Basset Hound: a prim gentleman and a keen hunter in your home. Description of the Basset Hound breed, its character Characteristics of dogs of the Basset Hound breed

Basset Hound - detailed description dog breeds, photos, videos, features of keeping and history of the origin of the breed

Breed dossier

1. Country of origin: Great Britain.
2. Classification: Group 6. Hounds and related breeds. Section 1. Hounds.
3. Training: Basset Hounds are smart, but can be stubborn at times.
4. Color: Basset Hounds typically come in tri-colored coats (black, white, and fawn). Sometimes there are two-colored individuals, and even less often - one-colored ones (the color common among hounds).
5. Dimensions. The dog is quite large, although short. Height at withers for males: 33 - 38 cm. Weight: 20-25 kg.
6. General impression: short-legged, massive dog with long ears. On the head the skin forms folds, the head has a dewlap. The skin also forms folds on the legs and knees.
7. Usage: hunting breed. Nowadays, Bassets have proven themselves to be excellent companion dogs.
8. Physical exercise: active. Bassets love active games and great physical activity.
9. Character. The strong, impassive character of the Basset Hound has become almost legendary. Representatives of this breed almost never get angry, they are phlegmatic and rarely show aggression. They can be very stubborn, so Bassets need an owner who is calm and has a strong character, because if the Basset senses a weakness in the owner’s character, he will definitely become stubborn.
10. Content: Basset hounds are not suitable for keeping in an apartment, because they are a hunting dog, they need space for movement and active physical activity.
11. Grooming: not very difficult, because representatives of this breed have short, smooth hair. It is enough to brush your Basset Hound once a week. These dogs need careful care of their ears and eyes.
12. Amenability: They get along well with cats and dogs in the house. They love small children.
13. Diseases: Basset hounds suffer from glaucoma, skin dermatitis, and they also have problems with digestion and the musculoskeletal system.
14. Diet: Basset hounds happily eat dry food, as well as foods of natural origin. These dogs cannot be fed a lot, otherwise they will get fat and become lethargic and clumsy.
15. Lifespan: 10-12 years old.

History of origin of the breed

Basset Hounds were originally used as hunting dogs to hunt rabbits. Experts believe that Bassets are descended from Bloodhounds, but in order to preserve the features of Basset Hounds, breeders selected only individuals with shortened paws.

Appearance

The head is quite large, with a convex skull and a powerful muzzle. The muzzle is elongated, the jaws are strong. Distinctive feature Bassets - the skin on their head forms folds and wrinkles. The lower eyelids may droop slightly, giving the Basset's face a somewhat sullen appearance. The eyes are diamond-shaped, dark brown. The ears are set very low, they are very soft and long. Neck with dewlap, muscular. The body is massive, elongated in length. The chest and back are wide, the ribs are convex. Basset Hounds' limbs are short and powerful, muscular but compact. The paws are massive, with wide toes. The tail is long, very wide at the base, gradually tapering towards the end. The coat is short, smooth, and lies close to the body. Hard to the touch.

Psychological picture

The strong, impassive character of the Basset Hound has become almost legendary. Representatives of this breed almost never get angry, they are phlegmatic and rarely show aggression. They can be very stubborn, so Bassets need an owner who is calm and has a strong character, because if the Basset senses a weakness in the owner’s character, he will definitely become stubborn.

These dogs are very affectionate and devoted, dote on their owner, and suffer alone.

Basset hounds are not suitable for keeping in an apartment, because they are a hunting dog, they need space for movement and active physical activity. Grooming is not very difficult, because representatives of this breed have short, smooth hair. It is enough to brush your Basset Hound once a week. These dogs need careful care of their ears and eyes.

Price policy

Basset Hound dogs are quite expensive. For one Basset puppy you will have to fork out 15,000 - 25,000 rubles. The price varies depending on the pedigree, gender and class of the puppy. In addition, when choosing a puppy, you should only contact trusted breeders, otherwise you risk purchasing a puppy with poor health.

Price: 15,000 – 25,000 rubles

This breed, wonderful in all respects, cannot leave anyone indifferent. Basset hounds are true aristocrats of the canine world, possessing remarkable qualities. We will talk about these obedient, friendly and slightly melancholy dogs in this article.

History of the breed

History of the breed. The name of the breed itself comes from two words: “buss” - bottom, and “hound” - hound dog, that is, in other words, “low hound”. The theory of the origin of this breed is also very interesting. Two countries took part in the formation: France and England. Most cynologists are inclined to think that the basis for the creation of a new branch was the Norman French hounds, which have “ good character and good looks."

