Basset Hound - description of the breed and character of the dog

Basset Hound breed dogs are rather unusual animals. They are distinguished by their long ears and sad look. Their frustrated look is pathetic. This natural characteristic is confusing, because in fact the essence of these dogs is completely opposite.

General characteristics of the breed

To understand what a pet actually feels, you should look at its tail, because this part of the body is the main indicator of mood. And since he is always up, and constantly waving - it can be concluded that the basset hound is a happy dog.

Representatives of this breed are more like cartoon characters, or like a toy. They create a comical impression that is complemented by the shape of the body and the muzzle in the wrinkles. The picture is completed with short legs and melancholy eyes.But, despite this view, these animals do not allow themselves to be treated with all permissible nature.

Although the basset hound is a domestic dog, but by its nature he is a hunter, which is reflected in its name. From English “basset” is translated as “dachshund”, and “hound” - as “hound”.

This breed is more popular in the USA and in Europe. Residents of the latter believe that the domestic dog should be small in size. But representatives of the Basset Hound breed can hardly be called small, although they have short legs and small growth, but the weight is much larger than small dogs should have. Basset hound can hardly be called a miniature dog, but, nevertheless, it has all the qualities of a pet.The dog is rather restrained and cleanly, which is important for an animal that lives in an apartment. Also, these dogs look pretty well-bred. But, if we compare them with dachshunds, they are significantly different from them, although they are similar in their small size and short legs. Basset hound looks like an important dog, and the dachshund, in turn, is small and constantly active.

People who choose a dog not by breed, but by size should think carefully before giving preference to these representatives.

Temperament

The basset hound is a very good-natured dog. He is very sociable and affectionate, loves children, and treats strangers well. These dogs love to spend time with the family: play with them in the yard or ride in the car. For solitude, they are bad, so you should take this into account, and not leave your pet alone for a long time. An alternative may be another dog or pet.

Fact! These dogs are distinguished by their stubbornness. They only do as they see fit.

Basset hound should be kept on a leash or behind a fence.These measures are necessary for his safety, because the hunting instinct can seize him, and he will follow the smell.

Despite the fact that the dog is domestic, she loves to travel out of town. During this journey, the pet wakes up the hunting instinct. As soon as the dog has the opportunity to run out of the car, he immediately falls to the ground and begins to sniff out. At this time, he becomes blind and deaf, and it is very difficult for his owners to take him. This does not mean that he ignores his family members. The reason for this is that it is fully given to the search. Therefore, for these representatives, stubbornness and stubbornness are not considered shortcomings.

If the future owners expect to see a dog that will give up all their business when they hear the voice of the owner, then it is best to prefer the German Shepherd. A basset hound, unfortunately, does not meet expectations. Well, still these dogs can be taught to reckon with the owner, because in general dogs by their nature are quite social animals, and are ready to obey more powerful representatives of this world. Of course, this will be quite difficult to achieve. It is necessary to make it clear to the dog that he is the owner, the leader, and not give up the slack.Because the basset hound will be able to feel it, as well as seize the moment, and overthrow the leader.

To all this has happened, it is necessary to let the dog know who is in charge. After all, the leader is the one who is confident in himself, does not cry and is distinguished by force. It is necessary to talk with your pet and give him affection. But, despite this gentleness, the leader is adamant, and the dog must understand this. The dog must understand that they love it, but at the same time listen to the owner. In order for everything to be in order, it is necessary to engage in their upbringing since childhood - then no incidents will happen.

It is worth saying that the basset-hounds in the role of mother are distinguished by their calmness and tenderness, which gives the puppies a reason not to obey her. Therefore, the upbringing of babies must be addressed by the owner And most importantly - it is not necessary to follow all the advice from a strange literature, which says that when disobedience it is necessary to take a puppy by the scruff. A puppy should understand the words "no" and "no". To secure this, you can slap it. But at the same time it is worth counting the power. For this, a rolled-up newspaper is suitable, which will not cripple the baby, but will also frighten him with its noise-rustle.

