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Key Facts:
Size: Low-slung, but heavy dog
Height: 33 - 38 cm (13 - 15 inches)
Weight: 18 - 32 kg (40 - 70 lb)
Life Span: 11 years
Grooming: Relatively easy
Exercise: Steady but necessary
Feeding: Has a hearty appetite
Temperament: Placid & independent
Country of Origin: England
AKC Group: Hound
Temperament:
The Basset Hound is good tempered, placid and affectionate. Basset Hounds can be disobedient and have a mind of their own. These dogs get on well with children and strangers, but Basset Hounds also happily accept unwanted intruders, therefore they do not make the best guard dog. Basset Hounds can be difficult to house train, but can be obedient with gentle, patient training. Basset Hounds enjoy companionship and make gentle pets with delightful personalities.
Grooming:
Grooming for the Basset Hound is quite straightforward as the coat stays relatively clean without much attention. The loose and dead hairs can be removed with a rubber brush and the ears should be checked weekly and kept clean. The folds of skin may need to be cleaned from time to time and the claws should be kept short.
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Exercise:
Basset Hounds do not need a great deal of exercise and they will be quite happy with short regular walks. They can also get exercise by playing in the garden, but they should be kept in well-fenced backyards as they love to explore and wander.
Feeding:
Basset Hound's have a hearty appetite. They need careful feeding in order to prevent gas forming in the stomach (bloat).
History:
Originally descended from the old French Hound, after a mutation of genes. The Basset Hound's legs became much shorter, while retaining the substance and general characteristics of the breed. The name Basset is derived from the French word 'bas' meaning low. Due to later crosses with the Bloodhound, the breed took on the head structure of the latter and improved it's scenting powers to be second only to the Bloodhound. In France and Belgium, Basset Hounds were used to trail foxes, rabbits and game birds ' their shorter legs resulting in a slower pace and therefore less likely to scare their quarry. Added to that, the heavier bodies (up to 22kg or 50lb) and low stature were an asset when working through dense cover.
Physical Characteristics:
General Appearance: Disproportionately short legs and heavy bones for it's height, while well-balanced. Smooth free action with the forelegs extending well forward and the hind legs thrusting backwards powerfully.
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Colour: Any hound colour. Usually black, white and tan or lemon and white.
Coat: Short, smooth, dense and no feathering. The skin is loose and elastic, with wrinkles between the knee and foot.
Tail: Carried high, rather long in length and tapering.
Ears: Extremely long, narrow and set low. They have a velvety texture and hang in loose folds, curling slightly inwards.
Body: Long, smooth ribs carried far back, level back, prominent sternum, shoulders well back and strong and an overall barrel-like shape.
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Additional Comments:
There are a variety of problems associated with the Basset Hound including; eye problems from the drooping lower eyelid, limb problems and ear irritations due to the lack of air circulation in the ear canal.
About the Author
This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/basset_hound/
