How to Care for a Basset Hound

The bassett hound is a low-to-medium maintenance dog. Keep in mind that hounds slobber much more than other breeds. The No. 1 reason people give up their bassets is because they drool too much. (The No. 2 reason is that the dog got bigger than expected.)

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hound Gloves
• Dog Brushes
• Dog Carriers
• Dog Collars
• Dog Combs
• Dog Dishes
• Dog Food
• Dog Leashes
• Dog Tags
• Dog Toothpastes
• Dog Toys
• Doggie Toothbrushes
• Nail Clippers For Dogs

1. Keep your basset's weight down. Overweight dogs will have more health problems, including heart trouble and arthritis.

2. Learn what health problems are associated with this breed: Von Willebrand's disease (a blood disorder), glaucoma, torsion (stomach bloat, a very serious emergency), smelly ears, paneosteitis (also called transient lameness), and allergies to pollens and grasses.

3. Brush your basset once a week and shedding will be minimal. Use a hound glove to keep his coat shiny.

4. Wipe out his ears at that time to prevent odors and infections.

5. Bathe the dog infrequently; he doesn't require special grooming and can be washed at home.

6. Remember that bassets tend to be somewhat stubborn, which means that you must be consistent and patient while training them.

7. Keep your basset inside or out. Remember that he'll be much happier indoors with the family, though, since bassets prefer to be with their pack.

8. Be prepare to enjoy a good 8 to 12 years with your basset - this is the average life expectancy of a basset hound.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your basset in a secure yard ' the breed has a tendency to wander and will get lost.
• Remember that hounds often howl if left alone for too long.
• Make sure you or someone in your home is willing to spend 30 to 60 minutes a day playing with and exercising the dog.
• Bassets can not swim well because most of their weight is in the front, and they have very short legs.

[ryansgirl2008]

on 5/27/2008 my basset ran away a few hours ago. he and her brother stay outside in a very large fenced in area. he loves us very but we have no idea where he ran to. and i stayed outside for hrs calling for him and walked up the trail behind our house where we always walk him. are they good to return? i hear their not because they keep there noses to the ground and dont observe their surroundings and when they get off the scent trail they tend to get more lost. has anyone ever had this happen? we live around alot of woods- im just worried he wont come back and im very sad and dread telling my children that mickey ran away

[DeeDee37]

on 8/9/2007 I got my Basset Tanner from the local animal shelter. I had, 2 months prior , lost my best friend Bumpers ( My cocker Spaniel of 15 1/2 years). I never thought I could love another dog like I did Bumpers. But Tanner is the most wonderful, loving creature. He has healed my heart. Bassets are wonderful, sweet, comical, loving, playful, and will steal your heart away too.

[myracing90]

on 8/8/2007 My family was adopted by our basset on july 22, 2007, he was strolling down the center of the west bound lane on hwy 84. We didn't have any pets at the time and my wife was dead set against having any. However I knew he would get hit in the road if I didn't pick him up, so against my better judgement I did. Oh, man he was nasty, he smelled really bad and all his white spots were brown, and I had never seen so many fleas before. I brought him to my house and put him in the yard awaiting my fate upon my wifes return. When she came home to my surprise she said we could keep him. We named him Slump, and I must say he has been the best pet we have ever had.

[bassettangel81]

on 7/30/2007 my first bassets was named copper,he love to play ball. he would runa as fast as he can down my drive, but he would take his time coming back to give you the ball, he was a great dog. we now have to bassett hound puppies red and fred they are 8 weeks old. i just love them so i wouldnt trade them for the world .

[joyjoy58]

on 4/7/2007 I have a basset/beagle and her name is lola, she is a very sensitive dog ,my mom and i think she may have been abused from her previous owner. One of my moms avon customers neighbor had lola after her previous owner and they had her tied up to a rope on a log and only a little room to go and do what she needed to to so my mom told me about her and i really wanted her so we went to get her and i fell in love with her,she didnt have a name so i named her lola after lola in zoey101. Lola loves me so much that everywhere i go she follows me like when i go to school she always wimpers and i get sad. my mom taught her not to jump on the bed so instead of doing that she spends most of time playing with her doggie toy, to answer anyone you should probaly put doggie perfume on him you shoul try walmarts,petsupermarket,and any other locxal stores.

love,joy