Until the middle of the last century, Basset hounds were not distinguished as a separate breed; they were simply “non-standard” hounds taken from the general population with short stature, crooked paws and ears dragging on the ground, which specialized in burrow hunting for foxes and hares. This situation might never have been resolved until Count Lecoutet and Mr. Lan drew attention to these dogs. They created two types of breed: "Lekuta Bassets" - small, squat dogs with slightly crooked paws, and "Lana Bassets" - massive and large animals with large heads and ears.

Both of these varieties were officially brought to England in 1866, when Lord Galway was given a magnificent pair of Basset Hounds as a gift; they later produced excellent offspring and became the founders of the English branch of the breed. But the British were not limited to what they got and then began experiments on mixing Basset Hounds with Bloodhounds, in the desire to enhance the main characteristics of the animal: folds on the skin, the shape of the head and large trailing ears.

This is interesting! Currently, many dog ​​experts agree that in the blood of today's Basset Hounds there is very little of the original French breed, and much more of the characteristics of the Bloodhound.

Description and appearance

The breed standard describes the Basset Hound as follows: it is a hound with good working qualities, reliable, seeks out animals using its scent, works well in a pack, and has excellent team qualities. She has a pleasant booming melodic bark. It is not aggressive, a fearless, calm, balanced dog, devoted to its owner. Self-esteem and leisurely behavior are the distinctive qualities of this breed.

Appearance. This is a massive, large-built hound with a well-balanced body. The frontal line and the line of the protruding part run almost parallel. A small number of folds on the muzzle and around the eyes is allowed, but there should not be too many. The skull is large, slightly convex, with a pronounced occiput and a smooth transition from the forehead to the muzzle.

The nose is predominantly black; representatives of the light-colored breed may have a light nose. The entire muzzle is elongated and massive. Upper lip pendulous, largely covering the lower one. Special attention to the teeth and jaws, they should be well developed, bite: correct, in the form of “scissors”.

The eyes are diamond-shaped and should not be protruding or deep-set. In dark-colored representatives of the breed, they are only dark brown; in Basset Hounds with lighter coats, light brown is allowed. Any shades of blue, gray and yellow in the color of the iris are not allowed.

The ears are large, low in structure, not thick in structure, easily curled, pleasant and silky to the touch. The neck is quite powerful, strong with pronounced muscles and loose skin; it should not be short. The line of the spine is deep, the height of the body is approximately uniform along the entire length. The chest may protrude slightly, but should not be narrow. The rib bones should not stick out, but may feel a little springy to the touch.

The tail is long, firmly set, thinner at the end, in the lower part - with a small amount wool It is not allowed to be twisted into a sickle or a ring; it must be in the shape of a “saber”. When running - with slight rigidity, slightly curved and turned to the side.

The front part of the body is well built, the front legs are powerful, with thick bones, and wrinkles are allowed on the legs. The hindquarters are rounded and muscular; on the hock joint the skin may gather into a small fold. The paw pads are large, developed, and convex. The front legs look straight or slightly apart, total weight the animal is evenly distributed without pressure on the front or back. The paw print on the ground should be consistent with that of a typical hound, with only the pads touching the surface, no other parts allowed.

This is interesting! The Basset Hound, despite its “clumsy” figure, moves smoothly and elegantly. It should throw out its paws correctly, widely, and the hind and front paws move equally evenly. There should be no dragging of claws.

The coat is glossy, of good density and structure, of medium thickness. Areas with feathering and long hair, even small ones, are not allowed. The color is typical for hounds: tri-color, white with black or brown, white with brown. Height at the withers for males is 35-38 cm, females 32-36 cm.

Character of the breed

From the outside, the Basset Hound seems a little lazy and clumsy, but this is a very deceptive feeling. This is a dog with great intelligence that loves respect and will not tolerate familiarity. Possessing a fairly calm disposition, they are not averse to frolicking and running around, so they require good physical activity. Behind the appearance of a half-asleep phlegmatic person sometimes hides a real leader capable of manipulating the owner. Therefore, great attention must be paid to training and knowledge of basic commands.

This is interesting! Such a dog requires a special approach, and for mutual understanding you will need to put a lot of effort and patience. It is useless to shout and order this dog; it will simply ignore you. Basset hounds love communication “as equals” and if you achieve their respect, you will receive a faithful and devoted friend.

You need to start fighting all bad habits from the moment you bought a puppy. For example, if you do not teach him to ignore dubious street “goodies” from early childhood, then in the future it will be very problematic to retrain an adult basset hound.

