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Basset Hound Dog Breed Introduction
Basset Hound is a medium to large sized short-legged scent hound bred for hunting hare. They come in second position in scent trail after Bloodhounds. In the United States, Basset Hounds were popularized to family pets from hunting dogs through commercials like Hush Puppies Shoes and cartoons like Fred the Basset. The breed’s charm is the sad clown it portrays due to the hanging skin structure which makes the face to have a sad look.
Despite their deceiving short stature, Basset Hounds are surprisingly long and can easily reach things at the table tops that dogs of similar height cannot. This breed should be closely supervised while swimming since it can’t be able to hold itself above the water for long due to its heavy body structure and short legs.
Basset Hound Origin | History
Basset Hounds are the descendants of St. Hubert Hound, the ancestor of modern Bloodhounds. It is believed that the breed came about when a mutation in its progenitor produced a short-legged hound. There is a possibility the St. Hubert Hounds dwarfs were kept due to curiosity and purposely bred later after their ability to track hare and rabbits in thick forests was observed.
Basset Hounds first became popular with the French aristocracy. However, after the French revolution, commoners started using them as hunting dogs since they didn’t have access to horses and they could use the dogs on foot. This breed was later imported to England by Lord Galway and Sir Everett Millais, a painter who started a breeding program for Basset Hounds.
He also popularized the breed to other breeding programs established by George Krehl and Lord Onslow. Due to Sir Everett efforts in publicizing Beast hounds in England, he is regarded the father of the breed in England. The first Basset hound was registered by AKC in 1885. However, the breed was officially recognized by the club in 1916.
Basset Hound Lifespan
According to AKC, the lifespan of a Basset Hound is 12 to 13 years. However, according to a study conducted in France and UK the median longevity of Basset Hounds is 10.3 years and 11.3 years respectively. Therefore, most Basset Hounds have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. The oldest deceased dog in the 2004 UK Kennel Club survey had a lifespan of 16.7 years among a sample of 142 deceased dogs.
Basset Hound Grooming
A Basset Hound has a smooth, soft, dense, and shorthaired coat that sheds profusely all-year round. Regular grooming is required to remove dead hair, dirt, promote new hair growth, and distribute the natural oils present on the coat. Brush the coat on a weekly basis using a shedding tool or a soft brush.
Basset Hounds require a bath every 4 to 6 weeks using a hypoallergenic shampoo and conditioner. Before bathing the dog, brush the coat to remove dirt and loose hair. After a bath, thoroughly rinse off the grooming products from the skin using lukewarm water to avoid skin irritation. Use a clean damp washcloth or friendly canine wipes to wipe the eyes and face instead of using soapy water.
A Basset Hound has extremely long floppy ears that are prone to recurring ear infections. Clean the ears on a weekly basis to remove excess wax, dirt, and debris. Use an ear cleanser solution and cotton balls. Brush the teeth of a Basset Hound at least twice a week if not daily to remove excess tartar build up. Use a tasty canine toothpaste and toothbrush or finger toothbrush. Overly grown nails are painful for dogs while running and walking. Clip the nails twice a month or every two weeks using a grinder or nail clippers.
How To Clean Basset Hound Ears
Dog breeds with Long and floppy ears like Bloodhounds, Cocker Spaniels, and Basset Hounds are prone to ear infections. The floppy ears inhibit air flow which leads to accumulation of moisture. These ears also create a humid, dark, and warm environment for bacteria to thrive. Weekly ear cleaning to remove excess debris or wax and even check for redness, dark discharge, and odor is highly recommended. In order to clean the ears of your Basset Hound, your need cotton balls and an ear cleanser solution. Before starting the ear cleaning process, ensure that your pet is calm and relaxed.
You may relax your pooch by showing him affection and giving him some treats. Clean only the external ear canal. Cotton balls should not be inserted inside the inner ear canal. The following are the steps for cleaning the ears of Basset Hound.
- Put the ear cleaning solution in a bowl and get the cotton balls that you will use.
- Immerse one cotton ball into the solution one at a time until it gets soaked. It is also okay if the excess solution is dripping off the cotton.
- Use the soaked cotton to clean visible parts of the inside and outside of your Basset’s ear.
- Wipe the ear with the cotton until it has visible debris and dirt on it. Repeat this process until both ears have been successfully cleaned.
