes with a prominent haw; and long, low-set ears and loose facial skin and dewlap. A muscular neck and shoulders arch above a powerful chest, and the stubby legs are tipped with huge paws.
"What type of temperament do Basset hounds have?
Basset Hounds have gentle dispositions. They were bred to be pack dogs and to get along with each other. the male is as friendly, mild, and easy to live with as the female.
"Are Basset Hounds hard to groom?
The Basset Hound should be brushed weekly to remove any loose hair and dirt. Bassets do not shed very much if brushed regularly.
Regular grooming beginning with a puppy helps create a bond between owner and pet. Wipe out the insides of the ears once a week. Clean the outside of the ears also because they often drape in food and water dishes and pick up dirt from the ground. And keeping the nails trimmed regularly is important. Doing this from the time they are a puppy makes your job and your vets job much easier when they are an adult.
"Are Basset Hounds healthy dogs?
The Basset hounds are not prone to as many hereditary weaknesses that are present in some other breeds. It is important that the Basset hound is not allowed to become overweight,this could lead to arthritis, and back problems,they are also prone to glaucoma and Bloat.
" Does the Basset Hound make a good pet?
"YES! The Basset Hound is one of the best dogs available for a family to love. They are extremely tolerant and love everyone in the family equally. They are a very gentle, sweet, loyal and affectionate breed, Bassets can be quite stubborn at times but do fine with consistant training . They get along well with other pets of various species. They are not an aggressive watchdog but will learn to give a deep bark .. Otherwise, they will accept visitors with a sniff and return to a favorite corner. The Basset Hound is a great pet who will play with children, make a good hunter, and sit by their owner's side during quiet times.
Helpful Tips:
I highly recommend crate training. This is just like putting a Baby in a play pen ,It provides safety and security for the puppy anytime that is unable to be supervised. This also will help a great deal with potty training because by Instinct dogs don't like to soil where they sleep.
Obedience school is one of the best things you can do for your puppy and yourself. Obedience school will teach you how to train your puppy properly . And the better behaved your dog is the happier everyone will be .
It is also very Important to handle your puppy as much as you possibly can. we start handling our puppies from the day they are born. ( this is fun because they are so adorable) but it is also the building blocks to developing your puppies personality . It creates a bond between the puppy and his humans, it teaches them to trust, to love .And it teaches them to pay attention to you and that helps with training
I spend alot of time grooming the puppies, just simple things like trimming nails( mom appreciates this) cleaning thier ears and looking in thier mouth. I just pester them all the time. But it really makes them laid back and tollerant and Believe me when its time for that check up your vet will Just love you for it! Last
But not Least your Best training tool is Praise, Praise, Praise with a Basset Hound Kindness will get you everywhere!!!!!!!