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 Basset
Hound Characteristics:
Basset
Hounds are easily identified by some unmistakable characteristics.
Adult Bassets will grow to around 14 inches at the withers; have very long
ears and an abundance of loose skin on the skull and back. The loose skin
helps a hound capture and keep a scent with them while tracking. The
basset was originally breed to hunt small game such as rabbits. The scent
of a bunny is irresistible to a hound so care should be taken when in
areas with small game. They will not be distracted from the trail and may
wander far from home becoming disoriented and lost.
Drooling or slobbering is a characteristic most commonly associated with
this breed. The amount and frequency this breed drools varies. Couches,
pants, curtains, etc... become face towels. Generally they will drool when
on a walk or outside. The
heaviest drool is produced when a hound has picked up a scent, thus aiding
in their tracking ability. A good shake at the door before entering the
house will prevent ceilings and walls from being peppered.
The Basset has short legs to aid in navigating rough terrain, and may look
somewhat clumsy around the house, but are in fact very agile in the field.
As they get older simple obstacles in the house can become difficult to
tackle, such as stairs, couches, or beds. You may hear a basset owner
talking about boosting their senior onto the bed. This is not uncommon and
should be expected. The bone structure is heavy and the paws appear to be huge in comparison
with other breeds. The feet are webbed but don't let this fool you, they
are not good swimmers. A Basset can swim for brief periods, but will get
exhausted easily trying to keep the mass and weight of their chest level.
This breed should not be left unattended near pools or ponds.
They
are not small dogs; the male should weigh approximately 50 - 60 lbs. while
females are usually more petite weighing in around 40 - 50 lbs. The coat
is short and easily maintained with regular baths. Brushing of the
Basset's coat is a must because they shed quite a bit of hair year round.
Ears should be cleaned regularly to keep bacteria and infections to a
minimum. The nails are very large and tough. A sharp heavy-duty clipper is
needed to trim the nails, cutting in small increments. If the nail is cut
too deeply, a nerve or the nail quick can be accidentally cut, causing
pain and bleeding. Once a Basset has a bad experience getting their nails
clipped improperly, they will give you much difficulties when it is
attempted again. Please consult your Vet or contact us for more advice.
The
voice of a basset is deep and loud. They express their needs through voice
and body language. This can be a problem for individuals in apartments or
neighborhoods with dwellings built close together. Hounds are a stubborn
breed, and will often ignore your commands to stop barking.
A Basset Hounds personality is one that is loved by many owners around the
world. They are intelligent and inquisitive. Eating would probably rank as
their favorite thing to do, though care should be taken to make sure they
are on a good diet and don't put on excessive weight. They have times
during the day when they want to be active and are more than happy to do
whatever you have planned for them to burn off some energy. They are built
for endurance and can go for long periods tracking small game or just
following their nose through the neighborhood on a daily walk. After
exercise it's off to the couch to snuggle up with you. This is a breed
that loves to please its master in whatever way it can. The temperament of
a Rescued Basset Hound can be varied somewhat due to its past experience
with humans. Please make sure you consult with our adoption coordinator to
learn about the history and temperament of a rescued hound. While they are
in rescue at a loving foster home we have a chance to introduce them
to different situations that might arise. For example, the dog may have
previously been tormented by a child, developing an aggression towards
children. Explain your situation and know what your needs are when you
inquire about adoption.
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