Don’t worry about getting excess ear solution into the ear of your dog as it will shake it out after the cleaning is done. Avoid the use of water to clean the ears. Water makes the skin soft putting the dog at a risk of suffering from an ear infection. Remember to give your Basset a treat before and after ear cleaning is done. After a successful ear cleaning process, make sure you safely dispose off the used cotton balls. Use fresh ear cleanser solution every other time.
Basset Hound Shedding
A Basset Hound sheds throughout the year at moderate to high levels. Weekly coat brushing helps to keep shedding at bay by confining the loose hair in the brush.
Basset Hound Coat
A Basset has a short, dense, and smooth coat that protects the dog from extreme heat and cold.
Basset Hound Hypoallergenic
This breed is not hypoallergenic. Basset Hounds shed profusely all-year round. Shedding spreads hair and dander that aggravate allergies. A Basset Hound also has loose flews which makes it to drool. Drooling spreads saliva on the surface, furniture, and walls. Dog’s saliva, hair, dander, urine, and mucus have a protein allergen that triggers allergic reactions in people who suffer from dog allergies.
Basset Hound Training | How To Train A Basset Hound
Although Basset Hounds are fairly intelligent, they may be a bit difficult to train due to their independent nature. This is because they were originally bred to follow a trail without distraction and go hunting on their own. A Basset Hound is also perceived stubborn since it easily get distracted if it catches a powerful scent in the air. Therefore, it may choose to trail a scent than follow your commands. Fortunately, Basset Hounds can still be trained through patience, consistency, and persistence with a firm but gentle hand. Early training is also recommended immediately the Bassets come home. Dogs trained early absorb everything taught and learn good canine behaviors that they will use for the rest of their lives.
Owners are also urged to be the pack leaders in charge of the obedience of their dogs. Basset Hounds thrive where a pecking order has been established. This because it is a pack dog that has a desire to belong to a social group. Basset Hounds that are allowed to do things deemed disrespectful believe they are in charge. Owners can create a pecking order by eating first and always getting through the door first. Eating first before the dog, helps it to understand that the pet parent is the owner of all the valuable resources such as treats, food, and toys. In order to raise a well-mannered and well-adjusted Basset Hound, early socialization training is a must. This training starts from the age of 3 weeks until the age of 16 weeks.
Basset Hounds normally leave the shelters for their new homes from the age of 8 weeks. Therefore, owners will start socialization training by exposing Bassets to a wide variety of people, animals, sights, surfaces, smell, experiences, and sounds such as washing machine, baby crying sounds, sirens, vacuum cleaners, whistles, and lawn mowers. After a Basset is fully vaccinated, the pooch parent may also enroll it in a puppy class as a form of socialization training. These classes provide a controlled environment where Basset Hounds can interact with other dogs. Puppy classes also enables owners to get access to training information as well as identify and correct bad habits. Use of positive reinforcement methods such use of treats, petting, toys, and treats encourage good behaviors. Avoid yelling or using any other harsh correction method on a Basset Hound.
Teach basic command words such as come, sit, heel, stay, leave it, down, etc. one at a time immediately the pup comes home. After a Basset Hound understands one command, proceed to the next one. At no time should you issue the command word while too excited or frustrated since the command words won’t sound the same for your pet. Clicker training may be used to reinforce positive outcomes when teaching commands word. Keep the training session short for a period of 5 to 10 minutes distributed throughout the day since Basset Hounds get easily distracted. To set up for a successful house training, creating a feeding schedule, potty training, and crate training is recommended.
Basset Hound Potty Training
During potty training, a crate is an indispensable tool that allows the pet parent to monitor the Basset Hound puppy for signs that it wants to eliminate such as circling, sniffing, whining, squatting, and restlessness. Dogs are den animals that naturally avoid soiling where they sleep. To set up for a successful potty training, choose a designated toilet area where the pup will do its business. It should be far from the BBQ spot and patio deck. Pet parents should also understand that an-8-week-old Basset Hound will be able to hold for a period of 2 hours before eliminating while a 12-week-old puppy holds for 3 hours before eliminating. The bladder and bowel muscles of a dog strengthens as it matures.
