GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT MY BREED
Thurston
https://www.angelfire.com/ia2/thurston/
atomicsman@hotmail.com
https://www.angelfire.com/ia2/thurston/
atomicsman@hotmail.com
"HEY HOLD STILL SO I CAN COMPLETE THIS PICTURE!"
THE BASSET HOUND
Pronunciation
Basset Hound
Description
The head is large, with a rounded skull and pronounced occiput. The plane
of the muzzle is parallel to the top of the skull. The skin is loose-fitted and
falls in folds on the head. The velvety ears are very long and should meet
beyond the top of the nose. They should fold and not appear flat. The
large teeth should meet in a scissors or level bite. The lips hand down with
loose flews. The sad brown eyes should show prominent haw. The
expression should be kindly without any harshness. The Basset has a
very pronounced dewlap. His chest is very deep and extends in the front
of the forelegs. The paws are big and the hindquarters are round.
Dewclaws may be removed. The dog's movement should be deliberate,
but not clumsy. The coat is short, hard and shiny. There are no rules
concerning color, but it is usually white with chestnut or sand-colored
markings.
Temperament
The Basset Hound is sweet, gentle, devoted, peaceful and naturally
well-behaved. They fit into family life well. Their temperament should
always be friendly with never an indication of sharpness or viciousness.
They are mild but not timid; very affectionate with its master and friendly
with children. It is incapable of biting, but it may be a bit stubborn. They
like to do tricks for food. It has a deep musical bark. Housebreaking is
difficult, but they do well with gentle patient training and positive
reinforcement. With proper training, they are obedient, but when they
pick up an interesting smell, it's sometimes hard to get their attention.
Height, Weight
Height: Dogs 12-15 inches (30-38cm) Bitches 11-14 inches (28-36cm)
Weight: Dogs 50-65 pounds (23-29kg) Bitches 45-60 pounds (20-27kg)
Health Problems
Do not overfeed these dogs because extra weight places too great a load
on the legs and spine. A problem area is possible lameness and eventual
paralysis because of short legs and a heavy, long body. As they are prone
to bloat, it is also wise to feed them two or three small meals a day
instead of one big large meal. The dog should be kept observed for
several hours after eating a large meal.
Living Conditions
The Basset hound will do okay in an apartment. They are very inactive
indoors but outdoors they will run for hours in play if given the chance.
They will do okay without a yard, but should be given plenty of
opportunities to run and play to keep it healthy and trim.
Exercise
To keep the Basset Hound healthy, it should be given plenty of exercise,
but discourage it from jumping and stressing the front legs. This breed will
run and play by the hour when given the chance.
Life Expectancy
About 10-12 years.
Grooming
The smooth, short-haired coat is easy to groom. Comb and brush with a
firm bristle brush, and shampoo only when necessary. Wipe under the
ears every week and trim toenails regularly. This breed is a constant
shedder.
Origin
The name Basset Hound comes from the French word "bas" meaning
low. Some sources suggest the Basset Hound may have originated from
genetic dwarf dogs presented in litters of other types of French hunting
hounds, however, we do know that it is a rather old breed, descended
directly from the Bloodhound. Shakespeare described the Basset Hound
with the following poetic image: "Ears which sweep away the morning
due." According to research, the true fame of the Basset Hound began in
1863, when it was presented at the Paris Dog Show. Its popularity spread
to England where a lively dispute arose between two factions of breeders:
Those who wanted to keep the Basset Hound a hunting dog, and those
who wanted to transform it into a companion dog. Situated between these
two factions were the American breeders who proceeded to develop an
extremely pleasing companion dog without sacrificing any of the qualities
of the hunter. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in
1885. Its natural bent is for hunting both in the den and in the open. It is
therefore, used for the hunting of fox, hare, opossum, and pheasant.
Bassets can hunt in packs or alone. It has an excellent sense of smell, but
its reflexes are a bit slow. Their slow pace is convenient for hunters on
foot and keeps game from being scared out of reach. The Basset's nose is
almost as outstanding as the Bloodhound's. George Washington may
have owned Basset Hounds given to him by Lafayette after the American
Revolution.
Group
Hound, AKC Hound
Recognition
CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC
"THANKS FOR CARING!" .....Thurston
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