These dogs do not tolerate loneliness well and, out of boredom, can “eat” a chair or favorite shoes. To avoid such a catastrophe, you need to buy more toys, these could be various squeakers, “bones” or balls. But before buying, be sure to consult with the seller so that the ball is not too small, otherwise the dog can easily swallow it.

Relationships with small children can be very good, since the dog has a balanced character and is not aggressive. But be sure to make sure that the kids don’t bother you and don’t pull the dog’s paws and tail. Since basset hounds are direct descendants of hounds, keeping them with other animals is quite problematic. It is especially necessary to avoid proximity to the usual historical “prey”: rabbits, foxes, ferrets and small rodents, otherwise this may provoke the hunting instinct and the dog will become aggressive and uncontrollable.

Basset Hounds need long walks fresh air, they need moderate physical activity. If you let your dog go, always make sure he doesn't wander too far. This breed has a keen sense of smell and can “pick up the scent” of a cat or mouse in the park. A dog carried away by such a “hunt” can easily get lost.

The Basset Hound is a dog exclusively for keeping in a house or apartment. Keeping her in an enclosure or, worse yet, on a chain is completely unacceptable. IN Lately This excellent dog has become a companion for leisurely long walks. Basset Hounds love to play and jump outdoors, but their short legs often cause their bellies to get dirty. Therefore, accustom your dog to hygiene procedures after a walk in advance; for this, purchase a special terry mitten and shampoo for smooth-haired dogs. For cold and rainy weather, you can buy a beautiful jumpsuit.

Grooming is minimal; brushing the dog once or twice a week with a special brush is enough.. Also, keep an eye on the condition of your nails and trim them regularly.

Just like all dogs with long ears, Basset Hounds need careful and regular cleaning of their ears. Also very often they can suffer from diseases such as otitis media, ear mites and various inflammations. You need to purchase a special cleaning solution or simply wipe your ears with cotton pads or swabs dipped in warm water. If your dog suddenly starts rubbing its head or shaking it for no apparent reason, make an appointment with the veterinarian.

Basset Hounds' eyes are also often susceptible to disease, such as entropion or age-related glaucoma. After each walk, carefully inspect the eye folds and if you notice excessive tearing, pus or redness, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Nutrition

Another dangerous disease is excess weight, which for this breed can create a strong load on the short legs and spine. To avoid this, feed your dog strictly as directed by the breeder, and when switching to dry food, be sure to follow the directions on the package: daily norm must correspond to the weight and age of the animal. If your dog has become overly plump, switch to dietary food and increase physical activity.

Important! The diet should not contain pork, fatty lamb or duck. To avoid stomach bleeding, dogs should not be given hollow bird bones.

Where can I buy a puppy and its approximate cost?

The price of a purebred puppy ranges from 20 to 40 thousand rubles, depending on the “renowned parents”. It is strictly not recommended to buy an animal from strangers. In this case, you can purchase a weakened animal with poor heredity. You need to purchase a puppy from specialized official breed clubs; before purchasing, you need to carefully study the pedigree of its parents. Pay attention to the appearance of the animal, as well as the vaccinations in the veterinary passport. If you do not take a dog for exhibitions or breeding, but simply “for the soul”, you should not overpay for “titles and regalia” in the pedigree, it is enough to buy a cute and healthy puppy.

Video: Basset Hound

These dogs are hounds and cannot be confused with any other breed in appearance. These animals are very massive, but have long ears, short legs and a look filled with life experience. But this look is very deceptive. This breed is extremely willful, but at the same time remains the kindest of the existing ones.

History of the breed

The first mentions of them were found in ancient manuscripts. Short legs are a kind of pathology, but fortunately, this does not affect life expectancy in any way.

Basset hounds, like dachshunds, were bred artificially by crossing various breeds in which similar pathologies had already been observed. The main task of this breed is to chase and capture small game such as badgers, foxes and rabbits. The nose, located in close proximity to the ground, is able to detect even the most subtle and barely perceptible odors.

Based on the majority opinion, Basset Hounds were bred back in the sixteenth century for the aristocracy and monarchy, who were very fond of hunting. Another opinion is based on the fact that the Basset dog was developed at the turn of the nineteenth century in Great Britain. The only thing that can be reliably stated is that such short-legged breeds were used exclusively for hunting. It was in Great Britain that the standards and descriptions characterizing this breed were first developed.

Today, this hunting breed has become a friend and devoted companion for most. Basset Hounds are loved for their enormous loyalty, kindness and aristocratic appearance. Their character and stunning look can captivate everyone who has ever seen them in person. True, these same qualities often become the reason for the abandonment of puppies. Based on statistics, we can say for sure that those people who have at least once owned a Basset Hound will never give preference to another breed.

The name of the breed comes from a combination of two words that mean low hound. The first mention of this short-legged huntress was found in writings found in Ancient Egypt. The remains of her distant ancestor were also discovered there, in one of the catacombs of Saqqara. Similar finds took place both in Ancient Rome and Ancient Greece.

Breeds with similar characteristics were bred at the beginning of the fifth century in one of the abbeys of France. An illustrated description of the basset hound breed was given in a manuscript describing hunting rules in the mid-fifteenth century. Free hunting on horseback has been a privileged pastime of all nobles for many centuries. Hunting dogs accompanying hunters were highly valued, and the selection was very serious.

They stopped breeding basset hounds during the French Revolution, but under the rule of Napoleon Bonaparte everything returned to its previous places. The selection was carried out under official supervision, and in the same year the breed was first exported to England. Exactly local residents This country has made every effort to ensure that representatives of this breed become heavier and more powerful.

Appearance

The modern characteristics of the breed were approved back in 1988 by the International Canine Federation. It is also worth considering that the modern breed is very different from its ancestors.

The French breed was primarily valued for its slightly curved front legs. The stronger the bend, the higher the cost of the dog. The ideal parameters of the dog should have been such that the chest almost touched the surface of the ground, and one should not forget about the characteristic curvature of the paws.

The root cause of the existing pathology has not been clarified, although English scientists have put a lot of effort into eventually straightening out the curvature of the front paws.

The following primary reasons can be identified:

• improper nutrition of the bitch in the postpartum period;
• malnutrition when carrying puppies;
• defects at the genetic level;
• crossing individuals suffering from rickets.

The Basset Hound is not only the largest, but also the heaviest of all existing hounds. With very slight growth - only about 40 centimeters, an adult will weigh about 30 kilograms. It has a high forehead, a rectangular and massive head and a noticeable bump on the back of the head. She has pronounced eye sockets and high cheekbones. The skin on the face can be easily pulled back. It is characterized by the presence of a deep mouth with strong, strong and even teeth. Depending on the base color, the nose can be either brown or black. The muzzle is uniformly wide and deep, while the nostrils are open. The upper lip hangs slightly, which makes it possible to cover the entire lower part of the jaw.

Dogs whose eye color is in the brown palette are valued. Light eyes are a clear sign of a crossbreed. The body is elongated and very strong, like all representatives of hounds. The ears are low set, flexible, soft, thin, narrow and close to the cheeks. In a calm state, the neck is slightly curved and the back is straight. The convex and wide chest is completely encircled by the front paws, but they should not touch. The ribs have a convex and rounded shape. There are characteristic folds on the neck, and on the stomach the skin hangs loosely. The dog's shoulders and withers are proportional to each other.

In addition to the elongated croup muscles, this breed has quite strong and muscular hind legs. The rear hands should be perfectly straight, while the front hands should be slightly apart and set straight. The trace left behind must be complete. The guard hair can be either soft or have a medium level of hardness. By itself it is dense and short.

Available colors:

• light brown with lemon white;
• brown color mixed with black and white;
• combination of red, black and white;
• brown with white splashes;
• red with white transitions;
• black with white spots.

Character and intelligence

This breed is called a gentleman's breed, largely due to its slowness, expressive gaze and very long ears. This dog breed is very smart, and they will always achieve what they want. In this case, their intellectual characteristics, ingenuity and, of course, external data come to their aid, which can persuade anyone to give another indulgence.

At the slightest prank or whim, the ears immediately enter, allowing you to turn a blind eye to broken dishes and hidden house slippers. Such an attitude is unacceptable, because if the puppy feels weak, you will have to carry him in your arms for the rest of his life. And over time, he will become even more resourceful and harmful (characteristic). They are particularly active only if they see an animal nearby that could be considered prey.

The Basset Hound breed has a kind and flexible character. Thanks to their distant roots, their day can be spent sniffing around or searching for a hidden toy or favorite treat. Extremely slow, but this makes them even calmer, dogs are able to establish friendly relations with all family members in a very short time. They intuitively try to please their owners.

It is also worth mentioning their colossal resistance to stress, which helps them get along well with children. If he is very interested in something, he can bark at it for hours, which also makes the Basset Hound an excellent guard dog.