Start potty training immediately you bring your Basset home. It may take a period of 2 to 4 months before this breed is fully-housebroken if the pet parent is consistent, firm, and patient. For positive outcomes, take Basset Hounds to the elimination area immediately they wake up, every 2 to 3 hours, 20 minutes after meals and drinks( dogs tend to have bowel movement 20 minutes after eating), after naptime, following an exciting activity such as playtime and car ride, and before bedtime. After the age of 8 months, the potty breaks are every 6 to 8 hours.
When you take your pet to the delegated area, issue the command word, ‘ toilet’ or potty to give them the cue to eliminate. Use either of the two commands every time your take your pup outside. Avoid interchangeably using the two command words even if they mean the same thing since it will be confusing for your pet. Always take a Basset Hound on a leash to pee or poo since they easily get distracted by a powerful scent. Therefore, the leash assists to redirect its attention and keep them slowly moving if they start sniffing too much instead of focusing on eliminating.
Create a routine of remaining in the toilet area for a period of 15 minutes to allow the bowel and bladder muscles to relax for a pee or poo. If the dog fails to eliminate, confine it in a crate and observe for signs that it wants to eliminate before taking it back outside. Before a Basset Hound is fully house broken, it should not roam freely in the house to reduce the risk of having accidents in the house. If you get your dog eliminating in the house, utter a firm no and immediately take it to the toilet area. Once it eliminates outside, give it a treat so that it may associate going outside with pottying.
Clean the mess using an enzymatic detergent or an iodine solution to ensure the odor is not retained. Basset hounds are nosey dogs that will easy sniff the urine odor if regular detergents were used to clean the mess hence eliminating in the same area. Before the age of 4 months ( 16 weeks), set an alarm to take your pet outside at least once during the night.
Crate Training
Crate training is essential for dogs from an early age to reduce the severity of suffering from separation anxiety when left alone for long hours. Basset Hounds may howl and become destructive when left alone for far too long. Contrary to the belief that confining an animal is cruelty, dogs are natural den dogs and enjoy to have a safe place where they can retreat to. A Crate helps to keep a Basset safe while the owner is not home or closely looking after the pet. A Crate also makes transporting Basset Hounds easier by car or air for brief distances or long vacations.
Always leave the crate door open so that a Basset may understand that a crate is not a forced experience. It is recommended to place a crate where there are a lot of ongoing family activities so that the pooch doesn’t feel isolated. Avoid positioning a crate in a place that tends to be too hot or too cold so that a Basset can be able to relax. Before you start crate training, ensure the crate can fit an adult Basset Hound. Lure the dog to go in the crate by throwing favorites treats and toys while it is watching. After the dog gets into the crate, close the door. A puppy may start whining but don’t let it off the crate until it ceases whining.
A pup that is left off the crate while whining will understand that whining is a means of getting off the crate. Repeat this several times while increasing the duration that the puppy stays in a crate. Avoid using a crate as a form of punishing Bassets. Limit the amount of time that the dog spends into the crate depending with the level of housebreaking. Remove any harness or collar when the pet is about to get into the crate for safety purposes. Basset Hounds may also stay overnight in the crate if you position the device in your room. Remember to cover the crate sides with a towel or sheet only leaving the front side uncovered.
Basset Hound Temperament | Traits
- Independent.
- Sensitive.
- Easygoing.
- Charming.
- Stubborn.
- Loyal.
- Affectionate.
- Mild-mannered.
- Intelligent.
- Friendly.
- Playful.
- Vocal.
- Tolerant of other pets and children.
- Agreeable.
Basset Hound Exercise
A Basset Hound is not a typically high-powered athlete that need to run everyday. Daily walk at a moderate pace or a play session will keep the breed happy and healthy. Exercising a Basset also prevent it from becoming obese. This breed also enjoys canine company during its outings since it was bred to work in a pack with other dogs. Following a play session or walk, Basset Hounds will settle down for a comfortable sleep.
Basset Hound Barking
Naturally, Basset Hounds are barkers that were bred to make a distinct loud howls and barks that would allow their owners to find them when necessary while they were retrieving the prey. A Basset is a pack dog that loves to be with its family. If left alone for long hours it may develop destructive behaviors and distinctive baying bark that is loud and travels long distances.
Basset Hound Height
A female Basset Hound has a height of 11 to 14 inches ( approx. 28 to 36 cm ) while its male counterpart has a height of 12 to 15 inches ( approx. 30 to 38 cm).
