The ‘hush puppy’ dog, the Basset hound, is a chilled-out, easy-going, kind-natured dog. They may be a little slow but are still keen and active dogs.
They are muscular dogs but will do their best to become lap dogs. They were bred to hunt and have a fantastic sense of smell and big paws. Their faces look sad, so be warned that it is challenging to resist spoiling this breed.
They love to be with your family, laid-back and gentle with your children; because of this, they hate being left alone for long periods, and they will howl excessively, so don’t get this breed if you are a full-time working family. They were bred to be in packs, so they get on excellent with other dogs and pets.
Basset Hounds are a bit lazy, so you must make sure they exercise daily to avoid getting on the chunky side and obese before you know it! This can lead to leg problems, so ensure they have a good walk. They are a little slow but have excellent endurance, so don’t be afraid to take them on a long walk.
They can be challenging to train, so it’s essential to discover their reward motivations early on and use these to persuade them to tow the line. They are stubborn and are slow on house training; give them time, though and be patient. Eventually, they will get it. They are sensitive little dogs and will look even sadder if treated harshly.
Basset Hound’s make reasonable watchdogs and will bark or alert you to incoming guests and dangers. Very friendly with strangers, greeting them with a waggy tail.
Their coats are short, and they shed all year round, slightly more in the summer. They need to be brushed weekly to try and combat the shedding. These guys drool. Sometimes, a lot be prepared with a towel always handy.
Basset Hound Dog Stats
The word Basset is French and means ‘low-set’. The first detailed proof of the Basset’s existence was in 1585 when they were used as badger dogs.
- Weight -18kg –25kg
- Size – 33cm – 38cm
- They live for 10-12 years