It is worth paying attention to the fact that dogs extremely do not like to be left alone, they begin to sleep a lot, eat and howl, and very loudly. First of all, this should be taken into account by those who plan to live with a dog in an apartment. They remember insults well, so you should expect some kind of retribution. In case of increased interest, all dangers will be ignored.

Advantages and disadvantages

Features of this breed include incredibly thick paws and extremely sad eyes. Over time, the Basset dog will resemble a respectable aristocrat, who will slowly stroll along one of the local streets. Appearances can be deceiving, so if they smell prey, they will chase it for hours.

The characteristics of the breed are:

• caring for a small puppy is extremely difficult and time-consuming;
• quite complex character;
• complete loyalty to little ones pulling their ears, and colossal devotion to all family members;
• an excellent hunter with amazing charm (the strongest among other hunting breeds);
• caring for the coat will not be difficult;
• Quite an unusual appearance.

This breed is suitable for you if:

• you love animals and are ready to give them as much attention as possible;
• living in a large living space;
• if there are other animals living in your house and you have children;
• even if this is your first four-legged friend;
• you are able to be stubborn to his antics and character;
• you have enough patience to teach your dog the necessary commands;
• you prefer long walks;
• you have a large family and at least one family member always stays at home.

You should not get this breed if:

1. You are incapable of saying no. The dog will feel eternally hungry and beg for goodies at the first opportunity. And you shouldn’t overfeed them.
2. You have little free time and no time to play and communicate with your four-legged friend. A dog needs a lot of communication and constant attention. The Basset Hound dog needs your love.
3. Basset hounds salivate profusely, so people who are too clean should not have one. There will be saliva everywhere and cleaning will be done quite frequently. When your dog eats or drinks, there will be bits of food and water spilled around the bowl. This is a feature of their structure, and one should not scold him for it.

Caring for a dog is quite simple. Once a day, the hair is intensively combed for five minutes. This will remove dead hairs and restore fat balance. You should wash your dog no more than several times a month, so as not to disturb its natural “smell.”

Ears are regularly inspected for foreign bodies and inflammation. During tick season, multiple inspections throughout the day are necessary. Wipe the ears with a special solution and a cotton swab. From childhood, it is better to accustom puppies to food, completely or partially excluding human food.

Hunting qualities

Unfortunately, these dogs in our region are used extremely rarely for hunting, but in vain. But the basset hound breed is in unprecedented demand in the USA and Europe. Basset hounds are very passionate about hunting, so when they notice a foreign animal, they will immediately begin pursuit. The chase will be accompanied by a very loud bark, which is characteristic exclusively of this breed.

When chasing, the dog will forget about everything and can go a long distance. That is why it is very important to teach the dog basic commands, at the top of the list, which should be the call to return to the owner. It would be a good idea to teach commands using an ultrasonic whistle. This will help the four-legged hunter hear the call of the owner, while being at a very impressive distance.

They pick up a trail very well, especially a bloody one. They run slowly, but are more resilient than, for example, beagles. They take their prey by persecution and starvation. They can chase pheasants, a squirrel or a hare for hours, but will eventually lead it straight to its owner. The subtle scent of this breed does not give the prey a single chance to lose track.

It is recommended to take a group hunt for hog or other large game. They work great together with spaniels. If he sees a dachshund trying to get a fox out of a hole, he will try to do the same. Moreover, the character of basset hounds is absolutely fearless. It is recommended to take it both for open hunting and for field hunting when chasing prey.

How to choose a puppy

The Basset Hound dog breed is difficult to train, thanks to its stubborn and very capricious character. If you do not have enough experience in training, it is better to seek help from a specialist rather than wait for a miracle. You need to train your dog from a very early age, because the older the dog, the more difficult it is to train.

It is recommended to adopt Basset Hounds only from trusted kennels. A good breeder will continue to be interested in the life of his little ward and, if necessary, can give some sensible advice. If any problems are brewing, he should be contacted first.

To begin with, it is better to spend time at several exhibitions and familiarize yourself with the proposed catalogs. Origin is the main factor that you should pay attention to first (if you need a hunting dog). Get to know your favorite pedigree. However, it is worth considering that not every puppy is capable of becoming a worthy representative of its kind.

If you plan to participate in exhibitions, then you should pay more attention to executive class dogs with pronounced generic characteristics. A familiar specialist or breeder will help you finally decide on the choice of a friend.

If you want to make a good, but still just friend, then when choosing, it is better to be guided solely by your own intuition. The choice of gender depends entirely on the owner.

In order for your pet to always be happy and in good shape, regular and long walks are necessary. The coat does not require special care, but it must be brushed regularly with a comb with natural bristles. You need to wash your dog several times a month. A constant and thorough examination of the eyes and ears is required for the presence of inflammation and mites.

Due to its relatively small stature, the breed is prone to excess weight and frequent bloating in the abdominal area. Meals should be regular, but in small portions. It is better to feed him three to four times a day, but in small portions. It is recommended to give preference to a series of low-calorie foods. Long walks are required at least several times a day, otherwise the dog will lose all its hunting skills.

They can live both in a small apartment and in a private house. Walking around the yard cannot replace a full walk in the park. The lifespan of this breed is just over 12 years. If you feed foods high in calcium, your dog may develop kidney stones. For rainy walks, it is recommended to purchase a special overall.

Their immunity is quite strong, but there is a risk of acquiring a number of genetic diseases and defects. Their eyes are a sore spot, so conjunctivitis, eyelid deformation, cataracts and glaucoma often appear.

Special attention will be required:

• stomach and legs;
• nutrition;
• folds of the mouth;
• wool.

Nutrition

For balanced nutrition It is better to use super-premium and premium dietary foods. Eating homemade food for your Basset Hound is not recommended. Human dishes and products will inevitably lead to severe obesity.

From time to time it is worth pampering your pet with low-fat cottage cheese and other fermented milk products. Sometimes you can give cereals and vegetables, and soak dry food, but this is only for puppies.

Over time, an adult dog should completely switch to dry food, and dairy products can be given in the morning. If a pet overeats, it starts to sleep a lot and gets fat as a result.

Regularly lying on the couch can become a habit that is difficult to break. If you are still not sure about the quality of dry food, it is better to feed your dog vegetables, cereals and lean meat.

Care

The Basset Hound cannot be called a fast breed, but it is better to walk with him on a leash. The absence of such an obstacle as a leash can encourage a four-legged hunter to catch a bird or a local squirrel. The Basset Hound dog loves to walk, despite the fact that it moves more than slowly.

The dog knows no limits when it comes to food and will never refuse to eat or steal something tasty. To avoid obesity, he needs to spend a lot of time moving. It is not recommended to swim frequently, so it is worth purchasing several raincoats or special suits for bad weather.

Health

Possible diseases:

• hip dysplasia;
• von Willebrand disease;
• ectropia and glaucoma;
• volvulus;
• obesity;
• problems with the spine;
• ear infections;
• entropion of the eyelid;
• colic, bloating and stomach upset.

The average lifespan of this breed is about 12 years. Testing for various genetic diseases is carried out by the breeder. Adult dogs often suffer from decreased thyroid function. Numerous problems with the back and spine in particular are quite common among pets.

You can help recognize the disease by observing the following signs:

• partial paralysis of the back;
• lack of appetite;
• lethargy and reluctance to go down or up stairs;
• tremor.

Education and training

The day this little four-legged hunter appears in your family, your life will change forever. It will be filled with numerous worries regarding the future puppy, pleasant worries, joy and funny games. When choosing behavioral tactics, you should take into account the character traits of the Basset Hound breed.

First of all, you need to understand that this is a hunting breed. And it is these instincts that become a headache for the unprepared owner. On walks you need to be especially careful, as any animal can arouse interest and awaken hunting instincts. The dog may run away and get lost. During the hunt, they forget about everything, so they can jump out onto the road. First, you should train your pet to return to its owner on command.

The dog needs constant contact and does not tolerate loneliness very well. If you surround him with care and love, he will become the smartest and most loyal. But lack of proper attention will inevitably provoke apathy and a desire to play dirty tricks. When he is sad, he begins to howl (cry) very loudly and heart-rendingly, which will allow you to instantly notify all your neighbors about the presence of this miracle. Dealing with these songs is difficult, but possible. If possible, do not leave him alone for a long time. If such an opportunity is not available, he should be taught to be independent from childhood.

Video

Our video will tell you about the characteristics of the breed.

The Basset Hound is a breed of hound dog, despite the fact that they have short legs. They were originally used to hunt foxes and badgers and are second only to bloodhounds in their sense of smell. The name of the breed comes from the French “bas” - low and “hound” - hound.

Theses

• Like all hounds, they are stubborn and difficult to train. It is advisable to give them to professional trainers.

• If a dog catches an interesting smell, he will follow it, no matter how dangerous it is. Always walk your dog on a leash and keep it in a securely fenced yard, plus take a dog obedience class.

• One of the main reasons why owners get rid of dogs is because they are slobbery. In addition, due to the nature of the skin around the mouth, they splash a lot when they drink. If you are squeamish or very clean, then it is better to look for another breed.

