Basset Hound - breed description and dog character

Basset Hound dogs are quite unusual animals. They are distinguished by their long ears and sad appearance. Their frustrated-looking gaze causes pity. This natural characteristic is confusing, because in fact the essence of these dogs is completely opposite.

General characteristics of the breed

To understand what the pet really feels, it is worth looking at its tail, because this part of the body is the main indicator of mood. And since he is always pulled up, and constantly waving - we can conclude that the basset hound is a happy dog.

Representatives of this breed are more like cartoon characters, or a toy. They create a comical impression, which is complemented by body shape and a muzzle in wrinkles. The picture is completed by short legs and dreary eyes. But, in spite of this view, these animals do not allow relationships of all permissible nature.

Although Basset Hound is a domestic dog, he is a hunter by nature, which is displayed in his name. From English, “basset” is translated as “dachshund”, and “hound” is translated as “hound”.

This breed is more popular in the USA and in Europe. Residents of the latter believe that the domestic dog should be small in size. But representatives of the Basset Hound breed can hardly be called small, although they have short paws and are small in height, but they weigh significantly more than small dogs should. It is difficult to call the Basset Hound a miniature dog, but, nevertheless, it has all the qualities of a pet. The dog is quite restrained and clean, which is important for the animal that lives in the apartment. Also, these dogs look pretty well-mannered. But, if you compare them with the dachshunds, they are significantly different from them, although they are similar in their small size and short legs. Basset Hound looks like an important dog, and the dachshund, in turn, is small and constantly active.

People who choose a dog not by breed but by size should think carefully before giving preference to these representatives.

Temperament

Basset Hound is a very good-natured dog. He is very sociable and affectionate, loves children, and treats strangers well. Such dogs love to spend time with their families: play with them in the yard or ride in a car. To loneliness they are bad, so you should take this into account and not leave your pet alone for a long time. An alternative could be another dog or pet.

Fact! These dogs are stubborn. They act only as they see fit.

Basset hound should be kept on a leash or behind a fence. These measures are necessary for his safety, because the hunting instinct can take possession of him, and he will follow the smell.

Despite the fact that the dog is domestic, she loves trips out of town. During this journey, the hunting instinct wakes up at the pet. As soon as the dog had the opportunity to run out of the car, he immediately fell to the ground and begins to sniff out.At this time, he becomes blind and deaf, and the owners are very difficult to get him. This does not mean that he ignores his family members. The reason for this is that he fully surrenders to the search. Therefore, for these representatives stubbornness and perseverance are not considered flaws.

If future owners expect to see a dog that will give up all its affairs when they hear the owner’s voice, it is best to prefer a German shepherd. A basset hound, unfortunately, does not live up to expectations. Well, all the same, these dogs can be taught to reckon with the owner, because in general dogs by nature are quite social animals, and are ready to obey the more powerful representatives of this world. Of course, this will be quite difficult to achieve. It is necessary to make it clear to the dog that in front of him is the master, the leader, and not to give slack. Because the basset hound will be able to feel it, as well as seize the moment, and overthrow the leader.

To prevent all this from happening, you need to make it clear to the dog who is in charge. After all, a leader is one who is confident in himself, does not scream and is distinguished by strength. It is necessary to talk with your pet and give him affection. But, despite such softness, the leader is adamant, and the dog should understand this. The dog must understand that they love her, but at the same time listen to the owner. In order for everything to be in order, it is necessary to engage in their education from childhood - then no incidents will happen.

It is worth saying that the basset hounds in the role of mother are distinguished by their calmness and tenderness, which gives puppies an occasion not to obey her. Therefore, the upbringing of the kids is necessary for the owner. And most importantly - you should not follow all the tips from strange literature, which says that when disobedience is necessary to take the puppy by the scruff of his neck. The puppy must understand the words “no” and “not allowed”. To fix this, you can slap it. But it’s worth counting on strength. For this, a folded newspaper is suitable, which will not cripple the baby, but will frighten him with its rustling noise.

