Basset Hound

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN France

MOST SUITED AS Hound and family pet.

SIZE
The shoulder-height is 33 - 38cm (13 - 15in). They are heavy dogs for their size.

COAT
Bassets have a dense short-haired coat which is smooth. The most usual colour combination is brown, black, and white. Other colours include red and white but almost any hound-colouring is permissible.

CARE REQUIRED
There is little to the grooming of a Basset Hound. Remove dead and loose hairs during moulting with a rubber glove. Keep the ears clean by attending to them about once a week, inside and out.
Keep the claws short and when necessary clean the folds of skin. Do not give Bassets too many little tit-bits because they have a tendency to become fat. For dogs with drooping eye-lids it is advisable to administer eye-drops occasionally. They grow very rapidly when young and you must ensure they have a good nutritious and ample diet during this period.

CHARACTER
The Basset Hound has a mind of its own but is lovable, sociable, calm, playful and patient, it enjoys companionship, has a sense of humour and a real personality which can be influenced positively by its handler. They have a very good scenting nose.

TRAINING
These dogs have a mind of their own so they do not exactly jump to your command. A consis­tent approach with much patience can work wonders though. Never exhaust a young Basset by taking on too long a walk. Young dogs need all their energy to develop a strong body.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
These dogs make superb playmates for children and fortunately get along fine with their own kind and with other animals. They are friendly towards strangers but if they sense danger, you will certainly hear their loud barking. They do not like to be left on their own. If you know that it will be necessary to leave it alone quite often, it is far better to have two Basset Hounds.

EXERCISE
This breed does not require much exercise and will be quite content with three trots around the block each day provided they can also play in the garden. Make sure your garden is adequately fenced because the majority of them love to explore.