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Group: Hound Group
Purpose of Breed: Hunting rabbits and hares over difficult terrain
Country of Origin: French ancestry
Average Size: 40-60 lbs. and 13-15 inches tall
Color(s): Basset Hounds are typically tri-colored black, white and tan, and can also be lemon and white.
Coat Type: Short, smooth, shiny coats, with wrinkles of skin between their knees and feet.
Grooming: The Basset Hound's coat requires minimal brushing to stay in top condition. This breed requires standard care for eyes, pads and nails, but special care is needed for their long delicate, ears. They should be examined and cleaned with a cotton swap regularly.
Exercise Needs: This breed lives happily in either a house or an apartment, but needs regular exercise to prevent obesity. Extended periods of running or jogging, however, can cause damage to the dog's hips, legs and back. They tend to follow their nose into dangerous situations and are safest on a leash or in a secure, enclosed area.
Temperament: The Basset Hound is affectionate, gentle and extremely devoted. Known for their mild, sensitive nature, they can also be very stubborn and conveniently "hard of hearing." This breed gets along well with people and other pets, but possesses a pack mentality and does not prefer to be left home alone for longs periods of time.
Common Ailments: Prone to ear and skin infections and also to obesity, which can lead to hip, spine and leg problems.
Life Expectancy: average 8-12 years
Trivia: "Basset", when used to describe a dog breed, is derived from the French adjective "bas", meaning "low thing" or "dwarf."
More Information: Basset Hound Club of America
By
03/27/2006
Well, as you can see from my screen name I just
"lovethosehounds". Bassets are the best. We had one for 10 1/2 years and he was a dog comedian at heart. One of the saddest days of my life was the day we had to have him put down. He had gotten paralysis in his back end and there was nothing more the vet could do. He lives on in our hearts.
By
03/27/2006
Thanks for the thorough info sheet - I have 4 precious Basset babies! And I can attest to all of the above!
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