Origin of the Basset Hound breed, external standard, behavioral and health features, care advice, training, interesting facts. Purchasing a puppy. These are unusual animals. People treat these dogs differently. Someone does not like them, someone adores them. They look like the saddest dogs in the world. In almost any person, they cause the intention to pity them. However, their appearance hurts ignorant canines in psychology. Experts know that the expression "pug" of a dog does not always indicate its state of mind. To understand her mood, look in the opposite direction - at the tail. These animals constantly wag their barometer vigorously from side to side, so don't be fooled. Despite their too sad appearance, they are energetic and cheerful.
Origin of the Basset Hound breed
Their toy appearance is striking, causing a smile: a long body, strong short legs, a charming muzzle with folds, a sad look and long ears, in which they sometimes even get confused. But behind the deceptive picture, there is a real formidable hunter who carries himself with dignity. His name can also tell about it. Translated from English "hound" - hound, and French "bass" - low. There are many types of long-legged canines with short legs. They are due to a congenital defect. There are two types of genetic diseases that prevent bones from growing properly in length: achondroplasia and chondrodystrophy. They do not affect the health and life expectancy of the animal. The only caveat is a decrease in growth. Under natural conditions, this is a rare disease.
By itself, this breed could not appear. Its creator is a man. He selected individuals with shorter legs for further procreation. Perhaps they were engaged in selection in ancient times. Descriptions of dachshund canines are found in Syrian, Egyptian and Babylonian writings. Maybe they were talking about accidental congenital defects, but it is possible that such dogs were created by people who appreciated their qualities. In medieval Europe, a lot of varieties of low canines were bred. In Germany, a dachshund is used to track and kill burrowing animals. In France, especially in the Order, dogs of a larger format were preferred. In 1500, the first short-legged hounds appeared. They served as the basis for this breed.
One of the requirements for them was the pursuit of game on a bloody trail, in a typical landscape for this area. And this: creeping shrubs, and densely growing, tall grass, in which small dogs could not pass. The dog did not need to find the animal in the hole, the hunters finished it off with a rifle. The real "boom" for Bassets began after the Great French Revolution, when hunting on horseback became an expensive pleasure and gradually, practically disappeared. During that period, hiking was popularized. Therefore, strong dogs with short legs, which were easier to catch up with a brisk pace, were better suited for this purpose.
French enthusiasts Liconte and Plant have developed two types of Basset Norman Artesian. In one case, it was a light-sized dog, on fairly straight, high legs, with protruding eyes, short, high-set ears. The second line of dogs consisted of massive individuals, with shorter and crooked legs, a large head, long ears, deep-set eyes. In 1863, at the first dog show in Paris, they were presented to the general public. With their appearance in the ring, the British became interested in them, but not as workers, but as show animals.
Over time, they ended up in the UK, where the work of breeders continued. The two species merged into one, and it turned out something in between, but not similar to the current Basset. Not satisfied with the result of their work, English dog handlers, through artificial insemination of a female Bloodhound with a Basset Hound, get a successful litter, which gave rise to the modern breed. Further, the breed standard was written by the English club. Of course, over the course of time, it was corrected several times, but until now, it is fundamental for this breed all over the world.
Description of the external standard of representatives of the breed
Dogs visually should not be excessively "soggy" and "dry". The height at the withers is 33–38 cm. They are short, strong, harmonious representatives of the canine with a stately appearance. Basset hounds are free and rhythmic in movement.
- Head similar to a dome. The skull in the forehead is of medium width, tapering towards the muzzle, but not conical. The stop is not large, a tubercle stands out on the back of the head. In the area of the forehead and superciliary arches, wrinkled folds. The skin on the head, with certain movements of the dog, gathers into significant folds.
- Muzzle is almost in one line with the forehead. Its length is slightly longer than the skull. The flews hang significantly over the lower lips. A complete set of strong teeth with a good scissor bite.
- Nose large, well-open nostrils. The nose is slightly overhanging the lips, black in color. The dogs are lighter in color, in different shades of brown.
- Eyes - round, with a serene and deliberate expression. Set neither deep nor rolled out. The connective membrane of the eyes is visible. Depending on the color, the color of the cornea can be from dark to light brown. Eyes in very light or yellow tones are a defect.
- Ears in the basset hound, they are located slightly below eye level. Long, hanging down to the edge of the muzzle. Along the entire length, as if rolled up into a tube. On the touch, tender, fleshy and velvety.
- Neck muscular, set high. Not long, with good withers.
- Frame - elongated and wide throughout. The chest is bent forward, neither narrow nor wide. Seen from the front, it adapts perfectly to the curve of the forearms. The sides are rounded, but not protruding. Expand towards the rear. The back is long and straight. The withers and the slightly arched croup are at about the same height.
- Tail high rise, long. Thicker at the base, narrower towards the end. Covered with moderately thick and coarse hair. When moving, the basset tail lifts the tail up and slightly bends it. It is not strongly straightened or twisted.
- Front limbs - strong, with powerful bones. The knees are straight, located at the level of the ribs of the chest. The forearm in its upper part is slightly tilted inward, but freedom of movement does not hinder, it is covered with folds of skin. The shoulder blades are well angled. The shoulders are not heavy. The hind legs are well shaped, muscular, covered with folds of skin. Seen from the rear, they are barrel-hoisted. Well angulated hips. The hock joint is low and raised towards the lower part of the body. When the dog is standing upright, they are perpendicular to the body.
