El Basset hound It is a hound dog that has a highly developed sense of smell; in addition to very long ears and a beautiful look. In fact, it is very easy to fall in love with him, with his way of being and with all the gestures he makes.
It is not very difficult to care for, no more than any other dog. So you are looking for a furry companion with whom your children and yourself can have a great time for many years, do not hesitate: read on to learn more about this fantastic breed.
Origin and history
Our protagonist is a breed whose origin dates back to France at the end of the XNUMXth century. He is a direct descendant of the St. Hubert Hound. Hubert was a noble hunting fan who converted to the Christian faith; later he was canonized making him the patron saint of hunters. In 1866 Lord Galway imported a pair of Basset Hounds to England and crossed them, obtaining a litter of five puppies.
As a curiosity, it must be said that although the breed is originally from France, is considered a breed from Great Britain, as we can read in the standard number 163 of the FCI.
Physical characteristics
The Basset Hound It is a medium-sized dog, with a height at the withers of 33 to 38cm and a weight of 20 to 29kg, the females being somewhat smaller than the males. Its head is large, with an elongated snout and very long ears. Its legs are short and the back is quite long in proportion to the body. The hair color is tricolor (black, honey and white), although it can also be bicolor (honey and white, or black and white).
Has a life expectancy of 12 years.
Behavior and personality
It's about a dog very calm and sociable, who gets along well with children and adults. He is also very affectionate and a bit lazy; In fact, he is one of those who prefers to stay at home rather than go for a walk, so the family should try to take him out for a walk of at least three minutes.
How to care for a Basset Hound dog?
Food
Your Basset Hound you must be able to enjoy quality food from day one. In pet stores, both physical and online, there are many different brands, but only those that do not carry cereals (or at most, rice) will really be the most suitable for them.
If you give it a feed rich in cereals, you risk having a health problem, such as a food allergy, or dermatitis caused by the intolerance to cereals that poor quality feed usually contains.
Hygiene
To be really well, hygiene is essential. So, you have to brush her hair calmlyAt least once a day but they can be more if you notice that it drops a lot. But yes, if this happens, ask your veterinarian to see if it is normal, because hair loss can be due to something as natural as shedding, but also to some diseases such as allergies.
On the other hand, you have to clean his ears from time to time. When you do, take the opportunity to take a look at them, since having them hanging, it is easier for symptoms such as the appearance of lumps or a bad smell to go unnoticed. Again, if you spot these or other signs that worry you, see a vet.
Exercise
To keep in good shape it is necessary to take it out for a walk every day. At home you should play with him, either with a ball or, even better, with games that stimulate his sense of smell such as finding sweets in hidden places. So you can burn energy and stay in shape.
"Salud"
It is a breed that has a certain predisposition to suffer glaucoma y conjunctivitis. If we take this into account, it will be crucial to take him for veterinary care once a year, at least. Also, you must have the mandatory vaccinations in order to be as protected as possible from viruses that cause serious diseases in dogs.
How much does a Basset Hound breed dog cost?
It is a very popular breed, partly because many breeders are encouraged to protect it. But it is true that the price of a puppy can easily be around the $800Although in a pet store you may find it for around 500 euros.
Can a Basset Hound be found for adoption?
It's difficult but not impossible. If you want your family to grow up with a Basset Hound, you can contact animal protectors or associations to see if there are any for adoption.
Photos
The Basset Hound is a very peculiar breed. His big ears and his cute gaze make more than one fall in love with him quickly. Therefore, we could not finish this article without first leaving you some more images:
