The Basset Hound is easily recognized by its long body, short legs and extremely long ears. The origin of this breed is associated with France and England, where it was used to hunt hares and other small animals.
The name “basset hound” comes from two words: the French “bas” and the English “hound”. The French word “bas” translates as “low” and indicates the physical characteristics of the dog – short legs and a long body. The word “hound” in English means “hound” or “hunting dog”. This term is used to refer to dogs that are used for hunting due to their excellent hunting abilities, especially their sense of smell and endurance. It is worth noting that basset hounds were originally bred in France, where they were simply called bassets. In the 19th century, when these dogs became popular in England, the word “hound” was added to the name to emphasize their hunting abilities. Thus, the full name “bassett hound” began to be used to refer to this breed all over the world.
History of the origin of basset hounds
The breed originated in France, where it was bred by the medieval monks of the Abbey of St. Hubert, located in the Ardennes. Basset hounds were ideal for hunting in dense forests and hard-to-reach areas where long legs would be a disadvantage. In England, where basset hounds arrived in the 19th century, their qualities were appreciated, and the breed became very popular among hunters and dog lovers. In the 1880s, the first breed clubs were created and exhibitions began to be held, where basset hounds gained great popularity.
Appearance of basset hounds
The basset hound has a very distinctive appearance that makes it easily recognizable. The body is long and massive, the legs are short and strong, with well-developed muscles. The front legs are slightly curved, which helps the dog maintain balance while moving. The tail is long and also slightly curved.
The most impressive are his ears – long, low-set, hanging down. Droopy front lips and eyes often give the basset hound a sad expression.
The coat is short, thick and smooth. It fits well to the body and provides protection from the weather. The color can be different, but the most common colors are three-color (black, white and red) and two-color (lemon and white).
Character and behavior of basset hounds
Basset Hounds are calm and rarely show aggression or excessive excitement. They are very attached to their owners and get along well with children and other animals. These dogs are very loyal and willing to learn, although they are quite stubborn. Therefore, it is necessary to train them from a young age and use methods of positive reinforcement, because they will not tolerate violence.
The breed is quite lazy, quickly gains weight, although it likes games. Dogs are happy to participate in all games related to sniffing and searching for objects. This is how their hunting genes manifest: they can follow scents for a long time, regardless of everything around them.
For apartment dwellers, the loud and low barking of basset hounds, which they use not only for communication, but also to signal the presence of outsiders, can be an unpleasant surprise. They can be quite loud, especially if they sense something suspicious or are trying to get attention.
Health of basset hounds
Basset hounds have several characteristics that require attention from owners. Their long ears can be prone to infections, because they are poorly ventilated, which creates favorable conditions for the development of bacteria and fungi. It is important to clean them regularly and check for signs of inflammation. In addition, due to their body structure, basset hounds can have problems with their spine, so it is important to monitor their weight and avoid overloading them, avoiding jumps and stairs.
Grooming basset hounds
Basset Hounds, with their unique appearance, require regular grooming to maintain a healthy and tidy appearance. Let’s look at the main stages of grooming:
- The coat of basset hounds is short, thick and smooth, which makes grooming relatively easy. It is recommended to brush their coat with a brush with soft bristles or a silicone brush 2-3 times a week. It helps to remove dead hairs, reduce shedding and keep the coat clean.
- They do not need frequent bathing, it is enough to wash them once a month or in case of heavy pollution. After bathing, rinse the coat thoroughly and dry the dog with a towel or blow dryer on low.
- Because of the skin folds on the face and body, basset hounds can be prone to dermatitis and other skin infections. Regular cleaning of folds and keeping the skin clean will help prevent these problems.
- Long, drooping ears can become a place for dirt and bacteria to accumulate, which can lead to infections. Regular examination and cleaning of the ears are mandatory.
- Basset Hounds’ eyes need regular inspection for discharge or signs of irritation. This will help preserve the dog’s vision
- Dental care is important to prevent tartar and gum disease. Provide your basset hound with chew toys or special treats to support dental health.
- Claws should be short. Carefully trim the tips of the claws, avoiding the living part with blood vessels. If you are unsure of your skills, consult a veterinarian or groomer.
Although Basset Hounds do not require frequent visits to the groomer, periodic check-ups by a specialist will be beneficial for comprehensive care of the coat, ears and claws. To learn more about basset hound grooming and its cost in Kyiv, go to the “Professional dog grooming and cutting in Kyiv” page on our website.
