| How to decide whether to have Basset Hound as a pet dog
With hundreds of choices for a pet dog, a lot of would-be pet owners would definitely have a hard time on choosing which type of pet dog breed they want to have. Technically, there is no such thing as the “best” pet dog. It basically depends on your preference and the time, effort and money that you can allot on your new buddy. Basset hounds are one of the popular choices for pet owners.
How can you know if a Basset hound is an appropriate dog for you? Here are some information on how you can choose the best Basset hound. Quick facts on Basset hound
The word ‘Basset' derived from the French term ‘bas' which means ‘low'. One of the very distinct features of Basset hounds is their short-legs. They belong to the breed of scent dogs as they hunt through their sense of smell. You may not often hear a Basset hound bark, instead they would bay or howl.
At first glance, you can distinguish a Basset hound because they are just about 15 inches in height and weights about 60 lbs. But despite their size, their bodies are long, which means they also have a long reach.
Their colors are usually a mix of white, black and tan. They would often have red, lemon and white spots. Their tail is long with a curve and white-colored at its tips. Basset hound's low-set ears are also one of their distinct features.
Another well-liked appearance of Basset hounds is their “sad” look. Their handing skin structure gives their face a “sad” effect. They also have an elastic skin on their necks and ears (referred to as the dewlap), which they use to trap in the scent whenever they are tracking.
Advantages of Basset hounds
Bassets hounds are best for a family pet because they are sociable dogs and are known for their emotional sensitivity. They are loyal to their owner and are basically friendly, even with strangers.
If you were the type of person who loves hiking, Basset hounds would keep up with you. You can use their tracking ability to create activities that would make use of their powerful sense of smell
Disadvantages of Basset hounds
Basset hounds may be difficult to train. This is why it is best to start training a Basset hound puppy in its early age. Housebreak training may prove to be challenging but is not impossibility.
Basset hounds should be strongly trained for recall (the ‘here' command), if you fail to do so, you might as well keep on a lash, as they would often stray if they were on a scent chase.
Basset hound health
Life expectancy of Basset hounds are anywhere between eight to twelve years. In general, Basset hound is a healthy breed. Food should be given regularly in specific servings to avoid weight gain.
Here are some diseases that are common to Basset hounds:
- Glaucoma
- Cherry eye
- Luxating patella
- Von Willebrand disease
- Hip dysplasia
- Arthritis
- Ectropion
- Bloating
Feeding Basset hounds
Basset hound breeders would often tell you that the proper food is of prime importance in keeping you pets healthy. A good balance of carbs, protein, fatty acids plus vitamins and minerals should always be part of their meal.
Freshly prepared foods are always recommended against pre-packed pet foods that have preservatives. Here is the list of some natural food that is best for them:
• Beef
• Fish
• Horse meat
• Lamb
• Poultry
• Soy meal
• White rice
• Wheat
• Corn
Training Basset hounds
Because Basset hounds are strongly influence by what they smell, training them may prove to be difficult. It would be a good idea to give them a reward whenever they accomplish anything to encourage them to obey your commands.
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