Friday, August 22, 2014

Breed Focus: Basset Hound

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.
 
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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!
 
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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.
 
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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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