Originally from France, the basset was bred as a hunting hound that could be followed on foot. The basset's long ears were developed to stir up the scent for his strong nose to smell. The folds of skin under the chin, called the dewlap, are to trap and hold the scent. Wrinkles about the head and face also assist in holding the scent. His large feet give him steadiness and the heavy bone makes him strudy. Loose skin helps him track through thorny brambles and difficult terrain. While these characteristics might make him amusing in appearance, they are functional. The basset is used primarily for hunting rabbit although he is successful with other small game such as pheasant.
Does the Basset Hound Make a Good Pet?
The basset is one of the best dogs for a family to love. His tolerance level is extremely high and everyone in the family is loved equally by him. He is not an aggressive watchdog but will learn to give his deep bark as a warning. Otherwise he will accept company with a sniff and retun to his favorite corner. Despite their large size, bassets think that they are lap dogs. He will play with children and will demand quite a bit of attention. He definitely makes a good, versatile pet for all the family to love.
How Big is an Adult Basset?
The male will usually mature at somewhere between 50 and 75 pounds, standing 12 to not more that 15 inches at the shoulder. The female usually will be expected to mature at approximately 10 pounds lighter and an inch or so shorter at the shoulder. Make no mistake, the basset grows to be a good size dog, weighing more that most people expect due to the heavy bone.
What is the Basset Temperament?
Bassets have easygoing temperaments making both males and females excellent pets. The are strong willed and intelligent, using these traits to their advantage. They are willing dogs, as long as what you wish of them is what they intended to do in the first plance. Otherwise, you may begin to think your dog has a hearing problem. Patience, lots of praise, tenderness and perseverance (plus a cookie)works wonders.
Do Bassets Have Any Strange Habits?
Some basssets have a tendency to howl when left alone for long periods of time. Also, boredom can lead your basset to your favorite rose bush, your most expensive piece of furniture, etc. Along with being a hound comes the instinct to put his nose to the ground and sniff. A basset must be fenced in or he will wander away from home. Once a good scent hits their nose, there is no telling where he will end up and unfortunately, bassets are not good at finding their way home and thier short legs make them a hazard on the roadway. A responsible owner keeps his basset secure from harm as would be expected for any cherished pet.
How Much Does a Basset Eat?
Adult bassets generally eat between 2 and 4 cups of food per day though this will vary depending on the brand of food. Bassets often have a tendency to become overweight, partly because thier sad look leads the owner to give them more food than they require. Overeating is dangerous to a hound. Feed a well-balanced premium dry food supplemented with canned food. Because of their rapid growth rates as puppies. they need a good vitamin. Consult with your veterinarian.
Are Bassets Hard To Groom?
The basset does not need fussy coat care due to his hard, short coat, which repels dirt and water rather well. The basset does shed, however this can be minimized if brushed regularly. A bath is needed only 3 to 4 times a year if that often. Once a week the ears must be wiped cleaned or infection can result from moisture build up in the ear canal. The outside of the ears should also be cleaned periodically as ears will often drape in food and water dishes. Nails are tough and should be trimmed at least every other week.
What Type of Health Problems Are Common in Bassets?
Generally, a basset enjoys excellent health. Ear infections can occur if the owner is not diligent in clenaing his dog's ears on a regular basis. A great deal of trouble is attributed to the owner becasue he has permitted his hound to get overweight, possibly resulting in arthritis, back problems or heart trouble. Physical fitness is as important to the basset as it is to people. He enjoys running and leading an active life.
How Much Does a Basset Cost?
The basset hound puppy may cost anywhere from $500 on up for a good quality dog. Puppies with show potential will start appreciably higher with the price varying according to quality, age, geographic regions and availability. Regular checkups by a veterinarian as well as inoculations for rabies, distemper, leptospirosis, hepatitis, kennel cough and parvovirus are all necessary. Heartworn preventative is also a must. The cost of the ongoing care can easily run several hundred dollars per year. If you purcahse a puppy, please be prepared to make the financial committment required to raise a happy, healthy puppy.