Fact! Basset hounds - owners of the widest nose and the longest ears. And, despite their appearance, they look very charming.

These pets seem rather lazy, because they like to lie down and walk at a leisurely pace. But, if needed, can run at high speed. They love to eat, and will beg or steal food. This can adversely affect the health of the animal, as they often suffer from obesity.

It is worth noting that during meals, these dogs salivate copiously. Therefore, if it confuses a person, it is better to completely abandon the idea of ​​acquiring a puppy of this breed.

Breed standards

1. The ideal representative of the Basset Hound is a short-legged dog, on fairly stable legs, with an elongated body, similar to the body of a dachshund.
2. The skin of the dog is going to fold.
3. The head has the shape of a dome, and on the back of the head a hillock stands out. The muzzle of the dog occupies more than half of the entire head. The skin covers it loosely, but folds form around the eyes.
4. The nose is wide and the nostrils are large.
5. The ears are rather long and set wide apart. To the touch soft and velvety. Can hang to the edge of the animal's face.
6. The eyes are not very large, shallowly planted. Their color is mainly dark brown or light brown, if we are talking about light colored dogs.
7. The neck, like the whole body, is powerful, set high.
8. The paws of the basset hound are rather large for its size. In addition, they look muscular. A rear view resembles the statement in the form of a barrel. On the back and front paws, the skin may hang slightly, forming folds. And in some cases even bags.
9. The hip bones are separated and placed perpendicular to the body of the animal.

As already noted, the paws look quite powerful, resemble a rounded shape. The pads are also big and thick. If the basset hound is even, its own weight is distributed evenly on these very pads. The forearm of the animal, like the paws and part of the face, is also covered with skin folds. The chest part of the body stands out, but at the same time it is not proportional to the body, neither large nor small. The back is not hunched, but flat. If you look at the dog from the front, the sides do not stand out at all.

Their weight can reach 23-29 kg, if we talk about males, and females weigh from 20-27 kg. The height of these pets does not exceed 33-38 cm.

The position of the tail is always up, in relation to the body, it seems rather long. It can never be twisted into a ring. But since it is curved in the shape of a sword, it seems to be of medium length. Wool to the touch harsh, but at the same time smooth. The hardest of all she is on the tail.

Basset Hound Training

Representatives of this breed is quite difficult to train. But this has nothing to do with the delusion that the basset hound is considered not very clever and quick-witted dogs. The fact is that they are rather capricious, and do not like being ordered. Therefore, the learning process in them lasts longer than in all other breeds. And if the basset does not want to do something, then he will not, no matter how much the owner tried, especially if he doesn’t have any experience with dogs. This animal is not suitable for everyone, because only its energetic, purposeful and patient person can cope with its peculiar character and innate obstinacy.

To make it easier to find an approach to these dogs, you can follow the recommendations for training:

1. It is necessary to accustom a pet from the first months of life.Because they are still quite flexible and easy to learn. And therefore, it is much easier for them to adapt to change than for an adult with a formed character and habits.
2. You should not be led to the sad appearance of a basset hound, because these are its natural characteristics, and not a state of mind. If strict measures are not yet applied at a young age, this does not mean that you should not stop a puppy when, for example, he bites a sheet. After all, if you do not make a remark to the animal, when it grows up, it will “eat” it completely and destroy many other things in the house.

Dog care and health

Otherwise, this dog does not require special care and conditions of detention. The main thing is that she had her own space. And whatever it is, the pet there will feel good, if he will pay attention to the owner.Climatic conditions also do not matter for this animal.

These dogs are quite healthy representatives. And only a few diseases, it can be susceptible. The first is ear infections, and the second is back problems.

Basset hound sheds twice a year, like other animals with wool. And in order to rid the pet of these problems, it is necessary to comb out its hair no less than 4 times a week for half an hour.

Video: Basset Hound Dog Breed