Long ears and a droopy face have
drawn people to basset hounds for a long time! While all puppies are cute,
Basset hound puppies tend to catch a lot of attention as they can frequently be
tripped by their long ears. They were originally bred for hunting in a pack or
alone, so overall they tend to be quite a social breed.
Although their long ears are quite
cute, the do require a little extra maintenance. Air flow is not great in the
longer eared dogs which pre-disposes them to ear infections. It is extremely
helpful to get them accustomed to having their ears played with at young age.
Also getting them used to routine cleaning can hopefully prevent infections
from occur. Drooling is also common in this breed so before committing make
sure you are prepared for this possibility. They may also be a little more
vocal than some breeds, especially when excited! Apartments may not be the best
option for them especially if you have more than one and they can really start
howling!
As with most breeds there are certain
health issues (other than their ears) that owners need to be aware of prior to
purchasing. Certainly paying close attention to their joints is advisable. They
have very short legs and very long bodies. Elbow dysplasia is not uncommon in
this breed and should be screened for if any limping occurs. While there is no
screening for back issues, it is not uncommon in the longer backed dogs (i.e.
basset hounds and dachshunds) to have inflammation that can flare up
occasionally. There is also a blood condition known as thrombopathia which can
be seen in Basset Hounds. This leads to bleeding disorder that can be seen
throughout life. It is now possible to screen for this condition with a simple
blood test. Prior to purchasing or adopting a puppy it is recommended that the
parents have been tested.
Overall Basset hounds are a very well
loved breed and have done well in obedience, show rings and tracking. They can
make a great addition to any family and usually can entertain anyone with their
comedic antics. If you think a Basset Hound may be a good fit for your family
there are several good websites available here, here and here.
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