Dog class - Hound
Average height - 15 inches
Average weight - 40 to 55 pounds
Size - Medium
Average life span - 8 to 12 years

This good-natured and peaceful dog is short-legged and relatively heavy for its size. It usually stands just under a foot and a half tall, with a hard coat and loose skin. The Basset Hound is usually some combination of black, white, and/or tan and has long, trademark ears that hang down.

The word Basset comes from the French "bas," meaning "low to the ground." This breed is, in fact, descended from the Bloodhound and old St. Hubert hound. It was admired by William Shakespeare and King Edward VII. Originally bred to hunt game, it still makes the perfect hunting dog for the novice hunter, with its short legs and slower paced run.

The Basset Hound was originally bred as a trailing dog, and it will bay loudly when it is on the trail of a rabbit or other, smaller game. Be careful, however, as your Basset may simply wander away because of this instinct to trail. Try a long, leashed walk through wooded areas or open fields for a fun time for you and your pooch. Or, for the novice hunter, this dog makes an erstwhile companion.

The Basset Hound is among the mildest mannered of all breeds. They tend to be peaceful and reliable, good with children and strangers, and able to bond well with an entire family. They make excellent watchdogs, and do fine in the city or large apartment if they are given enough exercise. In addition, this breed gets along well with other animals, and does well with patient obedience training.

The Basset Hound is an extremely healthy breed, and most health problems that do occur are the result of obesity caused by lack of exercise. A healthy Basset, in other words, is one that is exercised regularly. Some possible genetic health concerns include the following: glaucoma, Von Willebrand's Disease, bloat, Paneosteitis, allergies, and otitis externa.

Basset Hounds can be difficult to housebreak, and they tend to bay a lot in their sleep. These dogs are also known to howl when left alone for long periods of time. They may wander away from home if not kept leashed or locked-up. In addition, they also tend to drool more than most other breeds. They can be a bit stubborn, and will often clown around when being disobedient.

This is a friendly breed, but a born trailer and hunter, so be ready to do some tracking!

Further Basset Hound Dog Resources

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