|
|
|
| |
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Basset Hound
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Basset Hound is a short-legged breed of dog of the hound
family. They are scent hounds, bred to hunt rabbits by scent.
Their sense of smell for tracking is second only to that of the
Bloodhound. The name Basset is derived from the French word
bas, meaning "low", with the attenuating suffix -et, together
meaning "rather low". Basset hounds are commonly brown and
black and most often spotted, but also exist in a variety of colors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Description
Appearance
These dogs are around 1-foot in height at the withers. They
usually weigh between 35-70 lbs. They have smooth, short-haired
coats but a rough haired hound is possible. Although any hound
colour is considered acceptable by breed standards, Bassets are
generally tricolor (black, tan, and white), open red and white (red
spots on white fur), closed red and white (a solid red color with
white feet and tails), Honey And White (honey coloured back, light
brown spotty nose and legs, light brown tails with white tip) and
lemon and white. Some Bassets are also classified as gray or blue;
however, this colour is considered rare and undesirable. They
have long, downward ears and powerful necks, with much loose
skin around their heads that forms wrinkles. Their tails are long
and tapering and stand upright with a curve. Some prefer that the
tail be tipped in white. This is so they are easily seen when
hunting/tracking through large bushes or weeds. The breed is also
known for its hanging skin structure, which causes the face to
occasionally look sad; this, for many people, adds to the breed's
charm. The dewlap, seen as the loose, elastic skin around the
neck, and the trailing ears, help trap the scent of what they are
tracking.
The Basset Hound is a large dog with short legs. They were
originally bred to have osteochondrodysplasia, known as dwarfism.
Their short stature can be deceiving; Bassets are surprisingly long
and can reach things on table tops that dogs of similar heights
cannot. However, because Bassets are so heavy and have such
short legs, they are not able to hold themselves above water for
very long, and should never be made to swim.
Temperament
The Basset Hound is seen as an especially friendly breed. For this
reason they are an excellent pet for children. Many Bassets
"forget" the training when a reward is not present. Bassets should
be on a leash when out on walks.
Bassets are known to be a vocal breed. Bassets might howl or bark
when they want something or to suggest that they think something
is wrong (like a storm is coming). They also use a low, murmuring
whine to get attention, which sounds to many owners as though
their Bassets are "talking." This whine is also used by the hound to
beg (for food or treats) and varies in volume depending on the
nature of the individual hound and length of time it has been
begging.
Health
Because of the extremely long ears of Bassets they are prone to
ear disease. If their ears are allowed to dangle on the ground or in
food on a daily basis they are capable of developing chronic and
potentially fatal ear diseases. The only recent mortality and
morbidity surveys of Basset Hounds are from the UK: a 1999
longevity survey with a small sample size of 10 deceased dogs and
a 2004 UK Kennel Club health survey with a larger sample size of
142 deceased dogs and 226 live dogs.
In addition to ear problems, basset hounds may also have eye
issues. Because of their droopy eyes, the area under the eyeball
will collect dirt and become clogged with a mucus. It is best to wipe
their eyes every day with a damp cloth. This helps to lessen the
build up and eye irritation.
Basset hounds are also prone to yeast infections in the folds
around the mouth, where drool can collect without throughly drying
out. Wiping the area with a clean, dry towel and applying talcum
powder can minimize this risk.
|
|
|
|
Lemon and White Basset Hound
|
|
|
|
|
|
Country of origin
France
Weight
50–65 pounds
Height
12–15 inches
Coat
Short, hard and shiny, sheds a lot.
Color
Tri-Color, red & white,
honey/lemon & white, Blue/Gray,
and black & tan
Life span
10-12 years
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dog Breed Test samples analyzed in about two weeks
|
|
|
|
Sitemap
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
