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Hound breeds: Basset
Origin
The Basset Hound is an old breed, originally of French lineage. He has been popular in France and Belgium for centuries. The word "Basset" comes from the French word bas, meaning a dwarf or low thing.
The Basset was first used and developed as a badger hunter, and it was known as a "badger dogs." The earliest mention of the Basset in literature (including the earliest known drawing) occurs in 1585 in a hunting text written by Fouilloux. The text was advice on the training of the dog for badger hunting. In the mid-1800s, the friars of the French Abbey of St. Hubert further refined and developed the breed through selective breeding of various French hounds. He was capable of hunting boar and wolf among most other animals but was particularly proficient in the hunting of hare and rabbit. The object of the friars' breeding program was to develop a dog that was lower-set (closer to the ground) and therefore a slower-moving dog and easier to follow on foot. Their large feet helped steady them, and heavy bones made them sturdy. The purpose of the long ears was to stir up the scent on the ground and the dewlap (folds of skin under the chin) and wrinkles on the head and face helped trap and hold the scent.
The French Basset was first imported to England in 1866 by Lord Galway. There was no real interest in the breed in England until the 1874 imports by Sir Everett Millais. He is considered the "father of the breed" in England. The Basset was first seen in an English dog show in 1875, exhibited by Sir Everett, but it was not until 1880 that the breed drew attention at the Wolverhampton dog show.
Among his other dogs, George Washington also owned Basset Hounds. They were a gift from Lafayette after the American Revolution. English imports were shown at the Westminster show in 1883 and 1884. The first Bassets were registered with the AKC in 1885. By the 1920s, the breed began to find favor with the American public. In 1928, a Basset puppy was featured on the cover of Time magazine as part of a feature on the 52nd annual Westminster dog show. In 1935, the Basset Hound Club of America was formed. The club holds shows that include conformation, field trialing, obedience, tracking and pack hunting.
By the 1950s, the breed became instantly recognized by the American people. He was "Cleo" from the television series.
General description
Height: should not exceed 14 inches
Weight: 45 to 75 pounds
Color: Any hound color is acceptable.
Grooming requirements
This breed sheds a lot. Bassets are easy to keep in good shape, however, due to the fact that grooming them requires little more than a curry brush, spray conditioner and some time. Regular ear cleaning and nail clipping are necessary. You must start your Bassett on an early schedule for nail trims and keep to it closely. If their toes separate, this will put pressure on their spine and joints. They should have their nails trimmed about every four weeks.
Health considerations
In general, the Basset's build predisposes him to structural problems (neck, back, hips, legs, ankles and shoulders), ear infections, eye and skin problems, and snoring. The Basset is one of the breeds predisposed to glaucoma and bloat. Paneosteitis (also known as wandering lameness or growing pains) is occasionally seen in young Bassets. Attacks can be brought on by stress and aggravated by activity. Grass allergies are not uncommon. The long, drooping ear predisposes the Basset to ear problems. The ears must be kept clean and dry. The Basset's large paws are prone to interdigital cysts, abscesses and fungus infections between the toes.
Breed characteristics and personality
The Basset has a tendency to howl when left alone for long periods of time. He requires a fenced yard. Although not an energetic dog, he will readily follow an interesting scent to wherever it will take him. He has a tendency to continue wandering instead of coming home. He also drools a lot and makes a mess when drinking. One of the most common reasons Bassets are given up for adoption is that they drool too much. This is not the breed for an immaculate housekeeper. He should never be allowed to jump off furniture, grooming tables or the back of a van or truck as back injuries are common because of the long back and heavy bones. Care must also be taken to not over-exercise when pups are young because of their heavy bones. The male Basset does not mark territory as much as the males of many other breeds. Some can be difficult to house train. This is not a watchdog, but will bark at the approach of strangers if taught to do so. Overfeeding is to be avoided as excess weight can cause most of the Basset's health problems.
The Basset is sweet loyal and affectionate. The personality is mild, never timid or aggressive, a gentle disposition. He has great endurance in the field and is very devoted to his loved ones. He is affectionate and gentle with children and has the reputation of never biting. The male is not male aggressive in this breed. He was bred as a pack dog and it is inherent in his makeup to get along with other dogs, male and female. He can be stubborn.
The Basset is a great family dog. He is gentle with children and very tolerant of their activities. They love everybody equally and get along with most other pets. His biggest drawback is his drooling.
Uses
The Basset is a hunter of fox, hare, opossum, and pheasant. He has an excellent nose but is a slow dog. His primary purpose these days is as an excellent companion dog.
Web links
AKC Basset Hound page
The Basset Hound Club of America
The Basset Hound Home Page
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