Basset Hound Puppies

Basset Hounds are known for their docile, easy going temperament. They can get along with just about anyone, including children and other animals. Since they're not very energetic, Basset Hounds make great dogs for apartment-dwellers because they don't require a ton of exercise. Still, it's important for them to spend time outdoors and take walks to prevent weight gain. These dogs can be stubborn during training, which is a common trait among dogs in the Hound group. They respond best to reward-based training and positive reinforcement. Like all dogs, Basset Hounds need to be socialized from an early age to ensure that they will be a well-rounded dog during adulthood.

Their ears are long and droopy, so they should be checked and cleaned often to prevent infection. Their short and stout bodies are prone to gaining weight, so excercise is important to prevent obesity. They should also be screened for conditions like hip dysplasia, glaucoma, and luxating patella.

Basset Hounds are not the most active of breeds, but they do require regular, moderate exercise. A daily walk should do the trick. They were bread to work in a pack with other dogs, so exercise with canine friends is great for them. After their walk, Basset Hounds are usually ready for a nap.

A Bassett Hound's coat needs a fair amount of regular grooming, despite being short. Regular brushing can help curb shedding, and promotes coat and skin health. They drool heavily, so their face should be wiped regularly. They tend to have a musky odor, so baths once a month are encouraged.

The amount Bassett Hounds shed depends on the breed stock, but you can expect them to shed heavily during the spring and fall.

Basset Hounds are most known for their long ears and droopy eyes. Their skin hangs loose on its frame, which gives the basset hound a sad look. They have short legs, and their torso sits low to the ground. Their coat is soft and smooth, and is constantly shedding. Their colors are usually some form of a tri-color combination of black, white, and tan.

While their exact origin isn't known for sure, Basset Hounds were most likely descendents of the St. Hubert Hound, an ancestor of the present-day Bloodhound. Basset Hounds are believed to have come about from a mutation in the St. Hubert Hound strain that produced a short-legged dog. This breed was first popular in France, especially with royalty. After the French Revolution, though, they became hunting dogs for families and commoners. The Basset Hound most likely came to America in colonial times, but it wasn't until the early 20th century that the breed really became its own. Basset Hounds were officially registered in the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1885, but they really started to gain popularity among Americans in the 1920s, when a Basset Hound was featured on the cover of Time magazine. Over the following decades, the Basset Hound became celebrated and loved by many, and remains one of the most popular dog breeds today.