The Ultimate Guide: Basset Hounds
If you’re looking for a relatively small dog that doesn’t require a whole lot of work, then a Basset Hound may be a great choice for you. With their short legs and long ears, these dogs are very endearing and charming and tend to be extremely patient as well. Somewhat stubborn at times, they are actually quite strong, especially for their size. The mournful look of the dog sometimes misleads people but they are actually friendly and happy dogs.
Extremely good at picking up scent, they are actually comparable to a Bloodhound in being able to scent and track. They can be extremely stubborn if they get on the trail of something and though they aren’t fast they are actually quite steady and have a lot of endurance. Their bark is actually quite loud and you’ll definitely be able to recognize it when you hear them.
You won’t notice these dogs getting really affectionate with you, but they are extremely loyal and will definitely show their feelings in other ways rather than a lot of overt affection or licking.
Best Diet & Nutrition For Basset Hounds
Feeding your dog the right type of food is extremely important when you’re looking to keep them as healthy as possible. This requires looking closely at the quality of the food that you’re giving them as well as the time of life that your dog is in. Giving them food that’s meant for their stage of life is going to get them the nutrients that they really need during that period of time. It’s also important to feed them the ideal amount of food as advised by your vet.
They will be able to help you with other questions about your dog’s diet as well. Make sure you avoid too many treats and also that you avoid too much human food (as well as certain types of human food) as these can be a problem for your dog. You’ll want to talk with your vet about what your dog’s ideal weight is and the amount of food that you should be feeding them to keep them healthy.
Grooming
The short fur of a Basset Hound is actually a little misleading because these dogs require a moderate amount of brushing, approximately 2 to 3 times per week. Regular grooming is extremely important and because the hair is short they actually shed quite frequently. By brushing them frequently (at least 1 time per week) it’s possible to cut down on the shedding and make sure that fur isn’t getting all over you and your house.
Grooming feels great for your dog and actually helps with their skin and the rest of their health as well, helping them feel great while keeping your house looking better. Keeping their nails trimmed and bathing them regularly is another important aspect of keeping their coat shiny and keeping them more comfortable.
Exercise
While these short-legged dogs are not overly active or energetic they do still require a little bit of exercise. A single walk each day at a moderate pace is generally enough exercise for them and if you can walk them with other dogs it’s even better. That’s because they are actually a pack animal and love to be more playful with their fellow dogs. They can actually do well with other dogs in the household as well.
When it comes to the time after a walk the Basset Hound can actually be quite tired and may take a nap rather than continuing to play or be active. That doesn’t mean walks should be cut shorter or skipped, however, as they still need the regular exercise in order to stay healthy and happy.
Training Basset Hounds
Training is actually relatively difficult when it comes to Basset Hounds. Though you might not think it by their somewhat sleepy nature and their lack of activity, they’re actually very stubborn animals and tend to ignore training. That doesn’t mean that they can’t be trained, however. It just means that the process is going to take a little more time than with other dogs and that it’s going to require a great deal of persistence on your part.
Because they are quite independent, these short-legged dogs may seem uninterested in the training and may even seem aloof. That means more training is required. Socialization is an extremely important aspect of training and obedience as well and definitely should be encouraged to keep your dog moving forward.
Are Basset Hounds Good For Emotional Support?
Though they used to be hunting dogs, these small and adorable dogs are actually great for those with pets and children and they’re a good dog for those who need an emotional support companion dog. They’re small and need very little exercise but they are also very gentle and sweet to their owners. Overall, they are a great companion for anyone who needs it.
Health
When it comes to health, the most important thing to watch for is trouble with the ears. The long and floppy ears that are iconic with this type of dog can actually cause a lot of different health problems, including ear infections.
You’ll also want to keep an eye out for other health conditions that include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- von Willebrand's disease
- Glaucoma
- Hypothyroidism
- Bleeding disorders
- Luxating patella
Bottom Line
With their short legs and long ears, you’re going to enjoy a lot of great features with a Basset Hound, which includes their sweet nature and the low level of exercise needed in order to keep them healthy and happy. You can use them as an emotional support dog or just bring them into the family as a regular part of the household. Either way, they’re going to prove a great addition. They do well with children, with pets, and with just about anyone and they require only a moderate amount of extra care when it comes to grooming and exercise - making them great for just about any household.
