Basset Hounds

Here are some common questions about basset hounds:
What was the Basset Hound's original purpose?
Does the Basset Hound make a good pet?
How big is the adult Basset Hound and what do the look like?
What is the Basset Hound's disposition?
Do Basset hounds do any strange things or have any strange habits?
Are Bassets hard to groom?
How much should I feed my Basset?
Are Bassets healthy dogs?
How much should my Basset exercise?
What can I expect from my older Basset?
Can my Basset swim?
Are Bassets hard to house train?

Here are some of the diseases that some Bassets can develop:
Von Willebrand's Disease
Eyes
Bloat
Paneosteitis
Allergies
Ears
Paws

What was the Basset Hound's original purpose?

The Bassets were bread to hunt small game. Their long ears were developed to stir up and hold the scent for their strong nose to smell. The folds of skin under the chin, called the dewlap, help trap and hold the scent. Wrinkles near the head and face also help in holding the scent. Their large front feed make them steady and the heavy bones make them sturdy. Their short legs make them ideal for the hunters to follow them.

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Does the Basset Hound make a good pet?

Of course...Bassets are one of the best dogs for pets. They love everyone equally in the family and are extremely tolerant. They are very loving, gentle, and affectionate. They get along with all kinds of animals. They are very versatile.

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How big is the adult Basset Hound and what do the look like?

The male Basset:

Weighs between 55 and 75 pounds.
Stands 12 to no more than 15 inches tall at the shoulder.
Big dog on short legs.

The female Basset:

45-65 pounds.
11-14 inches tall to the shoulder.

Bassets:

Large, well-proportioned head.
Sad, droopy eyes.
Long ears, and loose facial skin.
Powerful chest, short legs with big paws.

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What is the Basset Hound's disposition?

Bassets are very gentle. They are not usually prone to mark their territory either. One thing about bassets is that they are sometimes very stubborn. You might already know this. =)

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Do Basset hounds do any strange things or have any strange habits?

Some Bassets have a tendency to howl when left alone for long periods of time. They must be kept in a secured area, for they might wander away. They are usually more slobbery than other breeds. They often make a mess while drinking.

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Are Bassets hard to groom?

They have a short coat which repels dirt and water rather well. However, this does not mean they shouldn't be brushed regularly. They should. They basset's ears should be wiped out once a week. Trim the nails every 1-3 weeks.

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How much should I feed my Basset?

Adult Basset hounds generally eat between 2-4 cups of food per day. Overeating is very dangerous.

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Are Bassets healthy dogs?

The Basset claims excellent health. Physical fitness is very important. They are an endurance dog.

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How much should my Basset exercise?

As a puppy, the Basset should never be given too much exercise because of the heavy boned front. Care must be taken when the dog is jumping off of stuff.

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What can I expect from my older Basset?

The Basset is an easy keeper and a steady hound and usually lives 8-12 years, although there are many that live beyond that.

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Can my Basset swim?

Only with a great deal of difficulty. They can only swim a little bit, since they are top heavy. Should your basset be prone to falling into a pool, teach it to swim to the ladder.

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Are Bassets hard to house train?

No harder than any other breed. You must be patient and consistent.

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Von Willebrand's Disease

This is a platelet disorder resulting in mild to severe bleeding and a prolonged bleeding time.

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Eyes

The Basset is one of the breeds predisposed to glaucoma.

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Bloat

Like many other breeds with a deep chest, the Basset is susceptible to gastric dilatation with torsion of the stomach. Action must be taken immediately.

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Paneosteitis

This is usually found in younger bassets. It is also known as wandering or transient lameness. Many vets are unaware of this disease. This may cause the vet to do some unnecessary surgery. Be sure to make sure that the vet knows about this disease.

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Allergies

Some bassets are allergic to grass.

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Ears

The long drooping ears predisposes Bassets to otitis externa. This is easily prevented if the ears are regularly cleaned out.

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Paws

Due to Basset's large paws, they are prone to inter digital cysts, abscesses and fungus infections between the toes.

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