• They often suffer from flatulence, if this bothers you, talk to your veterinarian or change their diet.

• They love to eat, overeat and often suffer from obesity. This may cause problems with the joints and spine.

• Long, floppy ears should be inspected and cleaned weekly to prevent infections. Sometimes even more often, as dirt gets into them during active walks.

• They can howl loudly, especially if left alone for a long time.

History of the breed

The true history of the breed began in 1870, when the first dogs came to England. But the first mention of dogs similar to basset hounds was in the illustrated text about hunting “La Venerie”, written by Jacques du Fouilloux in 1585.

According to the texts, they were used when hunting foxes and badgers; their short legs helped to chase animals into holes, from which hunters then dug them out. The illustrations show dogs with a wiry coat that modern dogs do not have.

However, other hounds of this group have it, for example, . It is clear that these dogs are still in their infancy, and, most likely, they appeared several decades earlier, and possibly more.

The first appearance of these dogs in America dates back to the reign of George Washington, when he was given several puppies as a gift.

It is believed that they were bred as an alternative to larger hounds so that hunters could pursue prey on foot rather than just on horseback. Hunting is what they were used for from the moment they appeared until the time they became popular.

Basset Hounds are descended from the Artesian-Normandy Basset, whose origins are unclear. It is believed that they descended from bloodhounds, and this seems to be true, since both breeds have drooping ears and a sad expression on their faces.

The popularity of these dogs increased significantly with the beginning of the French Revolution, as we remember, the breed was bred so that the hunter could follow them on foot, getting to places where a horse could not go.

Before the French Revolution, hunting was the privilege of the nobility, but after it it quickly spread to the lower classes.

Representatives of these classes could afford one or two hound dogs, but not a horse, which made hounds of this species very popular. The number of dogs is starting to increase at a time when the number of other dog breeds in France is steadily falling.

So, let's leave the confusing origin story and return to the exact data. Modern history The breed dates back to the reign of Napoleon III, from 1852 to 1870.

The emperor was so keen on the artesian-Norman basset dogs that after a year of his reign he ordered a bronze statue of a dog from the sculptor. In 1863 they participated in the Paris Dog Show, where they gained international fame, and after fame and popularity in other countries.

They first came to England in 1866, when Lord Galway brought them from Paris, but they did not receive due fame. In 1876, Sir John Everett Millet began importing Basset Hounds from France, and being a passionate hunter, he widely popularized them and is today considered the founder of the breed.

The popularity of Artesian-Normandy Bassets is growing exponentially, and in England they are becoming known as Basset Hounds. After just a few years, there are enough owners and breeders.

But they have little understanding of the breeds of imported dogs, and sometimes cross different ones. This creates confusion where fashion and popularity play a role.

As a result, English breeders decide that they need to create a larger and heavier hound, for this they cross them with bloodhounds. And fifty years later, they are already significantly different from the artesian-Normandy, being a new, modern breed.

They came to the USA at the end of the 19th century, initially as show animals, but quickly gained popularity among hunters. To this day, hunting with Basset Hounds is popular in Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania.

The American Kennel Club registered the breed in 1885, a year after its creation. British Kennel Club in 1928. Basset Hound Club of America, founded in 1933.

Their comical appearance makes dogs heroes of cartoons, movies and magazines. In the same America, his fame came after February 27, 1928, when Times magazine posted a photo of the dog on the main page.

The traits of this breed can be seen in Droopy, the Disney cartoon character; the dogs regularly appear in feature films.

Description

One of the most recognizable breeds in the world, thanks to its unique appearance and regular appearance in the media. They are recognized by their long body, short legs, sad expression, wrinkled muzzle and drooping ears.

One of the most striking features of the breed is its short stature. They were bred specifically for hunting, where the hunter would be on foot rather than on horseback, and the dog was not very fast. Height at the withers no more than: 33-38 cm, dogs higher are not allowed to participate in show rings and are excluded from breeding.

Their short stature is deceptive and most people think that they are small dogs. However, they are surprisingly heavy and strong; to be convinced of this, you only have to try to lift the dog. Unlike other breeds, the breed standard (AKC and UKC) does not describe a dog's weight, probably because its height is much more important. Most of them weigh between 22 and 27 kg.

The ancestors of the breed were exclusively hound dogs for centuries, which affected appearance breeds

They have a very long muzzle and nose, which gives a large area for the receptors responsible for smell, plus allows the dog to keep its nose as close to the ground as possible.

