Hound Dog

The Basset Hound is but the cutest and friendliest Hound Dog, and his exceptional scenting ability has earned him a world wide glory. The Basset Hound of today retains his hunting gift, and he also makes a wonderful home companion. These dogs are very people-oriented, and they appreciate all sorts of interaction. Being pack animals, they like it when there is someone around, and they are known to get on well with other pets.

Although this Hound Dog is very intelligent and active, it can be hard to train. Most probably, this is because of these dogs’ keen noses, since smells often distract their attention from what they are supposed to be concentrated on. These dogs are also difficult to housebreak. Training Basset Hounds is difficult, but not impossible. It takes a little bit of patience, consistency and experience to properly train this stubborn little creature. Because they are hard to train, breeders do not recommend them for novice dog owners.

Basset Hounds appreciate exercise, but they do not require a large yard. It is very important to keep them physically fit, because this breed shows proneness to obesity and orthopedic problems resulting from excessive weight. These Hound Dogs like daily walks, but they should not be permitted to roam the area unleashed, because their nose can drive them away for good.

Basset Hounds measure 13-15 inches high at the withers. They are much longer than they are tall, and have short legs. Basset Hounds have long hanging ears and loose skin on the face and around the neck. The loose skin contributes to the sad facial expression typical of the breed. These Hound Dogs may come in various color combinations, such as black and tan and white, red and white, etc.

The Basset Hound is a generally healthy dog, but this is only if the owner cares for him properly. These dogs should not be overfed in order to avoid excessive weight. Ears require daily care, because they often trail on the ground and pick up dirt. The dirt, unless cleared in due time, may result in inflammation and festering, which can develop into a serious problem. Basset Hounds are also susceptible to gastric torsion, a serious intestinal disorder, which requires immediate assistance. This is a long-lived Hound Dog, its life span averaging 12-14 years.