Origin

The basset hound is a very old breed and is a descendant of the bloodhound. Many believe that the basset hounds were derived from the dwarf dogs. This name was derived from the French word “bas” which means low. The basset hound gained popularity in 1863 at the Paris dog show. Many wanted to keep this breed as a hunting dog but at the same time many wished to breed it as companion dogs. Ultimately the basset hound was developed into a companion breed without destroying its hunting capabilities by American breeders.

General Description

The basset hounds are very sweet companion breed with a good nature. The basset hounds body is double the length of its height. They are very short in height and they have stout limbs. The bred has broad chest and it is so short in height that their chest sticks to the forelegs. They body of the basset hound is parallel to the top of its skull and it skin is very loosely fit that it wrinkles all over its face and body. They have extremely long ears. The basset hounds have long and sharp teeth and loose and heavy lips which hang down. They have brown eyes and a cute friendly expression in their face. The basset hounds are found in short glossy coat which exist in a number of colours. Generally it is found in white chestnut colour with sand colour markings.

Character

The basset hound is generally well behaved and a perfect house hold breed. They are very gentle and cute in nature. They can be used as the alarm dogs because of their howling habit. But it is not as good a guard dog. This breed is lazy and stubborn but they are not at all timid. This breed is never aggressive. They are very loyal to their master and very good to the kids. They fit in the family quiet well but at the same time they need gentle training classes as they are stubborn in nature.

Temperament

The basset hounds are lazy, devoted and peaceful nature of dogs. They are excellent with their family, children and other dogs. This breed can be taught tricks as they love to play tricks with food etc, but as they are a bit stubborn they should be taught with patient methods. They are very mild and tempered and this breed is highly recommended for inexperienced owners and children. Overall they are an ideal for all types of families and prove to be a very good family dog.

Training

Gentle and patient training is highly recommended as this breed is very timid in nature. Sometimes they do not listen to their master and go on doing what they like. This is a type of prank they play with their masters. Consistency is the best policy in case of this small stubborn breed.

Health

The basset hound is a very short height breed. Unnecessary body weight puts a large amount of strain on their spinal cord and their legs. So they must not be overfed. Due to their short body height and overweight they are often affected by lameness and paralysis. Their average life span is 10-12 years and their average litter rate is 8.