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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
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