Basset Hound: The dog that is both playful and sociable

Most dog owners want a dog that can be social and calm indoors as well as eager for walks and playtime outside. The Basset Hound, often known as the Basset, is capable of doing it all.

Originally, a Basset Hound was bred to be a hunting dog. It was first bred in England in 1892 and carries both French and English genetic traits. With its keen sense of smell and independent nature back then, it could sniff out and aid the hunters in finding their prey. However, the Basset Hound is now more commonly used as a dependable family dog and has slightly more low-limbed characteristics.

Basset Hound – appearance and mind

A Basset Hound is a devoted family dog who is friendly, trustworthy, and sociable. It is a true couch potato who enjoys lounging and the company of the family with both children and adults. It does, however, require activity and fresh air. Its hunting dog genes make it an active dog who needs to be walked to burn off some energy. The requirement is not greater than in other dogs, and this is due primarily to its love of food and the need to maintain the musculature in the back.

A Basset Hound stands between 33 and 38 cm tall, classifying it as a medium-sized dog. A healthy weight for this breed is between 25 and 30 kg. It is often referred to as "a big dog with short legs" because of its body composition, which consists of very short legs and a large body with massive musculature. Along with the large body comes a large head, which has a long and very fine nose that it employs diligently.

The Basset Hound has long, velvety ears and wistful, watery eyes. These traits, along with its short legs and skin-folding, two- or three-colored coat, give it a distinctive appearance that charms people of all ages.

How to care for your Basset Hound

To preserve your Basset Hound's health and wellbeing, pay close attention to the following factors: its weight, daily exercise, care, and common diseases that affect Basset Hounds.

A Basset Hound enjoys eating, as was already said, therefore in addition to daily exercise, it also needs high-quality dog food. A basset hound with excess weight may experience health issues or experience strain on their long spine. So frequent exercise is essential.

Eye and ear infections, as well as spinal overload, are diseases to be wary of. Making sure to regularly clean and maintain the corners of the eyes and the ears can help solve the two issues. By doing this, you make sure that your dog is infection free. It is simple to clean the protruding ears and sad-looking corners of the eyes using a variety of care solutions designed for that region. Cleaning wipes or cleaning liquids, for instance, might lessen the irritation that can happen if dirt, filth, or parasites get into the Basset Hound's eyes, ears, or nose.

Additionally, avoiding stairs and jumps will help you minimize back discomfort. Avoid the stairs as much as you can if they are particularly steep.

A Basset Hound has a short, smooth, and dense coat, which means it only needs minimal canine care. The breed sheds twice a year, however you may prevent the most of this shedding by brushing your dog at least once a week. A good nail clipper and a moisturizing paw wax can be used to trim nails and maintain healthy paws.

When adopting a Basset Hound

The breed needs a caregiver who can raise it with patience, kindness, and consistency because it is a hunting dog that can be a little stubborn. These three aspects should be emphasized when raising a Basset Hound to ensure that it is devoted, submissive, and trustworthy at all times.

Play and exploration are the finest methods for a Basset Hound's training. It has a strong desire to roam, sniff, and play. Going to dog training or using one of the many dog schools available across the nation are both viable options. As an alternative, you might perform several sniffing exercises in your house or garden.

A basset hound need basic items like a dog bowl, a leash, a blanket, a recurring trip to the vet, and a home with lots of attention in addition to training and care.

Who is a Basset Hound suitable for?

Despite its history as a hunting dog, a Basset Hound is a family dog that requires attention and presence. The ideal owner is someone who can provide it with the exercise and care it requires while also being patient and reliable. The Basset also gets along well with households with young children, provided the youngsters respect the dog's boundaries. Overall, anyone who is prepared to dedicate the time and effort necessary to raise and train a Basset Hound will probably make an excellent owner.