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© Luckynick | Dreamstime.com
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Basset Hound
Breed origin: France
Original purpose: Trailer of small game that hunters could follow on foot.
AKC recognized: 1885
AKC group: Hound
Size:
Height: up to 14 inches
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Color: Any hound color.
Life span: 10 to 16 years.
General characteristics/temperament: Basset Hounds are mild, sweet, gentle, devoted, and friendly. They were bred to hunt small game on foot and are capable of great endurance in the field. Their sweet and gentle disposition make them great companions for families with children. New owners must remember that their strong sense of smell and hunting instinct will lead them to follow scents while outside or on walks. When they do pick up a scent, they have the tendency to ignore any commands and follow their nose instead. However, they are highly food-motivated and respond well to treat-based training methods. Basset Hounds should never be made to swim, because the combination of their short legs and long bodies do not allow them the ability to stay above water for very long.
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© Amore (Amore Augustyn) | Dreamstime.com
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Good with children? Yes
Good with other dogs? Yes
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© Ankevanwyk (Anke Van Wyk) | Dreamstime.com
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Suitable canine sports/activities: conformation, obedience, tracking, field trial, pack hunting, agility
Grooming requirement: Minimal grooming required for their short coat. Because of their droopy eyes, the area under the eyeball tend to collect dirt and become clogged with mucus. Wiping their eyes with a damp cloth daily helps to keep the area clean and lessen eye irritation.
Known health problems: Ear diseases, dermatitis, arthritis, gastric dilatation volvulus, colitis, epilepsy, glaucoma, luxating patella, thrombopathia, von Willebrand disease, hypothyroidism.
Additional photos of Basset Hound
Recommended books for further reading:Show more books
Other websites for additional information:
American Kennel Club breed page
Basset Hound Club of America
Wikipedia breed information page
Basset Hound Club of America Rescue
DogBreedMatch