Basset Hound Weight
A male Basset has a weight of 55 to 75 pounds ( approx. 25 to 34 kg ) while its female counterpart has a weight of 45 to 65 pounds ( approx. 20 to 29 kg ).
Basset Hound Size
Basset Hounds are medium to large sized dogs. However, Male Bassets are slightly larger in size in terms of weight and height. A Male Basset Hound has a height of 12 to 15 inches ( approx. 30 to 38 cm) and a weight of 55 to 75 pounds ( approx. 25 to 34 kg ) while female Bassets have a height of 11 to 14 inches ( approx. 28 to 36 cm ) and a weight of 45 to 65 pounds ( approx. 20 to 29 kg ).
Basset Hound Aggressive
A Basset Hound is not an aggressive dog. It is mild-mannered getting along with everyone including kids and other animals.
Basset Hound Bite Force
Reportedly, Bassets have a bite force of between 150 to 200 PSI.
Basset Hound Eye Infection
Dog eye infections are caused by bacteria or virus. The former is more common and gets an opportunity of invading the eye following an eye trauma, dry eye disease, and viruses since the local defenses of the eye have been compromised. Injury or scratch to the cornea also makes the eye susceptible eye bacterial infection. Foreign bodies such as dirt, debris, hair, and plant material make Basset Hounds vulnerable to eye infections.
This breed has droopy eyes, hence the area under the eyeball can collect dirt making it susceptible to eye infections. Symptoms of eye infections in Basset Hounds include pawing at the eye, squinting, redness, and a clear or thick yellowish green discharge. A Clear eye discharge is due to viral infection while a thick yellowish green discharge is due to bacterial infection. A home remedy for a Basset that is suffering from an eye infection is the use of saline rinses to flush the eye.
Basset Hound Ear Infection
A Basset Hound has large sensitive floppy ears that are prone to ear infections. Floppy shaped ears protect the ear canal against dirt and debris. However, they prevent air flow into the ear canal increasing the chances of moisture retention. Ears that cover the ear canal also create a warm and dark environment for bacteria and yeast to thrive. Cause of ear infections in Basset Hounds include excessive cleaning, moisture accumulation, excess dirt, wax, or debris, allergies, yeast imbalance, injury to the ear canal, endocrine disorders like hypothyroidism, and ear mites.
Dogs are predisposed to three types of ear infections, externa, media, and interna otitis respectively. Although, externa otitis is far more common in Bassets and results to inflammation to the cells located in the external ear canal. If left untreated, the inflammation spreads to the cells located in the middle and inner ear canal. Infection to the cells located in the inner and middle inner ear canal is interna and media otitis respectively. These infections cause vestibular signs such as blurred vision, dizziness, and disorientation, deafness, and facial paralysis.
Symptoms exhibited by a Basset Hound that is suffering from an ear infection includes walking in circles, redness, head shaking, pain, itchiness and scratching at the affected ear, scabs, dark discharge, rubbing the affected ear against the surface, and odor. Pet parents are urged to contact the vet once they notice any of the above signs. Upon arrival, a vet conducts physical examination to determine the symptoms of ear infection. A swab is also taken from the affected ear.
If the dog is in too much pain, it will be sedated to facilitate thorough ear cleaning with a medicated ear cleanser. While going home, a topical medications and ear cleanser may be prescribed. However, if the situation is severe, oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications are prescribed. Basset parents should ensure the dog completes the prescribed medication to avoid recurring ear infections. Weekly ear cleaning using cotton balls and an ear cleanser reduces the risk of ear infections.
Basset Hound Eye Problems
Apart from eye infection, other eye problems that Basset Hounds suffer from include:
Glaucoma – This is an eye issue that puts pressure on the optic nerve due to the insufficient drainage of the fluid from the eye. It causes redness, pain, and even vision loss.
Cherry eye also referred to as a prolapsed gland, is an eye condition that causes inflammation to the third eyelid of the dog.
Entropion – This eye problem makes the eyelid to roll inwards rubbing against the surface of the eye which results to itchiness and chronic pain.
Cataracts – A Basset Hound that is suffering from cataracts have eye lenses that are whitish and cloudy which will eventually lead to vision loss.
