If you are looking for a furry little friend that presents a little sad face with droopy long ears but is as intelligent as a fox, the adorable Basset Hound just may be the perfect pet for you! Here is everything you need to know about a dog that captures the heart of its human family.
Breed Snapshot
- Size Medium dog (18-30kg); 38cm in height
- Coat Low shedding short coat that should be brushed weekly
- Energy Couch potato breed that should be walked daily for at least 30 minutes
- Lifespan 12 – 13 years
- Country of origin France
- Breed type Small hound dog that is famous for its ability to hunt and follow a scent. This dog has a calm temperament and is loyal to its family.
- Other names “Basset”
- Great breed for: Apartment living or home with yard, Families with kids
An Introduction to the Basset Hound
Known for its keen sense of smell and ability to sniff out anything, the Basset Hound is only second to the bloodhound when it comes to its sharp nose. Once a Basset Hound has alerted on a scent, their stubborn nature kicks in and it is almost impossible to get them to focus on anything else until this dog has found what it is looking for. A Basset Hound may look sad, but it is a happy and playful breed that loves to spend time with his or her human family.
Basset Hounds come from France and were the preferred hunting dog among royalty and aristocrats of the country. These beloved pets made their debut in Australia in 1957 and are a quite popular breed today. Basset hounds are loyal to their owners and will make their presence known when they sense danger. This dog plays nicely with kids and gets along with other pets in your home.
What Does a Basset Hound Look Like?
Basset Hounds have short and stocky bodies that keep them low to the ground so they can sniff out what they are hunting for. Their coat is normally white with brown and black patches and they have long floppy ears that almost touch the ground.
What makes Basset Hounds so adorable is their sad face. The skin around the Basset Hound’s face is droopy, making this dog look like a little old soul. Basset Hounds have strong legs that are short and a long cylindrical tail that wags furiously when this dog gets excited. There is only a slight variation in size between the male and female dog. Basset Hounds typically weigh between 18 – 30kg and stand at approximately 38cm tall.
How Do I Train My Basset Hound?
Training a Basset Hound can be challenging as they are used to the freedom to create their own job. Make training a fun activity for them by offering treats and providing lots of positive reinforcement with petting and affection. If you have never trained a hound before, you may wish to enlist a professional trainer to help out. This dog is quite a detective and will take you on an adventure if you follow it’s lead.
How Do I Groom My Basset Hound?
Basset Hounds have a short coat that sheds a lot, so this is not a breed that is recommended for people with moderate to severe pet allergies. This dog should be brushed regularly to remove dead hair that accumulates. Brushing your dog’s fur coat will also move oils around and keep his or her skin healthy.
Clean your dog’s ears frequently with a specialty ear cleaning solution will remove the dirt and grime and reduce the risk of ear infections. Basset Hounds have long floppy ears and are prone to ear infections. Trim your Basset Hound’s nails when they start to get long or else they can snag on objects and cause pain to your pet.
Make Sure Your Basset Hound Gets Plenty of Exercise
Basset Hounds are at their happiest when they are given the freedom to run and play on their own; they make good farm and ranch dogs. This breed is not highly active, so it does not require a lot of activity outside of roaming around and hunting down scents. If you live in an apartment or home with a yard, walk your Basset Hound for at least 30 minutes each day. Basset Hounds are prone to becoming overweight if they do not get some form of exercise.
Are Basset Hounds Good Family Dogs?
Yes! Basset Hounds make wonderful family dogs and are a fiercely loyal companion. They are typically not aggressive dogs unless they get scared. As long as they are properly trained, Basset Hounds are gentle dogs that enjoy being around people and other pets.
Basset Hound FAQs
What is the lifespan of a Basset Hound?
With the proper diet, regular exercise, and a loving home, Basset Hounds can live between 12 – 13 years.
Are Basset Hounds Barkers?
Yes. Basset Hounds bark for a variety of reasons including to get your attention when they want love or if they sense a threat. They are protective of their human pack and will stand their ground when around strangers.
Are they diggers?
Basset Hounds dig when they sniff out something that interests them underground or when they are bored. You can prevent them from digging by keeping them occupied in playtime activities whilst outside.
Can I leave my Basset Hound home alone?
No. Basset Hounds suffer from separation anxiety and should not be left home alone for long periods of time. If you have a job that requires you to be away all day, you should consider hiring a dog sitter to spend time with your pet.