Fact! Basset Hounds - the owners of the widest nose and longest ears. And, despite their appearance, they look very charming.

These pets seem quite lazy, because they like to lie down and walk quite leisurely. But, if necessary, they can run at high speed. They love to eat, and will beg or steal food. This can adversely affect the health of the animal, as they often suffer from obesity.

It is worth noting that during eating, these dogs saliva liberally. Therefore, if this confuses a person, it is better to completely abandon the idea of ​​acquiring a puppy of this breed.

Breed standards

1. The ideal representative of the Basset Hound is a short-legged dog, on fairly stable legs, with an elongated body, similar to the body of a dachshund.
2. Dog skin folds.
3. The head has the shape of a dome, and a protuberance stands out on the back of the head. The dog's muzzle occupies more than half of the entire head. The skin covers it freely, but wrinkles form near the eyes.
4. The nose is wide and the nostrils are large.
5. The ears are quite long and set wide. Soft and velvety to the touch. They can hang to the edge of the animal's face.
6. Eyes are not very large, shallowly set. Their color is mainly dark brown or light brown, when it comes to light-colored dogs.
7. The neck, like the whole body, is powerful, high set.
8. The paws of the basset hound are quite large for its size. In addition, they look muscular. And the rear view is reminiscent of the decision in the image of a barrel. On the hind and front legs, the skin may hang down a bit, forming folds. And in some cases even bags.
9. The hips are secreted and placed perpendicular to the body of the animal.

As already noted, the paws look quite powerful, resemble a rounded shape. The pads are also large and thick. If the basset hound is level, its own weight is evenly distributed on these very pads.The forearms of the animal, like the paws and part of the muzzle, are also covered with folds of skin. The thoracic part of the body stands out, but it is not proportional to the body, neither large nor small. The back is not hunched, but smooth. If you look at the dog in full view, the sides do not stand out at all.

Their weight can reach 23-29 kg, if we talk about males, and bitches weigh from 20-27 kg. The height of these pets does not exceed 33-38 cm.

The position of the tail is always at the top, in relation to the body it seems quite long. It can never spin in a ring. But since it is curved in the form of a saber, it seems to be of medium length. The coat is harsh to the touch, but at the same time smooth. The hardest thing is she's on the tail.

Basset Hound Training

Representatives of this breed are quite difficult to train. But this has nothing to do with the misconception that the basset hound is considered not very smart and smart dogs. The fact is that they are quite wayward, and do not like when they are ordered. Therefore, the training process for them lasts longer than for all other breeds. And if the basset does not want to do something, then it will not be, no matter how much the owner tries, especially if he has no experience with dogs at all. This animal is not suitable for everyone, because only an energetic, purposeful and patient person can cope with its peculiar character and innate obstinacy.

To make it easier to find an approach to these dogs, you can follow the training guidelines:

1. To teach a pet is from the first months of life. Because they are still quite flexible and easy to learn. And therefore, it is much easier for them to adapt to changes than an adult with a formed character and habits.
2. You should not be led into the sad face of the Basset Hound, because it is his natural characteristics, and not his state of mind. If strict measures are not yet applied at a young age, this does not mean at all that it is not worthwhile to suppress a puppy when, for example, he nibbles a sheet. After all, if you don’t make a remark to the animal when he grows up, he will “eat” it completely and destroy many other things in the house.

Dog Care and Health

The rest of this dog does not require special care and conditions. The main thing is that she has her own space. And whatever it is, the pet will feel good there, if the owner will pay attention to it. Climatic conditions are also not important for this animal.

These dogs are quite healthy representatives. And only a few diseases can it be affected. The first is ear infections, and the second is back problems.

Basset Hound sheds twice a year, like other animals with hair. And in order to rid the pet of these problems, it is necessary to comb out his hair at least 4 times a week for half an hour.

Video: Basset Hound dog breed