Ectropion – this is where the eyelids roll outward exposing the eye membrane to dirt and may become clogged with a mucus. Once the eyelid goes back it is normal position, the dirt is transferred t0 the eyeball which causes damage over time.
Basset Hound Health Issues
Bassets are relatively healthy breeds. However, they are deep-chested dogs that are susceptible to gastric torsion or bloat. This is a life-threatening condition that results to swelling of the stomach. The swelling makes the stomach to distend with gas before twisting. Therefore, a Basset is unable to vomit to get rid of the excess air.
The swelling also puts pressure on nearby organs, cuts off the supply of oxygen and blood, and also puts a lot of stress on the heart functionality leading to shock and eventually death. To reduce the risk of gastric torsion, pet parents should avoid exercising Basset Hounds one hour before or after exercise, feeding one large meal, or even allowing the dog to take large amounts of water after food consumption.
Other health issues that affect Basset hounds include eye disorders like glaucoma, cherry eye, entropion, cataracts, and ectropion, ear infections, allergies, hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, luxating patella, bleeding disorders, Intervertebral Disc Disease, obesity, Thrombopathia, Panosteitis, and Von Willebrand’s Disease.
Apart from Basset Hounds, other breeds of dogs include:
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Pug.
Basset Hound Names
A Basset Hound parent may find a name for the dog before picking it from the shelter or a few days after joining the family to understand the personality of the particular dog. Basset owners may get names inspirations from the France heritage, coat color, personality, their long pendulous ears, sad clown look, celebrity Bassets, movies, commercials, books, songs, nature, and historical figures.
Regardless of where you get the inspiration, ensure the name chosen freely rolls off your tongue and wont make you embarrassed if uttered out loud in the public places. Bassets and other dog breeds better understand names that have vowels. Avoid giving your dog a name that rhymes with the command words to prevent confusion.
Settling with a long name may be tedious. Owners are urged to find a cute nickname for the fur babies. If a Basset Hound shares a name with any family member or guest who frequent your home it will be a source of confusion.
Female Basset Hound Names
- Bambi.
- Winnie.
- Paris.
- Lily.
- Kiki.
- Ellie.
- Harper.
- Daisy.
- Lola.
- Gracie.
- Bailey.
- Nala. etc.
Basset Hound Speed
Bassets are short-legged dogs that can run up to a speed of 5 to 10 miles per hour ( approx. 8 to 16 km/h).
Male Basset Hound Names
- Milo.
- Murphy.
- Cooper.
- Finn.
- Hunter.
- Max.
- Bear.
- Barkley.
- Gus.
- Otis.
- Jasper.
- Moose, etc.
Basset Hound Heat Cycle | Mating
A Basset Hound dam experiences a heat cycle for a period of 3 weeks. This process recurs every 6 months summing up to two times a year. Bassets experience their first heat cycle from the age of 4 to 9 months. However, majority of the dogs go on a heat cycle at the age of 6 months. It is possible for a Basset dam to get pregnant in its teen years since they experience the estrus cycle throughout their lives.
Some of the signs exhibited by a Basset that is on a heat cycle include increased urination, bloody discharge, swollen vulva, changes in eating habits, mood swings, tail flagging, and nesting behavior. Before breeding potential Basset Hounds dam and sire, ensure they are screened for hypothyroidism, gastric torsion, luxating patella, bleeding disorders, glaucoma, as well as hip and elbow dysplasia. Avoid breeding a dam before the age of 2 years old to minimize the risk of dystocia and the mother rejecting the puppies. Aggressive dams should not be bred since the puppies will either be fearful or aggressive.
Basset Hound Litter Size
After conception, a Basset Hound dam has a gestation period of 63 days before whelping a litter size of 6 to 8 puppies.
Basset Hound Harness | Collar
A Basset Hound is a scent Hound that has a strong scent trailing ability after Bloodhounds. Therefore, it should go for walks on a leash. These scent hounds are likely to pull once they catch a powerful scent in the air. If on a collar, this will exert pressure on the neck and throat leading to coughing fists after the walk. Bassets also have loose skin around their face and neck and when combined with wider neck than head make the collars to easily slip off the neck especially flat collars. Therefore, it is recommended to walk a Basset on a harness to prevent exerting pressure on the neck and for better control of the pooch.
Basset Hound Food | Feeding Chart
The amount of food that a Basset feeds on depends on its age, activity level, metabolism, size, and body build. Puppies tend to have a high metabolism rate as compared to adults. Therefore, they should feed small portions of food 3 or 4 times a day from when they start weaning until the age of 6 months. From the age of 6 months, a Basset Hound should feed a total of 2 meals a day for the rest of its life. Owners should avoid feeding Basset one large meal a day. This is because it makes them susceptible to bloat. A life threatening condition that results in swelling of the stomach.
Basset parents should also avoid exercising their dogs vigorously one hour before or after meals or even allowing the pooch to drink large amount of water after meals. AKC urges owners to be well-versed with the symptoms of bloat and what to do in such a situation. Bassets are prone to obesity. Food bowls should not be left out all day after feeding time. It is also recommended to consult a vet who will advise on the right amount of food to feed the dog depending on its weight. Depending on the budget and time preparation needed, Basset parents may feed their dogs with dry, wet, raw diet, or home-made food.
Regardless of the food chosen, owners should ensure a Basset Hound feeds on the right amount of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fats, water, and fatty acids. Owners who choose to feed their dogs with commercial food should ensure that the first three listed ingredients are proteins from a known source. The purchased food should not have additives, chemicals, fillers, preservatives, and meat by-products. Dry or wet food should be formulated for medium to large sized puppies, adults, and seniors. Check the physique of a Basset to know whether it is overweight or underweight.
If you can see the ribs, chances are the dog is underweight. Although, if the ribs are not visible but can be felt without pressing hard, the Basset has an ideal weight. If the ribs can’t be felt, the dog is overweight and should be exercised. After getting a puppy from a breeder, the owner is likely to switch to another quality food. They should gradually do this over a period of one month by mixing both new food and old food. As the week progresses, the amount of old food reduces as the new food increases until a Basset is only feeding on new food during the fourth week.
Basset Hound Neck Size | Collar Size
A collar rests around the neck of a Basset Hound. Therefore, the neck size and collar size of the dog is the same. The neck size | collar size of a Basset Hound is 17 to 20 inches ( approx. 42 to 51 cm ).
Basset Hound Colors
A Basset Hound is either bicolored or tricolored with any acceptable standard hound color which varies from country to country. Common coat colors are tan, black, and white tricolors or tan with white bicolor. Tan color may vary from red to lemon and reddish-brown. However, white and lemon is a rare coat color.
Basset Hound Allergies
A Basset Hound may suffer from various types of allergies as discussed below:
Skin allergies– A Basset is prone to skin allergies due to the heavy skin folds in the ears, neck, and skin resulting to skin fold dermatitis. Apart from folds, food, contact, and environmental allergies make this breed more susceptible to skin allergies.
Food allergies – Bassets may be affected by food allergies and food intolerance. Food allergies are rare and result to an immune response that is accompanied with a wide range of symptoms varying from skin issues to gastrointestinal stress.
Contact allergies – This allergy affects a Basset Hound once the skin comes in contact with the allergen. Some of the contact allergies that affect Bassets include grooming products like shampoos and conditioners, plastics, lawn chemicals, carpet cleaning detergents, bed linens, latex, and medications. Contact allergies cause intensive scratching and biting leading to sores and wounds on the paws, feet, or around the muzzle. If left unattended, it may result to secondary skin infections.
Environmental allergies – Most of the pet parents have reported that their Basset Hounds are affected by environmental allergies. Some of the environmental allergies that cause an allergic reaction in Bassets include pollen, grass, trees, ragweed, fleas, mites, dust and dust mites, as well as house molds. Flea’s saliva cause flea allergy dermatitis that normally affects the back legs and underneath the tail. It results to excess scratching, licking, and biting until the skin around the bite area is raw.
Symptoms of environmental allergies include sneezing, congestion, nasal discharge, and itchiness on various body parts including paws, feet, belly sides, ears, muzzle, groin, underarms, around the eyes, and between the paws. After an outdoor activity, Basset owners should create a routine of wiping the coat with a clean damp washcloth on the coat and under belly to remove the allergen present.
Basset Hound Food Allergies
In rare cases, a Basset Hound suffers from a true food allergy which results to an immune response which is accompanied with skin issues and gastrointestinal signs. Some of the gastrointestinal signs that a Basset Hound suffers from due to food allergies include acute diarrhea and vomiting, lethargy, and weight loss. Whereas, skin conditions symptoms caused by food allergies include sores, hives, crusting lesions, pruritus, itchiness, facial swelling, and dermatitis.
Basset Owners may confuse food allergies for food intolerance since they both cause vomiting and diarrhea. However, the former doesn’t cause an immune response. Food intolerance or sensitivity happens as a gradual response to an offending ingredient in the diet and snacks of the dog. Some of the ingredients that cause sensitivities in Basset Hounds include fillers, corn, soy, wheat, lamb, chicken, beef, pork, fish, turkey, milk, eggs, chemicals, preservatives, additives, etc.
Symptoms of food intolerance include vomiting, diarrhea, ear infections, poor skin and coat, foot infections, and itchiness. Pet parents are urged to closely work with the vet to manage the symptoms exhibited and find the offending ingredient through food elimination method. This is where a Basset Hound feeds on one type of protein and carbohydrate for 8 to 12 weeks. Although, some owners may prefer to switch to a raw diet.
Basset Hound Skin Allergies
A Basset Hound is affected by skin allergies due to food, contact, and environmental allergies. Food allergies cause a response from an immune system resulting to skin issues such as hives, sores, dermatitis, crusting lesions, and pruritus. Environmental allergies cause atopic dermatitis. This is a condition that causes skin inflammation leading to redness, rashes, sores, and lesions.
One of the environmental allergens, flea, cause flea allergy dermatitis that also affect the skin. They cause intensive scratching, biting, and licking of the skin around the bite area until it is raw. The raw skin may result in secondary skin infections due to yeast or bacteria.
Basset hounds are also susceptible to skin fold dermatitis due to heavy skin folds on the face and neck which hold debris and leads to accumulation of moisture encouraging the build up of bacteria and yeast. Symptoms of skin allergies in Basset Hounds include hair loss, sores, crusting lesions, excessive chewing, biting, or licking the affected body parts as well as a red and dry flaky skin. Commonly affected body parts include ears, feet, paws, belly sides, between the toes, groin, and muzzle.
Basset Hound Eyes
A Basset hound has soft and sunken eyes with a distinctive sad expression. The eyes are brown in color, preferably dark brown.
Basset Hound Ears
A Basset has extremely long floppy ears.
Basset Hound Head
A Basset Hound has a large and well proportioned head that is slightly narrow as compared to the neck.
Basset Hound Tail
A Basset has a slightly curved tail that is carried gaily in hound fashion. Most Basset Hounds have a white tip on the tail intended to help hunters in finding them when they are tracking under bush.
Basset Hound Teeth
At birth, Basset puppies are whelped with no teeth. The deciduous teeth start growing in from the age of 2 to 3 weeks until the puppy has a total of 28 milk teeth between the age of 6 to 8 weeks. Deciduous teeth start falling out from the age of 12 weeks as permanent teeth erupt beneath them. At the age of 6 to 8 weeks, Bassets should have a total of 42 permanent teeth.
Basset Hound Nose
A Basset may have a large black or liver colored nose that helps in tracking scent.
Are Basset Hounds Hypoallergenic
No. Basset Hounds are not hypoallergenic dogs since they shed all-year round. Shedding allows the spread of dander and hair around the house. This breed also has loose jowls which makes it drool. Drooling allows saliva to lick spreading on the surface, wall, and furniture. Dog’s dander, saliva, hair, mucus, and urine have a protein allergen that aggravate allergies in people.
Are Basset Hounds Smart
Yes. Basset Hounds are fairly smart dogs. However, due to the independent nature, they are not easily trainable.
Are Basset Hounds Easy To Train
No. Basset Hounds were bred to hunt and trail a scent independent of their owners. Therefore, they may seem aloof and neither interested in following the commands issued especially if destructed with a powerful scent.
Are Basset Hounds Aggressive
No. A Basset Hound is a mild-natured dog that gets along with everyone including kids, and other animals.
Basset Hounds Quick Facts
- Basset Hounds are short-legged dogs due to a form of dwarfism referred to as achondroplasia.
- They have lose flews hence drool a lot.
- Basset Hounds are deep-chested dogs prone to bloat or gastric torsion.
