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ABOUT DOG BREEDS
 BASSET HOUND
Description Temperament Height and Weight Health Problems
Ideal Living Conditions Exercise Life Expectancy Litter Size
Grooming Origin Group Color
Breed Clubs Breed Rescues

Description
The Basset Hound has several distinguishing characteristics. The torso is longer than it is tall and the feet are very short. Despite its size, the breed has a heavy bone structure that results in it weighing heavier than other small dogs. It has muscular shoulders and legs. The head is large with a long and heavy extending muzzle. The skull is dome-shaped. The facial features, including the nose, eyes, and lips, are dark and broad. The sad-looking eyes are a trademark feature of the breed. The ears are also very well-known for their long, heavy appearance. The tail is normal in length and size.
Temperament
The leisurely pace of the Basset Hound is often mistakenly associated with meekness. The complete opposite is true. It can be stubborn and demanding. It is often clever and uses its many facial expressions to persuade its owner in giving it something it wants. Despite its penchant for independence, it is very obedient and pleasant. Playful and friendly, the breed is great with children of all ages and other household pets, although supervision is recommended. The ideal situation is for the breed to raised with children and other pets. The breed was developed to follow scents. If unleashed, it may become engrossed in scenting and not aware of potentially dangerous situations.
Height and Weight
Male height: 13-15 inchesMale weight: 60 poundsFemale height: 13-15 inchesFemale weight: 40 pounds
Health Problems
The Basset Hound in general is very healthy. However, there are some health conditions associated with the breed. Gastric torsion, ear infections, skin allergies, glaucoma, Intervertebral Disk Disease, and Von Wilebrand's Disease (VWD) are diseases and conditions that may develop in the breed.
Ideal Living Conditions
A small apartment will only provide more opportunity for the Basset Hound to be inactive. Keeping it in a yard will enable it to walk around more. The strength of the coat makes it adaptable to most weather conditions.
Exercise
The Basset Hound is susceptible to obesity due to low activity. It is imperative that the breed obtains regular exercise. Attempting to walk it and play physical games on a regular basis are sufficient for keeping the breed healthy. A Basset Hound is not an active dog, so special effort must be made for it to get the exercise it needs.
Life Expectancy
The average life expectancy of the Basset Hound is 12 years
Litter Size
Average of 8 puppies
Grooming
The coarse coat of the Basset Hound is strong and able to endure extreme weather condition. This results in the coat needing very little attention. Brushing the coat a few times each week will help to keep it healthy and keep shedding low during periods of shedding. The most important grooming need of the breed is its ears. The ears have an unusual shape inside that makes it difficult for debris and wax to exit. This build up of debris and wax can lead to infection, so they must be cleaned and checked regularly.
Origin
It is believed that the Basset Hound originated from 16th century France when churchman St. Hubert&#
Group
Hound
Color
The Basset Hound is recognized more for its size than its color, thus most colors are acceptable. The most common coat colors are a combination of black, tan, and white.
Breed Clubs
Basset Hound Club of America http://www.basset-bhca.org/Finding/Discover2.htm Basset Hound Club Argentino http://www.basset-hound.org American Hunting Basset Association http://www.bassetnet.com Basset Hound Club of Great Britain http://www.bassethoundclub.co.uk
Breed Rescues
Basset Hound Rescue of Alabama http://www.bhr.org Lone Star Basset Hound Rescue http://www.lonestarbassethound.com Basset Hound Rescue of Georgia, Inc http://www.bhrg.org Tri-State Basset Hound Rescue http://www.tristatebassets.org New England Basset Hound Rescue http://www.newenglandbassethoundrescue.org

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