Basset Hound Maintenance & Effort
Grooming
A Basset Hound is characterised by short soft fur that is easy to groom. Since Bassets are short in height, they tend to get dirty real soon especially when they are out playing in the yard or have gone for their long walks. Regular baths will be required to keep them clean. The paws of a Basset are larger than that of any breed and are sensitive in nature. After their playtime outside the house, it will be advisable to clean their paws and the space between will clean dry cloth so as to reduce the chances of infections. The ears of the Basset are extremely sensitive and also prone to infections. The long ears need to be cleaned regularly to avoid any ear infections. Also, it will be important to regularly brush the teeth of the Basset to avoid any dental infections and also for fresh breath at all times.
Basset Hound Health & Care
Common Health Issues
Bassets are normally a healthy breed but may be prone to certain health conditions, just like all other breeds. Before getting a puppy, do seek medical documents especially for the parents of the puppy to rule out any serious health condition. Some of the conditions that may affect a Basset puppy are:
Bloat or Gastric Dilatation Volvulus is a life threatening condition that affects deep chested dogs likes Basset Hounds, St. Bernards and Labradors Retrievers. To avoid bloat, it will be necessary that the feeding portions for the dog are measured and the dog is not involved in heavy exercises immediately after meal. GDV occurs when the stomach has a buildup of gas and twists and results in organ failure. If not treated in time, it can be fatal. Another hereditary disorder that can inflict a Basset Hound is Von Willebrand’s disease. If your dog has Von Willebrand’s , you will notice mild to moderately severe bleeding or prolonged bleeding time.
Glaucoma is a condition in which pressure builds up inside the eye and if left untreated can lead to optic nerve and retina damage. Though reasons unknown, Bassets are highly prone to developing glaucoma.
Bassets are also prone to allergies. Their explorations in the yard bring them in contact with a lot of allergens such a pollen or grass and can be extremely uncomfortable for them. Basset hounds are also prone to back problems due to their short stature and dense musculoskeletal structure. A Basset may hurt himself when trying to climb furniture or jumping off it or even if it is obese.
Ear infections are another common health problem that may inflict the Basset Hound. Their long ears trap air and dirt and make the ears prone to ear infections. Unhealthy lifestyle and lack of sufficient exercise can lead to obesity in a Basset. As pet parents one will have to give a controlled diet to the dog and ensure that ample amount of exercise is given to the dog.
Basset Hound Behavior
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Snappy
Patient
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Prefer Adults
Nanny
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Aloof
Best Buddy
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Poor
Excellent
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Headstrong
Obedient
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Moody
Always Ready
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Intolerant
Best Buddies
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Intolerant
Best Buddies
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Carefree
Doting
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Couch Potato
Energy Bundle
Temperament
Basset Hounds are mild mannered dogs with a very laid back temperament. Easy to manage, Bassets easily socialise with adult humans, children and other pets. Early socialising ensures that the puppy becomes comfortable in his / her surroundings and grows up as a well rounded dog. Bassets can be slightly stubborn, especially when it comes to learning new tricks or during house training. During such periods, pet parents will have to maintain a firm yet gentle hand and show a lot of patience. Awarding the Bassets with their favourite treats and staring training early on can ensure a positive approach to training.Basset Hounds are pack dogs and require companionship either with another pet or with their family. If left alone, Bassets are known to express high anxiety symptoms such as howling and restlessness. With their excellent sense of smell and their excitement to explore new places and scents, pet parents will have to supervise their Basset’s movements especially when they are out in the yard or for their walks.
Environment
Basset Hounds are a calm and quiet breed that does well in apartments as well as big houses. They are excellent family pets and enjoy running in the yard or garden with their playmates. Basset Hounds do not do well in extreme hot or cold weathers. Basset Hounds love sunshine and when at home they would snuggle up to a place which receives a lot of sunshine. Prone to obesity, pet parents to a Basset Hound will have to be careful that their pooch does not become a couch potato. Even if you live in an apartment condominium, regular long walks will be needed for your Basset. Though you will have to be a tad careful and not let your Basset wander around without supervision as they love exploring new places and scents.
Training & Intelligence
A Basset Hound is quite intelligent and remembers the scents very well. Training a Basset Hound can a be a little difficult task as they are extremely stubborn in nature. If you are getting a Basset Hound puppy, early training will be advisable. Crate training and obedience training will be required to house train the puppy. A firm yet patient handling will be required while training the Basset Hound. Since Bassets have a fondness for food, using their favourite food as a treat / reward while training can bring in desired results.Like all canine breeds, early socialisation of the Basset with other dogs and humans will be imperative for a healthy personality development. Procreation Basset Hounds are a healthy and sturdy breed and mating and breeding them should not be an issue. If it is the first time that you are getting your Basset mated, you might want to seek veterinary help. An average litter size of a Basset Hound is between 8 - 10 puppies though some Basset Hounds have been known to have a larger litter size.
Basset Hound Breeding
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- 6 to 9 puppies (approximately)
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- No
Procreation
Basset Hounds are generally a healthy breed and even their breeding does not have many complications attached. An average male and female Basset attains sexual maturity anywhere between six to nine months of age. Though your pet is still very young to breed.
A dog takes around 18 months to reach his or her full height and structure. It is advisable to breed your dogs after at least two years of age. If you are a first timer at breeding then taking a vets help is advisable. You just sit back and enjoy the company of four to six adorable little puppies. An average litter size of the breed. Though one of the most common color of a Basset is triumvirate of tan, black and white but there are other colors as well such as white and lemon. You can have more than one color in the same litter.
Puppies
Basset Hound puppies are one of the cutest puppies to have. With their characteristic droopy eyes and long ears, they are a bundle of energy and fun to play with. Like all puppies, Basset puppies are extremely active and love to explore the place around them as they wander after new and fascinating scents. As parents to basset puppies, you will have to be careful that the Basset does not wander off too far from the house and is kept under supervision. You might face some difficulty leaving the puppies alone for long as they tend to develop separation anxiety and howl when left alone unsupervised. For new puppies, crate training will be ideal as Basset Hounds are extremely stubborn in nature. It will take a lot of perseverance to house train a Basset puppy. A gentle handling will be required to train a Basset puppy.
Basset Hound Appearance
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Atheletic
Stuff Toy
Body
A Basset Hound is one of the most adorable looking breed in the world. With an average lifespan of 10 - 12 years, Bassets have a long, short, large body. Like other bloodhounds, Bassets have a loose droopy skin which give them a look of being sad and sleepy all the time, a look that adds to the charm of this breed. Bassets hold the world record for having the longest ears which help them pick a scent while they hunt. The neck of a Basset is wide and its skull has a dolichocephalic dark nose that has over 20 million scent receptors, compared to 5millions that a human nose has, making a Basset one of the best hunters in the Canine world. A Basset Hound has a long barrel shaped body with a dense musco - skeletal structure. The fore legs are further away from the hind legs and are short with big paws. The big paws help the Basset to support its dense skeletal structure and overall weight. A Basset Hound may stand as tall as 14 inches but weigh between 20 - 35 kgs. The tail of a Basset is long and tapers especially when the Basset Hound is moving or hunting.
