Basset Hound
Description
This sturdy short legged rabbit hunting breed is descendant of the Bloodhound (fact he has the second best nose around), Regular Artisien Normand, and the Basset Artisien Normand. Napoleon III so loved his Basset Hounds that he had the sculptor Emmanuel Fremiet do bronze sculptures of his beloved Bassets. Basset were given as a gift to Americas first President George Washington by the Marquis de Lafayette. The Basset reached international fame in 1863 at the Paris Dog Show. Bassets stand at around 12 to 15 in. tall at the withers, and weigh somewhere between 50 to 65 lbs. Females coming in on the smaller end of both height and weight. This is a big boned breed with a well proportioned head, and long ears. All hound colors are acceptable for this breed…tri-colors, black and white, black and tan, red and white, blue/gray, honey/melon.
Temperament
Extraordinarily friendly the Basset makes a wonderful family pet ( doing well with children ), or companion dog; however, they are a hound and as hounds go may bark our howl when they need something or sense something is wrong. Bassets also have there own special “talk” when they want something it sounds like a low murmuring whine, and can increase in volume depending on the dog and how long he has been at it. They need constant treat reinforcement to help them absorb the training your giving them.
Grooming/Exercise
Heavy shedders the Basset is going to need regular brushing to help keep up on it, and the keep their coast healthy and shiny. Bathe only when necessary. Remember to pay close attention to the Bassets ears keeping them clean and free of excess build up. Bassets have a low activity level indoors, but will need a healthy dose of daily exercise in order to keep him at a healthy weight. They will do fine in a condo or apartment as long as their exercise needs are met.
Health
Life Expectancy is 10 to 12 years.
Possible Issues
- Bloat (should be fed three small meals daily, never fed a large meal)
- Overweight (due to the shortness of this breed they must not become overweight)
