Is a Basset Hound the Best Pet for Your Family? - The Pros and Cons

Find Out Why a Basset Hound Will or Won't Make a Good Pet

Basset Hounds are a favorite breed because they are so good-natured, laid-back, even-tempered and calm. Even with all these great attributes there are a number of things that aren't so great. No matter how many bad things people bring up, a Basset Hound owner will be able to overlook them and say their pets are the best in the world. Below you will find the good points along with the bad ones so that you can make up your own mind whether a pet Basset Hound will be right for your family.

Pros:

Bassets are independent problem-solvers and are quite clever, likely due to their hunting genes. They love the outdoors and are perfect for a family that enjoys hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.

They are a social, good-natured breed not only with people, but also with other dogs and cats. Your pet Basset Hound will enjoy being physically close to their humans and with proper training they are good with children.

Their coats are easy to maintain even with all their shedding. Brushing every day will be keep the shedding to a minimum and will be something they look forward to. Generally, Basset Hounds are a healthy breed.

Having fun appears to be their favorite pastime as they happily go through life.

Cons:

Bassets cannot swim because of their heavy torsos and short legs. They are short, but, because of their long bodies, they can reach things on tables. Their long ears can lead to ear ailments, while eye disorders are possible because the folds under their eyes can accumulate dirt and cause infections.

A pet Basset Hound likes to just lie around so you must exercise them regularly in order to maintain a healthy weight. This breed has a tendency to drool, which is messy, and can cause yeast infections around the mouth if not kept clean.

Since they are trackers, finding a scent and following it is what they do best, which means it may be a challenge to control them because they are so strong. When walking you pet Basset Hound you must keep it on a leash. If they find a scent they like they will take off and not hear a single command to come back. Shedding is an on-going situation with Basset Hounds but can be controlled with regular brushing. Their doggy odor is a turnoff to some people.

House training can be a real challenge, especially as puppies, but it must be done. Crate training is the best way to do this as it gives them a safe place to be while you are away. Overall training will need to be done with much love and patience as your pet Basset Hound can be stubborn and independent. Don't discipline them as they will get their feelings hurt and then sulk. Many times the best way to train them is with food.

You shouldn't leave your pet Basset Hound outside by itself as they have a tendency to bay or howl when lonely. The neighbors won't appreciate this and many won't tolerate it. Bassets can be dumpster divers. Keep your trash covered at all times.

If a fast walk with your dog is important to you, a pet Basset Hound may not be the proper choice. Their short legs and tracking instincts can make a walk with them a slow activity. Because they are long and low, they can have back problems and may need help getting into a high space (an automobile, for example).

While Basset Hounds are a healthy breed overall, one major problem they can have is Thrombopathia (a bleeding disorder). Normally buying your pet through a reputable breeder will minimize this problem along with any others.

Even with this long list of faults the typical Basset Hound owner will tell you the good traits far outweigh the bad ones as far as they are concerned. The first time you look into their eyes is probably when you decide this might be the ideal pet for you. Before you decide one way or the other visit a local breeder and some owners. You will likely come away with a new found love of these unique pets. If you are an active family with the will power and good humor needed to train them, then a pet Basset Hound just might be what you are looking for.

Basset Hounds Are Adorable, Loving and Loyal Companions

The basset hound was developed in sixteenth century France. Bred to hunt, this mild-mannered, well-behaved hound is also good humored and affectionate. This breed is a medium sized, short-legged dog with a large head and wrinkled skin. They have very long, broad ears and dark eyes that have drooping lower eyelids. They stand eleven to 15 inches in height, weigh approximately forty to sixty pounds and live ten to thirteen years.

Basset Hounds are usually black, white and tan in color. However, they can also be lemon and white. Their short, easy care coats need brushing two times per week (a stiff bristle brush is best). The Basset Hound has a very long spine; therefore, they are prone to back problems, especially if they become overweight. Basset Hounds are also prone to eye and ear problems as well. Frequent ear cleaning is a MUST if you own this breed. It is also important that the Basset's wrinkles and folds of loose skin be cleaned and monitored as they can develop sores easily.

If you are a clean freak that happens to own a lot of valuables, the Basset may not be the best breed for you. They drool, shed and if not bathed and cared for properly, can develop a strong doggy smell! It should also be noted that because they are low to the ground, they pick up a lot of dirt when outside. Basset Hounds do not enjoy being left alone for long periods of time. They enjoy companionship and will bark when lonely. If your Basset becomes lonely, trust me, the entire neighborhood will know it as they will bark and howl like there is no tomorrow!

These hounds are wonderful family pets as they are extremely peaceful, loving and most importantly, nonaggressive. They are gentle with children and love to be part of the family. They require a patient owner who is willing to not only spend time with their furry, short-legged friend but who is also willing to commit to long walks as Bassets need plenty of exercise and outdoor time! Basset Hounds need two walks per day. They enjoy off leashing running as well, therefore, trips to the dog park are a must!

If you are looking for an agility dog, this breed isn't the best choice. Though they are very smart, they also tend to be very stubborn! It is important to train your Basset Hound to come when called as once they locate an interesting scent, they will be off and running! It is important to keep your Basset leashed at all times (unless in an enclosed area). Once they detect an interesting smell they will ignore your calls and head for the hills! Therefore, basic training is a must!

If you are searching for an adorable, friendly, gentle, good-natured dog that is loaded with personality, the Basset Hound may be the canine for you! Though they can develop medical problems due to their long backs, droopy eyes and huge ears, most Basset Hounds are generally healthy and thrive when properly cared for and of course, loved! If you decide to purchase a Basset Hound, be sure to do your homework and thoroughly research the breeder that you choose to do business with. The last thing you want to do is support a puppy mill operation! If you want to save a dog's life, consider adoption, after all, adoption is the best option!

Responsible Breeding For Basset Hounds

Breeding is not an area of Basset Hound ownership that should be taken lightly. Of course, many dog owners one day begins to fantasize about puppies, just as humans think it'd be nice to add a baby to the family. There are lots of things to consider though: the ability to provide an area, commit large amounts of time to the entire ordeal, be agreeable to noise and mess, be aware and able to pay any potential vet bills, and realize that some puppies simply won't make it. The reality is much more than simply breeding your Basset Hound and adding a baby or two.

The Place:
You'll need to make arrangements for a stud and then provide an area for the breeding to occur. Just a small area where the male and female can be together will be ample enough. Then free up even more room for the additions.

The Time:
Breeding is an extremely time consuming task, particularly when dealing with Basset Hounds. A litter of puppies will consume nearly all of your time. At least one person will need to watch the new litter at all times, as newborns require pretty much twenty four hour care. Note that this includes your free time but your sleeping and work time as well, so arrangements will have to be made. With all that can and will happen with new puppies, someone needs to be there to clean up the mess.

The Bills:
Vet bills can add up for a dog that is simply sick. Throw pregnancy in the equation and bills rise exponentially, sometimes hundreds or even thousands of dollars. You need to be prepared to pay large vet bills if something goes awry.

The Worst:

Some puppies simply do not make it, no matter how unfair it may seem. Puppies who are cute and vulnerable don't always grow up to be strong and healthy. Preparing yourself for this inevitable occurrence before breeding your pet will help later on. Before taking the risk of breeding your Basset Hound, there are many things to consider.

Thoroughly investigating the practices of Basset Hound breeding is best done before letting the male and female mate. An endless commitment of time, space, clean up, bills, and possibly death are your foes if you decide to take the challenge. Your reward will be bringing more love into the world. When bred in the proper environment, you will have a wonderful liter of new puppies.