Basset Hound

The Basset Hound: The charming long-eared dog

History of the Basset Hound

The Basset Hound has a long and interesting history dating back to 16th century France. The name "Basset" comes from the French word "bas", which means "low", and refers to the short legs of these dogs. Originally, Bassets were bred as hunting dogs, especially suited to chasing rabbits and other small wild animals. Their excellent nose and stamina made them ideal hunting companions. In the 19th century, Basset Hounds made their way to England and later to the USA, where they became popular as companion dogs.

Who is the Basset Hound suitable for?

The Basset Hound is an excellent family dog that gets along well with children and other pets. Due to its friendly and patient nature, it is also ideal for older people. These dogs are relatively calm and do not require excessive exercise, making them ideal for city life. However, they are not suitable for people who are looking for a highly active and sporty dog.

Character of the Basset Hound

Basset Hounds are known for their gentle, good-natured and friendly character. They are usually very affectionate and enjoy the company of their humans. Despite their stubbornness, they are loving and loyal companions. These dogs are also known for their strong hunting instinct, which means they love to sniff and explore.

Appearance of the Basset Hound

The Basset Hound is easily recognizable by its long, deep body, short legs and characteristic drooping ears. They have a smooth, short coat that comes in a variety of colors such as tricolor (black, white and brown) or bicolor (lemon yellow and white). Their sad eyes and wrinkled skin give them an unmistakable expression.

Grooming the Basset Hound

Grooming a Basset Hound is relatively straightforward, but requires regular attention. Their short coat should be brushed weekly to remove loose hair. The long ears tend to accumulate dirt and moisture, so they need to be cleaned regularly to prevent infection. The skin folds should also be kept clean and dry. The claws must be trimmed regularly and the teeth groomed to prevent dental problems.

Health of the Basset Hound

Basset Hounds are generally robust dogs, but can be prone to certain health problems. These include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye problems such as glaucoma and ear infections. Obesity can also be a problem with this breed, so a balanced diet and regular exercise is important.

Size and weight of the Basset Hound

An adult Basset Hound reaches a shoulder height of around 33 to 38 cm and weighs between 20 and 29 kg. Despite their small size, they are strongly built and have a strong, muscular body.

Exercise requirements of the Basset Hound

Although Basset Hounds are not overly active dogs, they still need daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. One or two long walks a day and playtime in the garden or park are ideal. Due to their sniffer nose, they love to discover new smells, which makes walks particularly exciting.

Training recommendations for the Basset Hound

Basset Hounds are intelligent but can also be stubborn, which can make training challenging. Patience and positive reinforcement are the keys to success. Short, varied training sessions are most effective. Early socialization training is important to get them used to different people, animals and environments.

Behavioral characteristics and interactions

Basset Hounds are known for their friendly and gentle nature. They get along well with children and other pets and are usually very patient. However, their hunting instincts can mean that they sometimes try to chase after smaller animals. They are also known for their "talkativeness" and can sometimes be noisy, especially when they discover something interesting.

Recognition by the FCI

The Basset Hound is recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and belongs to Group 6, Section 1.3 (running dogs and related breeds).