They also have a wrinkled face, and it is believed that these wrinkles help to capture and retain odor, which is highly dubious from a scientific point of view. By the way, the same thing is said about the ears, they say they bring smells closer to the nose.

These wrinkles thickly cover the face and neck, giving dogs a sad expression. Eyes should be dark in color; light ones are not desirable. The conjunctiva of the lower eyelid is visible, but not too much.

Basset hounds are much longer than they are tall; in fact, they are a large representative of the family, but with short legs. Their paws may be crooked, but not so much as to interfere with movement or working qualities. Their skin is plentiful, drooping, betraying the dog's current expression.

However, underneath it hides a muscular and strong body, just like a hunting dog should have. Their tail is long, usually raised and tilted slightly forward, resembling a saber in shape.

The coat is short and smooth, any color recognized among hounds is acceptable. Usually it is three-colored; the shape and location of the spots do not matter.

Character

Basset Hounds are known as one of the most gentle and calm dog breeds, they are very rarely aggressive and are usually very friendly. These are excellent friends for children, if only you teach them not to drag the dog by its long ears and wrinkled skin.

If you are looking for a pet dog for a large family with children, then you have come to the right place. If you are a watchman, then this is not the case.

Basset Hounds also get along well with other dogs, as they usually hunt in a pack. They can be slightly dominant, especially during feeding, but they show little to no aggression towards other dogs. However, each dog has its own character and you should rely on the general description; check everything yourself.

Unlike other hunting dog breeds, Basset Hounds chase their prey but never attack it. This means that they get along well with other pets. However, they are still dogs and may chase animals outside the home. To avoid such behavior, you need to socialize the puppy from an early age, introducing him to cats, rabbits, hamsters and other small animals.

Being gentle and not being mean to others does not mean that Basset Hounds are easy to train, quite the contrary. They have the reputation of being one of the hardest breeds to train. They learn very quickly to track and chase prey, but are generally very sophisticated.

They are designed to chase prey for long hours and are very stubborn as a result. It's incredibly difficult to force him to do something he doesn't like.

This does not mean that they are unteachable, but you will need significantly more time and patience than with another breed of dog. In addition, the result may not be what you expected. Even the most well-trained dogs demonstrate high selective hearing skills.

They hear the command, understand what they want from them, but continue to do their job. If you want a dog that will do tricks, look for a different breed.

If you want to raise a dog, then be sure to prepare something tasty, they love to eat and will eat whatever their sensitive nose leads them to. It is enough to hold some treats, and the dog will show how smart it is when it wants.

These dogs were bred to track and chase animals, and Basset Hounds are excellent at these tasks. Having taken the trail, they tirelessly follow it, sometimes for hours, and it can be impossible to tear them away from this activity. Carried away by the smell, they can forget about everything and ignore all commands.

This means that it is very, very important to keep your dog on a leash when walking, and only in the yard if there is nowhere to escape. And although they are not the most dexterous escape artists, they are strong and good at digging. Keep this in mind if your dog lives in your yard.

Many owners say that Basset Hounds are sloths, which they regularly prove by lying on their favorite rug. However, they are able to follow the trail for hours, and this requires endurance and endurance.

Although they require less exercise than other dogs, it is important to stay in good shape as they are prone to obesity. And yes, they are non-destructive, but when they are bored they can chew furniture or bark all day long.

There is one more feature of their character that future owners should be aware of - they are quite vocal and can be very loud. When hunting, they bark to warn hunters, and modern dogs behave the same way.

Most owners are not prepared for their dogs to bark loudly, not to mention their neighbors.

Care

They practically do not need professional grooming, regular brushing is all they need to care for their coat. However, some of them shed very heavily, with fur lying all over the house. Plus, they drool a lot and you will be slobbered on, as will your furniture.

You will often find a mixture of saliva and fur, plus they smell quite strongly and often suffer from flatulence. In general, this is not an “aristocratic” dog, and if you are extremely clean or squeamish, then it is better to choose another breed.

puppy

Despite its low grooming habits, the Basset Hound needs hygiene in other things. Their floppy ears and folds of skin become a haven for infection and dirt, which means they need to be cleaned and checked regularly.

And since it is rare that a dog likes this, the process can be difficult, given the stubbornness of the breed. It is recommended that you start training your puppy as early as possible and always give him a treat afterwards.

Health

Like other breeds in which humans took part in the selection, they suffer from various diseases. According to a study conducted by the British Kennel Club, the average life expectancy of these dogs is 11 years. The main cause of death is cancer (31%), followed by old age (13%), cardiac problems (11%).

Take a look: