Basset Hound

Basset Hound

They are friendly, gentle, and well behaved. They are very affectionate and respond well to consistent training. Basset Hounds are prone to hip, knee, and elbow problems, so it is important to consider this when choosing one. Hereditary disorders include Von Willebrand disease and hyperthyroidism.  Basset Hounds can be kept indoors or outdoors. They are inactive when kept inside, but enjoy running when outdoors. This breed makes a good apartment dog, but it needs regular exercise.

Description 

 Basset Hounds are usually white in color, with black and tan, red, honey, or lemon markings. They have long, droopy ears, large heads, long muzzles, and loose skin. Males average 12-15 inches long and 50-60 pounds, while females are 11-14 inches long and 45-60 pounds.

Basset Hounds originated in France, and are a descendent of the St. Hubert's Hound, which was similar to the Bloodhound. They were favored by rabbit hunters because of their short stature and excellent sense of smell. In the early 1900s, efforts were undertaken to develop a hunting line and a companion line of these dogs. Today's standard is a combination of both.

Training a Basset Hound:

Training is a touchy point with the Basset Hound as they are dogmatically resistant to it. However firm and persistent training started at an early age will teach this character some manners. Be gentle with your Basset Hound however, these are sensitive creatures and heavy-handedness will not work.

You should expose the young Basset hound to as many experiences as possible and encourage lots of play. This will build trust between you and your Basset and slowly establish you as the pack leader. They will thrive on a good routine and plenty of rest and supply plenty of toys to chew to save your furniture.

They will be slow to catch on to house training. This is not due to a lack of intelligence however. Keep a close eye on him after meals and give him plenty of praise when he does the ‘businesses in the right spot.