The Basset Hound is a friendly hunter with a unique physical appearance. And there’s a lot you’ll want to know about this low-to-the-ground breed. So here are the top Basset Hound facts and information.
An Appropriate Name
The name Basset Hound comes from the breed’s French origins and distinct body structure. In the French language, “basset” means “low-set”. That’s a very accurate description of this hound, which according to the breed standard should not exceed fourteen inches in height at the shoulder.
A Rabbit Hunter With Dwarfism
The Basset was developed for hunting hare and its short legs play a big role in this function. One of the Basset Hound facts most people don’t know is that its short legs are actually a result of dwarfism.
This trait was developed in the breed as it allowed the dog to keep his nose close to the ground without becoming tired while moving through dense underbrush. The short legs also meant that the dog would track game at a slower pace allowing the hunters to follow behind on foot instead of on horseback.
Big Dog On Short Legs
Don’t be deceived by the Basset’s lack of height. While it may be a short breed it’s not small. An adult Basset Hound can weigh up to seventy-five pounds. The Basset is in reality a big dog, just on short legs. And while the breed may be short it actually has the bone density of a much larger dog. In comparison to its size, the Basset is in fact heavier-boned than any other dog breed.
Hound Colors
Different from many other hunting dogs, the Basset can be any hound color. This means that it may be any combination of white, black, or brown. And brown can range in shade from a lemon color to dark red. The rarest of all Basset Hound colors is blue, as it is a recessive genetic trait.
The Drool Factor
If you are not willing to deal with drool and slobber the Basset may not be for you. The heavy lips known as flews are used to collect scent but they also happen to collect saliva and also water. These can create a mess, especially whenever the dog decides to shake its head, propelling drool around the room. While both sexes do drool, females usually have drier mouths than males.
Long Ears
One of the most distinct characteristics of the Basset is its extremely long ears. Basset Hound ears are so long in fact that when pulled forward they fold over the dog’s nose. They serve the important job of stirring up the scent when in the field.
Not Built For Swimming
The Basset Hound characteristics of being both heavy and also low to the ground mean that it’s not a good swimmer. Swimming pools should be properly fenced-in and secured as they can be a very real safety threat. If you do allow your Basset to swim it should be with supervision and a dog life jacket.
Another safe way for this breed to enjoy the water is by providing it with a dog swimming pool. By only partially filling up the pool, you can make that the water is shallow enough for it to lounge around and keep cool without any risks.
Known To Roam
This is a breed that is well-known for its tendency to escape the yard to follow a scent. The Basset may dig under a fence or chew through a leash to get out. And because the breed’s neck is wider than its head, it typically has little difficulty slipping out of its collar.
It’s not uncommon for a Basset Hound to roam surprisingly large distances following a scent trail and to never come back home. So for safety, backyards need to be kept secure with a fence, or even better dogs should be kept indoors when you’re not at home.
Naturally Oily Coat
The Basset Hound coat is naturally oily which helps it to repel dirt and water when hunting. While this is advantageous for the dog those oils give the breed a “doggy smell,” also sometimes called a “hound odor”. The oils in its coat can leave marks on walls and furniture as well.
Superb Nose
The scenting ability of the Basset Hound is known worldwide. This is due to the fact that it was crossed with the Bloodhound in the late 1800s by the British. Doing so not only improved the nose of the breed but also made it a bit bigger and healthier too.
Gentle Family Dog
The Basset makes a fabulous family dog. The friendly Basset Hound temperament is another result of its hunting heritage. As a pack hunter, it had to be able to get along well with others. In fact, this breed loves all members of its pack equally so it’s not a one-person dog. The Basset hound also gets along very well with children and other canines.
Bassets Bark
One of the Basset Hound facts potential owners need to keep in mind when considering this breed is that it can be noisy. As a hunting dog, it was developed to have a loud bark that it used when chasing game. For this reason, it is not typically recommended for apartment living.
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