All About Basset Hounds

The Basset Hound is an original breed unlike any other. Squat and at the same time very aristocratic, with a sad look, but incredibly lively character, these dogs are full of contradictions, secrets and peculiarities. Today you will learn everything about the origin, character and habits of such dogs. You will also be able to figure out if the Basset Hound is right for you as a new family member.

To begin with, let's pay attention to the name of the breed itself. It stands for literally, without secrets and references to legends, and sounds like "low hound". Agree, a very accurate description. Experts differ on the origin. but if we take into account the linguistic aspect, most likely, the dog appeared in France. This theory is considered one of the most reliable and, one might say, basic. According to the chronicles that were found on the territory of this state, and date back to the 50-60s of the 19th century, very similar dogs became part of the hunt and rut.

Why, despite their French origin, are Bassets often associated with England, calling them real aristocrats and subjects of the United Kingdom? The fact is that until the 60s, these dogs did not have a wide distribution area, perhaps the breed would have remained in the shadows, if not for two counts - Lakute and Lan.

They were engaged in selection, and both managed to develop new breeds, which already in the 70s came to England, where local livestock breeders drew attention to them, and by crossing they bred the breed in the form in which it is known to us at the moment. The Basset Hound was officially recognized by the English Basset Club in 1883, and from that moment the dogs became part of the club.

Let's start with the color scheme, which is actually much more varied than we are used to thinking. There are several types of suits.

• Tricolor... The classic color of black, white, brown or red spots, mixed, like paints on the artist's palette. This is the most common variety.
• Two-tone. Red spots on a white background or vice versa. Quite frequent color, although less popular than tricolor.
• Red, fawn. With a dense coating, without spots and blotches of other shades. Such dogs are rare, however, the color belongs to a separate category.

Bassets are not overly large dogs. Their normal growth is in the range of 33-38 cm. Of course, females will have smaller differences, and males have larger parameters. With regard to weight, a range of 23 to 30 kg, respectively, is considered normal. In other dogs, similar proportions and ratio of weight and height are usually called a special term - achondroplasia (dwarfism), but in this breed it is an absolute norm and standard.

• Scull... The head of tetrapods is round and rather large. The forehead is high, smoothly merging into the back of the head. Characterized by pronounced eye sockets and high cheekbones. External features include a large amount of skin in the muzzle area, which is why dogs have numerous folds. The owners are advised to take care of the folds of the pets (not only on the head). Bassets are certainly not Shar Pei, but dirt and sweat can accumulate in curves, which can cause problems. Timely cleaning solves difficulties in 100% of cases.
• Teeth and bite... Large mouth with straight teeth, normal bite, also called scissor bite. The bite can form up to 1.5 years. While the dog can still be called a puppy, small deviations can be normalized. Otherwise, you will need to pay attention to your teeth: choose the right food and be monitored by a veterinarian.
• Nose. The external color is either black or brown, depending on the basic tone. As for not the organ, but the sense of smell, it is incredibly acute. Basset hunter's scent can easily compete with the sense of smell of trained bloodhounds.
• Eyes. Most often, the iris is colored brown. Light shades are considered defective.
• Ears. Set on low and drooping. They can be called scent assistants, no matter how strange it may sound. The fact is that the ears "lift" odors from the ground to the animal's nose. This is partly the secret of Basset's keen sense of smell.
• Body. These pets are stocky, squat, the body is elongated. The back is wide, flat, massive. The ribcage is lowered, has a rounded shape. The neck and abdomen of the tetrapod are enveloped in numerous skin folds.
• Paws. Short, but quite powerful. The front legs, during normal development of the dog, should not be in contact with each other, they may be slightly deployed. The hind legs are also massive and not too high, but, unlike the front ones, they are directed exclusively forward. The paws also have excess skin that forms shallow folds.
• Tail. A characteristic feature of the Basset tail is a white speck on the tip, thanks to which it becomes easy to identify the dog even at great distances or in bushy areas. This is important for hunters.
• Wool. Dense, with a good undercoat, which is enough even for walking without insulation in winter.But since the dog is short, it is still often dressed in protective coveralls. Do not forget that this is a hunting breed, and such a dog will definitely be disguised on the street. Bassett will not be embarrassed by either a mud puddle or a dusty pit. If a chance comes along, he will use it to the maximum, and you will have to comb and clean the coat, so it is better to dress your pet in light protection.

