Trainability

Like all scent hounds, the adorable Basset Hound has an impressive gift for sniffing out anything that comes of interest. This can lead to unsuccessful training sessions for the beginner. Patience and keeping your Hound interested is important, so training needs to be fun and entertaining. Many owners will enlist their dogs into specialised scent training for this reason. But paired with the right handler, Bassets have been known to excel in all areas of dog obedience and sports. They are very very food driven, however, be wary of only training with food as once the food is not there, your beloved dog’s willingness may also vanish. Early socialisation with as many sights, sounds and experiences during puppy-hood as possible will help your pup grow into a well-rounded and happy dog. It’s important to remember that they are first, and foremost, scent hounds. So on-leash walking is paramount for safety reasons. Only allowing your dog to run off-leash in a secured area. Once they pick up a scent they can be very focused and completely blank out the world around them.

Grooming

The coat of the Basset is easy to maintain as it will repel dirt and water easily. A good rub with a rubber mitt a few times a week will help keep your pup’s coat in great condition. Bathing only when required to remove the excess oils that keep your dog’s coat naturally clean, that can emit a musky odour. If you do not like drooly breeds, this may not be the best breed for you. Regularly cleaning excess drool from your pup’s coat and face is important – as too in all the wrinkles around the face. Keeping your pet’s ears in good condition is vital with this breed, they can be prone to infection so weekly ear cleaning is advised. Ask your vet how to best keep up with ear care in concerns to your breed. As with all dogs, having your Basset used to being touched on the feet, face and ears will make vet care easy. Early nail clipping is also recommended.

Exercise Requirements

Regardless of their laid-back nature, the Basset will still require a good daily walk to keep in tip-top condition. They like a slow gentle walk where they can enjoy all the sniffs and scents the neighbourhood has to offer. Young Bassets should be discouraged from jumping and running downstairs to protect their little legs. Ramps are a wonderful idea when it comes to this champion hound, particularly when getting in or out of the car. Their love for food, and for the laid-back life can lead to obesity. Daily walks and correct feeding are a must with this breed.

Intelligence

The Bassett is a very intelligent and independent dog. Because of this, it is important to allow him to stretch his natural love for sniffing and scents. This breed does not take well to long periods alone and will certainly let his presence be known. They have one of the most impressive barks in the dog world, and if left alone and bored for too long they will certainly attempt to let you know – even if you are miles away! Consider good boredom busting techniques and adequate exercise. Your Basset will easily sleep the day away in the sunshine if they are not bored when they awake.

Family Friendly

Basset Hounds make wonderful family pets and will laze away the day watching children play. Like with all breeds is it incredibly important to teach your children how to correctly interact with a dog and teach your pup how to correctly play with your children. All interactions need to be supervised, particularly with very young children. Sitting cuddles are always best and never allow children to pick up the puppy. If socialised from an early age, the Basset will make sleeping companions with pets of all shapes and sizes.

Indoor/ Outdoor

The Basset Hound makes a great apartment dog. They are laid-back and cruisey and enjoy the easy life. Do not leave your Basset alone outside for endless hours, they will, like all dog breeds become destructive and unhappy. Fences should be checked daily. If your wee pup grabs and interesting scent they may do anything possible to find and follow. Make sure your dog has adequate shelter during the summer and winter. This breed does not take well to the heat or the bitter cold.

Breeding

It is very important to only source your new family member from a reputable breeding establishment, to ensure your puppy is healthy. Ask all the important questions about hereditary problems and ask to see mum and dad. Contact your local breed club and research your chosen breeder. Your breeder should have proof that they regularly test their dogs for genetic diseases and to ensure that the dogs they are breeding from have sound temperaments. It may take a little more time than a quick purchase, but it can save you and your family from unimaginable heartache and pain dealing with a sick puppy.