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 Basset Hound Training and Temperament
The Basset Hound is gentle well-behaved. They fit well into family life. Affectionate with its master and friendly with children. May be a bit stubborn.
Housebreaking is difficult and needs gentle patient training and positive reinforcement. As with all dogs, Basset Hound training should be started as a puppy. To prevent behavioral problems later in life, training should follow a recognized training regime.
Either enroll in a certified local dog training school or read this.
First Impressions
A long, low dog with wrinkled skin. The Basset's leg bones are the heaviest of any breed.
The History Of The Basset Hound
The Basset Hound originated in France during the 1500's.
The Basset family of dogs originated in France but breed that Americans know as the Basset was refined in England in the latter part of the 19th century.
The scent trailing breed was refined by the French to hunt rabbit, hare, deer and other game on foot. The short strong legs and bulky body make the Basset especially useful for punching through dense cover.
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885.
Description Of The Basset Hound
The long, hanging ears are not altered and help gather scent into the nose while tracking. Tails are carried above the line of the back and are not altered.
The breed average height is Dogs 12 - 15 inches & Bitches 11 - 14 inches. Dogs weigh 50 - 65 pounds and bitches 45 - 60 pounds.
The skin is loose and falls in folds on the head. The velvety ears are very long and should meet above the top of the nose and fold and not appearing flat. Sad brown eyes should show prominent haw. The Basset has a very pronounced dewlap. His chest is deep and extends in the front of the forelegs.
Coat & Grooming
The smooth, short-haired coat is easy to groom. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and shampoo only when necessary. Wipe under the ears every week and trim toenails regularly. This breed is a constant shedder.
Life Expectancy and Health
The average life span for a Basset Hound is around 10-12 years.
Relatively healthy breed. Do not overfeed because extra weight places too great a load on the legs and spine. A problem area is possible lameness and eventual paralysis because of the short legs and a long, heavy body. Prone to bloat so it is preferable to feed them two or three small meals a day instead of one big large one.
Please read our page on health problems by clicking here.
Preferred Environment and Exercise Requirements
The Basset hound will be fine in an apartment. They are inactive indoors but outdoors they will play for hour, given the chance. They can get by without a yard. To keep the Basset Hound healthy, it should be given plenty of exercise, but discourage it from jumping and stressing the front legs.
For More Information on the Basset Hound
To get more information, check out the Basset Hound web site:
www.basset-bhca.org
There may also be rescue dogs available. Check for details on:
www.bassethoundrescue.com
Summary
Bassets used for hunting are longer in the leg and not as stocky as show and pet dogs. George Washington hunted with a pair of Bassets given to him by Lafayette.
:: Basset Hound Training ::
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