Many future owners "buy" on the appearance of this breed, believing that it will be a very phlegmatic and calm dog, however, Basset dogs are distinguished by a very stubborn character. Of course, along with perseverance, there are a number of very pleasant traits, for example, incredible dedication and an affectionate, good-natured character.

Another feature that owners should know about in advance is the loud voice of these dogs. Despite their small stature, bassets have a very sonorous, rolling bark. It is this feature that forces many owners to engage in training and raising puppies from a very early age.

Since dogs were originally created for collective hunting, they are now great for family life. They will easily find a common language with all household members, and not only with two-legged ones. Friendship between other dogs or even cats is not uncommon. Owners of rabbits and small rodents (chinchillas, hamsters, rats) should be attentive.

In natural conditions, these small animals are the subject of Basset hunting, therefore it is strongly not recommended to impose friendship. Basset kids are great. They are very careful, attentive and accurate in their presence. If the children have grown up, the dogs will be happy to join the game at the first invitation.

Many owners support the idea that bassets are true aristocrats, not only externally, but also internally. A well-bred dog will behave well in public. Thanks to this feature, the breed became an exhibition breed.

You will learn more about parenting a little later, but it's worth noting right away that training a basset is not an easy task. The dog is stubborn, capricious, therefore, most often the training is entrusted to professionals, especially if you want to learn something in addition to the basic commands.

Unfortunately, this breed does not belong to centenarians. On average, these dogs live from 10 to 12 years. There are, of course, exceptions.

Life expectancy depends on three basic factors:

• genetic predisposition to disease, heredity;
• conditions of detention;
• diet.

About the second and third points a little later, but let's talk about hereditary factors and related diseases now. In general, dogs have fairly good health and good immunity, but there are a number of the most common diseases to which there is a higher predisposition.

• First of all, these are diseases associated with the eyes. Glaucoma is not uncommon, the unusual structure of the eyes is to blame.
• Propensity for allergic reactions... Due to the fact that bassets often sniff out everything on the ground, they may develop allergies to pollen and certain plant species. A good host should keep a close eye on this point.
• Otitis externa... This condition is caused by an unusual, drooping ear structure. To avoid such problems, it is recommended to wipe your ears with a special solution, which will help you choose a veterinarian.
• Fungus. This problem occurs in many dogs. It is not so difficult to prevent it, it is enough just to treat the paws with specialized wax, but this should be done before each walk. This will help keep your pads and nails healthy.
• Panostitis (periodic lameness). A problem more inherent in puppies of this breed. With normal development, such difficulties should disappear by the age of two, when the dog finally becomes mature, but if the symptoms persist, it is worthwhile to see a doctor, since surgery is possible.
• Volvulus of the stomach. This disease haunts not only this breed, it is typical for all dogs with a wide chest. It doesn't matter how old your pet is, the problem can occur at any time. Typical signs are: nausea, decreased mobility to a minimum, and refusal to eat. If you notice this behavior with your pet, urgently seek qualified veterinary help.

In addition to information about diseases, it is important to know in advance the list of vaccinations that will help to avoid many problems, including serious diseases. It is recommended that Basset Hounds be vaccinated against distemper, rabies, coronavirus, trichophytosis, parainfluenza, parvovirus enteritis and infectious hepatitis. This is optional but recommended.

It is believed that individuals who are 7 years old reach the mark, beyond which the dog begins old age. Like humans, pets lose their shape with age. Their eyesight and hearing deteriorate, they begin to move worse.

In addition to all of the above factors affecting the condition and health of the pet, there is another equally important one - the fact of castration or sterilization. This operation is believed to reduce the risk of some of the causes of early animal mortality. It also affects the level of aggression, which is significantly reduced. Although surgery can help prevent testicular cancer, the risk of prostate and urinary tract cancer increases.

Of course, it's good if you have the opportunity to learn as much as possible about the kennel and the parents of the puppies. It is better to get to know each other personally, to see how the dogs behave in their familiar surroundings and when meeting new people. If you are visiting a breeder, pay attention to the following points.

