Basset Hounds

The sad eyes and the long ears endear a Basset puppy to people everywhere. Used primarily to hunt rabbits his low to the ground body along with the hound nose and ears make for a good dog for those without a lot of room. Less than 14 inches in size this is a short legged, heavy bone, long bodied dog that is easy going in attitude.

These are extremely devoted dogs with loose, elastic skin that should be all weather useful. The color may vary somewhat with the typical hound colors allowed. As a trailing or tracking dog the Basset is second only to the bloodhound with a nose that is incredibly accurate. It is believed that Lafayette gave some Bassets to George Washington after the American Revolution.

Typical of many hounds, the Basset Hound is a friendly breed that loves people. Although they are short they can weight 55 up to even 75 pounds so learning proper manners inside and out is important. They are normally gentle dogs and, again typical of hounds, are social dogs that love their pack.

The traits that endear him to many make him an annoyance if unchecked. They have the hound voice which many love until they are alone and begin howling their displeasure to everyone within earshot. They MUST be confined as when that nose gets twitching and they find something to follow they can get hit by cars as well as look around 15 minutes later and have no idea how to get home.

The flews that allow the breed to funnel that scent to the nose can also be the source of drooling. This is a leading cause for the breed given up or abandoned – and is solely a human’s fault for not researching to be aware that is a Basset trait. If you are put off by doggie drool on the floor as you’re fixing dinner or feeding him his then please do yourself and the dog a favor and get another breed. There are some that drool less than others but this is not a job for meticulous housekeepers.

This is not a breed that is expensive to feed and indeed should be fed much less than many think. Do not let a Basset beg you into overfeeding. Overeating produces health problems for growing puppies as well as for adult dogs. Keep it basic and make sure he’s in proper condition – you should feel but not see ribs and there should be a slight rise from a profile behind the ribs. Too fat or too thin isn’t good – change the amounts until he’s maintained at a proper level.

The Basset hound by selection has a short coat that doesn’t take extensive grooming save for a weekly brushing to remove loose hair. Watch the ears and teeth as both will need regular care.

The Basset is generally a healthy breed but does have some serious issues that should be watched for and tested for in breeding stock. Von Willebrand’s disease is a clotting disorder. Like all deep chested breeds bloat is a serious concern that is life threatening when it happens. Some are affected by glaucoma.

Many veterinarians and owners are unfamiliar with panosteitis that affects young and growing Bassets. This is a disease that can cause sudden lameness and is sometimes diagnosed as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia or other serious disorders. Unethical vets may require surgery but this is something that the Basset will outgrow! X-rays may show ‘elbow incongruity’ – a poor fit in the elbow. This is normal for the breed and is not the source of lameness. This is NOT something that requires surgery! With panosteitis the dog normally will outgrow it. Some recommend aspirin or pain killers but this is a case of removing the pain can cause further aggravation of the injury.

Many Bassets may have allergies, ear infections, infections in the feet and injury or soreness from too much exercise in growing puppies. It’s important to note swimming is difficult for Bassets due to their short legs. Never leave a Basset unsupervised near a pond, pool or other water. Thrombopathia, eyelid issues, back issues and obesity can also be problems for the breed. The joints and spine cannot carry extra weight of an obese dog – don’t create problems for your Basset! Epilepsy and auto immune disorders can also be an issue.

Although there are certainly challenges involved in keeping and raising happy Bassets this is a breed that can be a hero dog because of the same things that can get him in trouble! This was illustrated when a seven year old Basset dragged his elderly owner to an area in the grass at their mobile park. Sinus issues prevented the owner from smelling but she heard and saw the damaged gas line and alerted neighbors. As word spread the gas fumes grew and emergency help was summoned. The Basset is credited with saving the mobile home park and, although “Buddy” had a heart condition his big heart and keen nose saved property and lives and allowed the quick repair of the line by professionals.

Basset Hounds may complete in conformation classes, field trials, hunt tests, obedience, tracking and – yes! – agility.

Tracking tests use the Basset hound’s nose and allows for a special bond of trust to form between the working dog and the handler. This is a sport for all kinds of weather and terrain – ideal for those who like being outside and seeing what their dog loves to do naturally. Not only is this a chance to compete but with particular training as a search and rescue dog the basset can be a hero!

Some famous Basset hounds include the comic strip Fred Basset, “Lafayette” in Disney’s The Aristocats, Cledus in “Smokey and the Bandit” and in a host of other movies including American Werewolf in Paris and Spider-Man 2. Of course one of the most identified is as the hallmark of Hush Puppy brand shoes and as a companion to the Maytag man.

Be it in advertising, film, competition, cartoons, pets or as show or competitive dogs the Basset Hound is a devoted companion and partner for the right people willing to put up with their quirks.

Large measures of discipline and praise, resisting the urge to feed too many treats and being keenly aware of the health issues that can arise means you will be happier and your Basset hound will be in heaven. Life is good with food, an accepting owner and someone to adore! It’s even better when activities are shared and the respect for what the breed truly can be is appreciated by letting the dog use his inborn talents.