BASSET HOUND

This floppy-eared, low-slung dog has a gentle nature and is a great tracker. The Basset Hound was bred by French monks to hunt in dense cover and is equally comfortable by the fire or out in the field. Contrary to how some cartoons portray it, this master sniffer dog is extremely intelligent and tenacious. The Basset Hound makes a calm and loving family pet.

Give your Basset Hound a suitable nutrition for their age. These dogs are prone to gaining weight and the fatal illness known as bloat. Hence, pay attention to how and how much you feed them. Instead of one large meal, divide their daily food intake into many smaller meals spaced throughout the day. After eating, wait at least one hour before exercising your Basset Hound to prevent bloating. If not watched carefully, treating an essential training aid could lead to a chubby Basset Hound. Water intake is essential. Make sure your Basset Hound always has access to fresh, clean water.

Ideal Meal Breakdown

Despite their lower level of activity compared to some breeds, Basset Hounds still need regular, moderate exercise. The Basset will stay healthy and avoid getting fat if he exercises regularly. Bassets enjoy canine company on their outings and can be quite playful due to the breed's origins as a working pack dog. They usually settle down for a restful sleep after a walk or time of play.

The short coat of the Basset hound requires little upkeep and is simple to maintain, however weekly brushing will keep shedding to a minimum. The same is true for your Basset Hound's eyes and creases on the face, which should be cleaned of any dirt several times each week and occasionally bathed to maintain healthy skin and lessen their occasionally pungent hound odour. When you hear your Basset's nails clacking on the floor, you know they need to be trimmed. It's crucial to maintain their dental hygiene by using specially made canine toothpaste.

Due to their high levels of independence, training basset hounds can be difficult. These particular scent hounds have been trained over the years to hunt independently and to follow a trail without interruption. They may appear detached and uninterested in carrying out your instructions as a result. A Basset can, however, be trained with consistency and perseverance. Early socialisation with other puppies and the use of treats are essential, and as the Basset matures, both he and his owner can profit from ongoing positive obedience training.

Because the Basset's ears are long and droopy, it's crucial to regularly check them to make sure that an infection hasn't developed due to poor air circulation. A need for a vet visit may be indicated by head shaking or ear scratching. Another crucial aspect of Bassett care is brushing your dog's teeth with toothpaste made specifically for dogs at least twice a week.

The word "basset" means "low" in French, where the Basset Hound breed was first developed. In order to produce a low-built scenting hound that could plod over difficult terrain while being trailed on foot by a human hunting partner searching for rabbit and deer, it is believed that the friars of the Abbey of St. Hubert crossed strains of older French breeds. French aristocrats, for whom hunting was a way of life, favoured Bassets because of their accuracy and perseverance on scent. Colonial England is attributed with bringing the Basset Dog to the United States. With the help of the media, this cute dog quickly won the hearts of millions of people all over America. The breed became well-known in 1960 after appearing in a Hush Puppy shoe advertisement. Despite its widespread use, the Basset Hound remains the preferred breed for small game hunting in England and France.