• Conditions for keeping puppies... There should be enough space. It must be light in the room, the regime of day and night must be observed.
• Take a close look at the nursing mother... The dog must be healthy, clean, well-groomed, moderately active. Light thinness is not a dangerous symptom, since it is permissible during the feeding period.
• Puppy behavior... Puppies should be active, curious, with good appetite. Try not to be fascinated by their liveliness and carefully examine the eyes, nose, ears and paws. If possible, palpate the abdomen. It should be soft with no noticeable bumps or lumps.
• Stigma... If the pedigree of the dog is important to you, be sure to check that the number in the groin or ear matches the one indicated in the documents.
• And the last point - examine the documents of the parents themselves. Breeders who do not try to deceive you will be happy to show you all the awards and tell you about the pedigree. If the answers are nervous and unintelligible, be alert and vigilant.

Speaking about dogs with a pedigree, show pets, it is worth mentioning the amounts that are considered normal for acquiring a puppy of this breed. In our country, the price can be in the range of 25-60 thousand rubles. Of course, show class will cost you more, some make a premium for an unusual color, but in general, prices rarely go beyond these limits.

If you buy a puppy without a claim for exhibitions, the price can be any, even the lowest, especially if you take the dog from friends.

Surely you have already realized that this is a very specific, special breed that will require appropriate care. There are several main aspects that a conscientious owner should always pay attention to.

Let's start with the structural features. Due to the fact that this breed has short legs, when walking, the wool gets dirty faster and stronger than other breeds. In this regard, it is recommended to have walking overalls for rainy weather and their insulated options for winter. Remember it is not recommended to wash your pet, even with the use of special shampoos and oils, more often than once every 3 weeks (speaking of show dogs) and no more than 1 time in a couple of months, if your pet does not belong to the show class.

Continuing the theme of the unusual structure, let's pay attention to the spine. This place is considered quite vulnerable and prone to injury, therefore, in everyday life, and especially during walks, it is important to ensure that the dog does not make high jumps, try to avoid long descents and be careful about stairs.

Another outstanding detail is the ears. You need to clean them once every 3-4 days. Use a soft cotton ball, disc, tissue, or lint-free cloth for the procedure. It is better to buy a solution that can be used to wipe your ears after consulting a veterinarian, and you will have to use only certified products.

You will probably notice that Basset eyes will often "cry". This is the norm, you can remove the discharge with the help of the same soft cotton swab and cooled chamomile decoction. The latter can be purchased at any pharmacy. Pets may also have profuse salivation..

Molting is another feature of this breed.... In general, the dog sheds twice a year, the process occurs in the fall and spring. At this time, a combing procedure is required. It should be frequent. You will need to scratch your pet in a day.... In winter and summer, the intensity can be reduced to a couple of times a week. But in general, you should make it a rule to take such care. The amount of time it takes for one combing is on average 10 minutes. To this procedure, you can add another regular action - trimming or filing the claws.

The owners often choose the answers to this question for themselves. Someone prefers to make a more natural, close to the human diet, others prefer professional balanced feed. The main criterion is your dog's well-being and a balance between nutrient delivery and proper exercise.

Urban hounds differ from dogs living in private houses in that their activity is minimized. Even a daily walk in the morning and in the evening does not always help maintain vitality at the desired level. Decreased activity leads to excess weight and in order to reduce it and keep it within the normal range, you will have to follow a diet.

If you decide to feed the dog with dry food, then a veterinarian or a professional breeder will help you make up a competent diet. Any doctor will also tell you that you cannot save on food for your dog. You will need to purchase premium or super-premium feed, economical options will not work here. If you are for natural feeding, in this case your pet should receive the following products: low-fat cottage cheese, quail eggs, lean meats, mainly poultry, and, of course, enough water to maintain the water-salt balance.

Besides, the dog must be given fermented baked milk or kefir, yoghurts, vegetables and fruits, cereals. It is forbidden to feed the dog with fatty and fried foods, all sorts of smoked meats and salty foods.The same applies to the small tubular bones that claimed the lives of many tetrapods. To replace bones, you can contact a pet store, where they will sell you all kinds of treats and bone analogues that are absolutely safe for your pet's health.

Regular walks in the fresh air are very important. The dog must be outside twice a day. It's great if at least once a week you have the opportunity to take your pet out of town so that he can frolic in the wild. If this is not possible, try to diversify your walks and increase the distances using a bicycle, jogging, skateboard or scooter. At the same time, you should not be too persistent, walks can be alternated with games, it is not necessary to drive the pet over long distances every time, sometimes you can just play.

