|
The Sweet And Loveable Basset Hound Dog Breed
By Lee Dobbins The name, Basset Hound, derives from the word “bas”, which means low in French. Many believe this dog is a genetic dwarf and were actually born from other litters of French hounds. It is a direct descendant of the bloodhound. This breed has been a round for a very long time. Full article
The Basset Hound: The "Hush Puppy" Breed
By Michael Russell
The Basset Hound is believed to have developed from a "curiosity" in the sixteenth century. Apparently a mutation developed in the litters of stag hounds in France in which puppies were born with short legs. (The French word "basset" means "low-set". ) These mutated puppies were bred together and the short, long bodied Basset Hound was born. The breed was introduced into Great Britain in the late 1800s and immediately became a favorite of Queen Alexandra's court. By 1886 there were more than 100 Bassets entered at a London Dog Show. In 1892 Sir Everett Millais, considered to be one of the main "founding fathers" of the breed in Britain, introduced the Bloodhound into the breeding, in part to guarantee against the inherent dangers which can be present in a small gene pool. Full article All About the Basset Hound Dog Breed
By Sarah Freeland The Basset Hound: A British bred dog perfect for a family
The Basset Hound, also sometimes called the “Hush Puppy”, is a British breed that descends from the French Stag Hound. It is a short and heavy set dog breed that only grows to be about 15 inches tall. Their weight should range between 40 and 60 pounds when fully grown. They have a short dense fur coat that comes in such colors as white, tan, yellow, and black. Spots and masking are also common. Full article Basset Hound Puppy And Dog Information
By Mitch Endick Basset Hounds: Ten Things to Know About this Lovable Pet
By Robert Knechtel Hound Dog Breeds:The Top Ten Dogs In This Group
By Mike Mathews The Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is a short-legged breed of dog of the hound family. They are scent hounds, bred to hunt by scent. Their sense of smell for tracking is second only to that of the Bloodhound. The name Basset derives from the French word "bas" meaning "low;" "basset" (-et attenuating suffix) meaning, literally, "rather low. Average Characteristics of a Basset Hound
Build: Short-legged; proportionally heavier in bone than any other breed of dog
Weight: 50-65 pounds (23-29kg)
Height: 12-15 inches (30-38cm)
Coat: Short, hard and shiny
Color: Any recognized hound color is acceptable
Head: Large and well proportioned
Teeth: Scissors or even bite
Eyes: Brown, soft, sad, and slightly sunken, showing a prominent haw
Ears: Extremely long, velvety in texture, hanging in loose folds, low set, and when drawn forward, fold well over the end of the nose
Tail: Never docked
Limbs: Short, powerful, heavy
Feet: Massive, very heavy with tough heavy pads
Life span: Median 10-12 years Temperament
The Basset Hound is often considered a friendly breed. Bassets are friendly and welcome the opportunity to make new friends. For this reason they are an excellent pet for families with children and other pets. In fact, it is recommended that since Bassets are "pack" animals, if the Basset must be left alone on a daily basis during the daytime while the family is away, a second pet in the family will keep a Basset out of "trouble". Bassets hate to be alone. Like Beagles, Bassets can be excitable and may be when meeting someone new, especially other dogs.
While Bassets love food and may be less energetic than some breeds, they will exercise regularly if given the chance. Bassets are very friendly with young children. Most Bassets enjoy activities that use their natural endurance, like long walks or hikes. They also enjoy tracking games that let them use their powerful nose. Listening is another skill they have due to their large ears increasing their hearing range.[citation needed]
Like other hounds, Basset Hounds are often difficult to train. Many Basset Hounds will obey commands when offered a food reward, but will "forget" the training when a reward is not present. Bassets are notoriously difficult to housebreak. Training and housebreaking are not impossible, however, and can be accomplished with consistency and patience on the part of the owner. Though basset hounds may be rather difficult to train, they are good problem solvers.
The breed has a strong hunting instinct and will give chase or follow a scent if given the opportunity. They should be trained in recall; failing that, they should be kept on a leash when out on walks.
Bassets might howl or bark when they want something or to suggest that they think something is wrong (like a storm is coming). They also use a low, murmuring whine to get attention, which sounds to many owners as though their Bassets are "talking." This whine is also used by the hound to beg (for food or treats) and varies in volume depending on the nature of the individual hound and length of time it has been begging Hunting Hunting with Basset Hounds in a similar fashion as a fox hunt is common in the Mid-Atlantic States of Maryland, Virginia , New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Several private and membership packs exist in these locals. Hunting for cotton tails and hare is the quarry of preference. There were a number of Basset Hound packs in its original home of England when the hunting of hares (see Beagling) was made illegal by the Hunting Act 2004.
Hunting a hound pack requires a staff which consists of a Huntsman and the Whipper-Ins who are responsible for order and discipline of the pack. A Field Master is in charge of the field (members of the hunt and guests) that follows behind observing the hounds work the covert. Most clubs will hunt in traditional attire of a green jacket and brush pants. Recognized clubs offer those members who have supported the pack the opportunity to wear colors on the collar to indicate rank in the club.
These packs are typically of English and French hound blood lines with a mix of AKC blood lines in some packs. The National Beagle Club located at the Institute Farm in Aldie, Virginia approximately 50 miles west of Washington D.C. host spring and fall field trials for basset hounds. The competition held over a 4-day period with participating packs hunting in the traditional manner in braces of up to 1 hour and 15 minutes. The pack size for each competition varies, from 3 to 7 couple. Basset Hound Health
Because of the extremely long ears of bassets they are prone to ear disease. If their ears are allowed to dangle on the ground or in food on a daily basis they are capable of developing chronic and potentially fatal ear diseases. The most common health issues noted by owners were dermatologic, reproductive, musculoskeletal arthritis, lameness, and gastrointestinal. Related Articles
What Your Basset Hound Inherits
By Richard Cussons
Diseases That Can Affect A Basset Hound Dog
By Richard Cussons Chocolate is Very Dangerous For Your Dog
By Linda McRae Five Tips for Better Vet Visits with Basset Hounds
By Richard Cussons Care
Basset Hound owners should take particular note of the prevalence of GDV (gastric dilatation volvulus, also known as bloat or torsion) in this breed because this emergency condition requires immediate veterinary care if the dog is to survive.
Excessive weight in a long-backed, short-legged dog exacerbates musculoskeletal issues.
Long ears are prone to infection if not cleaned regularly. Derma Pet ear cleaning solution is a good choice to maintain the ears. The pronounced haw of Basset Hound eyes can become dry and irritated. Training
Training is a touchy topic when dealing with the Basset Hound breed. Gentle and patient training is the most effective form of training. Trainers must be persistent with this breed in order to achieve a well mannered dog. Bassets have a tendency to become stubborn by listening to their noses rather than their masters. Owners need to make the training process lively and entertaining to allow the Basset to learn more efficiently. Related articles
Basset Hound Training Essentials
By Richard Cussons Basset Hound Training - Teaching Your Dog About Noise
By Richard Cussons Links
Basset Hound Rescue | 