As for caring for a dog, it should be said that Basset is a breed that loves attention and has a positive attitude towards various cosmetic procedures. To make the pet pleasant and embellish it, you can contact special salons, or you can deal with this issue yourself. Let's see what is needed in the second case.

• Special glove brush with small rounded bristles.
• A scrubber with which you can remove hair.
• Specialty shampoo, conditioner and care oils. It is best to check with the breeder or veterinarian before purchasing.
• A towel that can absorb moisture well so that the animal can be quickly wiped almost dry.

All of these tools should be used consistently. You will find many training videos on the Internet on how to properly care for such dogs, how to brush the coat, remove excess, apply cleaning products (they can vary for different parts of the body and for different shades of coat).

Of course, training should start at puppyhood. Concessions and deviations from clear rules are completely excluded. Education should be strict, but at the same time do not forget to express your love for your pet. In the eyes of a dog, you must be a leader, an unquestioning authority. Stock up on patience and goodies, and encourage every right step.

Bassets are very social and don't like to be alone. Try to avoid such moments, at least until the puppy is older. It is worth gradually accustoming your dog to your absence from home. Start at small intervals and gradually increase the gap to the desired number of hours.

The first command your dog needs to learn is "near" or "to me."... By their nature, dogs of a hunting breed can easily be carried away by smells, sounds, game or any object of interest to them. In order not to lose sight of the dog, you need to call it out in time, even if you are walking it on a leash. Experienced dog breeders recommend training your dog to this command using your favorite toys or treats.

The command should be pleasant for the pet, he should want to return to you, this will help create a positive association on the subconscious, and in the future will help to avoid problems with obedience.

The second important command that should definitely be in your arsenal is “place”. When teaching this trick, it is better to tell your pet exactly where the same place is.Show a bed, rug, or chair that attaches itself to your pet. The puppy must understand where he can be, and which zones are prohibited. Skipping this command can be overindulging. The dog will feel free on the couch, bed, on tables and other surfaces within its reach. To avoid clutter, practice teams from an early age.

The last command from the category of basic and important is “you can”. It will help you avoid food incidents, especially if you are walking in the city, where a lot of unwanted but appetizing can be scattered on the streets. To prevent the dog from picking up from the ground, you need to start teaching the puppy at home. Place a bowl of food in front of your pet. Then, carefully hold the leash and do not eat without a command.

But don't become sadistic with this workout. Learning should not go through excessive suffering... Give a command and release the puppy. After a while, he will get used to this order, and will independently wait for your command before eating something.

Consider a few recommendations that will be useful to the newly-made owner of a dog of a similar breed.

• All Basset owners emphasize the importance of getting started on time. If you miss the moment, your dog may become completely immune to your commands. Even if you devote a lot of time and energy to training, the basset still retains the right to his own opinion. Often, owners note that the dog's mood changes from the extreme “any commands here and now” to “I hear nothing, see nothing”. This feature must be understood and accepted.
• Dogs have excellent intelligence and a healthy dose of cunning. Don't let your pet manipulate you. Be the leader of your four-legged friend.
• Once again, let's remind you of the healthy and practically irrepressible appetite of the Basset. The dog will treat itself without knowing the measure while you feed it. And even when you stop, sad eyes full of sadness and drama will eat you up, begging for more. Don't get fooled by this acting game. Obesity problems can turn into serious health problems in general. The food of this dog must be monitored on a strict schedule, without taking any steps to the sides.
• Treat your dog with tick repellent once a month. Just put a few drops on the withers and go for a walk calmly. This is especially true in March and April, or before the frost in November, when insect activity increases.

There are practically no negative reviews about bassets. This breed is loved for its wonderful character, the ability to find a common language with other pets living at home, and the absence of bad habits. Living in apartments, Basset Hounds do not spoil the furniture, they easily and quickly get used to the daily routine and know when it is time to walk and when to expect a meal. The only moment that some owners note is related to stubbornly, but these are always episodes, not the main line of behavior.

Summing up, it is worth saying that basset is suitable for family people. It is better if you are not a lonely owner, because the breed is hard to endure loneliness. Of course, if you have the opportunity to be near your pet often, the restrictions disappear.

All about a dog of the Basset Hound breed, see the next video.