- Paws powerful, round, on plump pads. The front legs can be parallel or not very large. In any case, the dog is standing straight. The weight of the dog will be evenly distributed on all pillows. Strong nails.
- Coat tough and smooth, with ruffled skin, but not thin.
- Color includes a wide variety of colors. Any hound color is allowed. Can be: black and white with tan, two-color, tricolor, raincoat.
Features of the behavior of a basset hound
Today, the working qualities of these animals are practically not used. They are loved as pets in Europe and in America, where they are very popular. When people talk about a domestic dog, people imagine a compact animal that is not large in size. Basset hound is not that much. The differences, apart from small legs, with a dachshund-torpedo, and a confident, silent, important Basset are enormous. Those who are in the forefront, when choosing a domestic dog, are guided only by the size, should think about it.
This dog, despite its current destiny, has not lost its working qualities. Since these are weapon hounds, hunting hounds, they are very hardy and can be on the way for a long time. They have great flair. When these dogs follow the bloody trail, they give themselves up to work. They will chase the wounded animal until they drive him out to the hunter. They have wonderful trumpet voices. If you don't see who is barking, you might think that this is the "dog of the Baskervilles."
They love nature trips. As soon as the bassets enter the forest, immediately their muzzle sinks to the ground, in search of attractive smells. When they hit the trail, they stop hearing you. All your intentions to call out to them will be ignored. This does not mean that the dog is disobedient, it just works genetics, which contributes to the full dedication "to his cause." The stubborn nature of their dignity, not a flaw. Everything has its own opinion. If you need a dog that will give up everything, and at the first call will rush to you, it is better to forget about bassets and buy a German shepherd.
If in the village such a dog can partly be on its own, then in the house it is necessary to teach him to obey and respect the owner. This is not easy to achieve, but nothing is impossible. We must remember that these are social animals that lead a gregarious life. Within the pack, there is a clear hierarchy in which everyone has their own role. It is dominated by the leader, whom everyone obeys unquestioningly.
This "pack" is the family in which the Basset Hound lives, and the leader is the owner, who must show that he is in charge if he wants to achieve obedience. When the pet feels weak, it takes on this role. In the house, it is necessary to establish clear rules of conduct, and the dog must strictly adhere to them.
The owner will need to be consistent in raising the puppy. If the boy was allowed to sleep on the bed at least once, then until the end of his life he will defend his right. And it will not be his fault, but yours. To earn his respect and obedience, you will need to try. Basset Hounds are very smart, and they perfectly understand who you can joke with and who you need to obey. They calculate the character of any person. Since they were bred for group work, the dogs never compete with their brethren.
The most beautiful quality of this dog is its kind disposition. She is always friendly, never aggressive. Loves almost everyone. Affectionate and patient with children. Even with the most violent and whimsical, they are allowed almost everything. Parents need to be careful so that the child does not harm the pet, and not vice versa.
Even if the dogs are not small, they are characterized by all the qualities of the best apartment pet. They are neat, balanced, have a lot of self-control - like intelligent gentlemen. They sit so majestically that they can be mistaken for statues. Even if you are not able to properly educate a Basset, you will still have a good friend. I must admit, when he feels like a leader, his contemptuous and offended grimaces are extremely funny. It is enough just to look at it to cheer yourself up even on the most "difficult" days. Perhaps this is one of the reasons for his success.
Basset hound health
Basset Hound in general is a sturdy breed. Getting good puppies is just the beginning, and raising a dog correctly is the foundation of health. In nutrition, she must receive the maximum amount of those elements that are involved in the construction of the skeleton. Never overfeed - this is an unnecessary strain on the spine and legs. Correctly selected physiological loads will not only preserve, but also add energy. Be careful with the steps. Dachshund dogs are not allowed to walk on them unnecessarily in order to avoid spinal injuries.
Basset Hound Care Tips
- Wool care for these dogs is very simple.
- Ears. Dogs with long ears often suffer from otitis media due to the fact that the ears are poorly ventilated. Therefore, they need to be checked and cleaned often from the inside with a cotton swab dipped in oil for babies. The surface of the ear is washed with water and soap and wiped dry. Timeliness of action eliminates illness and other problems.
- Eyes must be cleaned daily with a cotton cloth soaked in warm water.
- Teeth. From puppyhood, your dog's teeth should be brushed regularly.
- Claws. In order not to change the gait of the Basset Hound, the claws must be cut regularly.
- Feeding. For food, you need to purchase a special plate so that the long ears of the animal do not get dirty. Unfortunately, they cause some inconvenience. The dog can trip over them, which looks very funny, or plunge them into a bowl of food. He is a glutton, ready to eat 24 hours a day. He has a number of grimaces, tricks that he displays when he wants to eat. Do not overfeed him, since excess weight has dire consequences for the spine and limbs. Therefore, you should think over his diet.
- Walking. If you do not have a private house and the basset is unable to walk as long as he wants, then you will have to take him out at least three times a day. If you do this more often, then the dog will only be grateful to you. Like all short dogs, he should not go down the stairs a lot, especially during the period of active growth, due to physiological characteristics. Otherwise, it can lead to spinal injuries.
Basset hound training
First of all, basic basset training begins from the first months of life. The puppy is more trainable and controllable than the adult. Never let them arouse pity in you. Tough measures against the dog will not give the desired result, but it is also impossible to allow her everything.
A little basset puppy that looks like a toy, you just want to caress and pamper. But excessive attention negatively affects his character and upbringing. If you let your puppy chew on the sheet thinking that he is still small, as an adult, he will "eat" the entire bed.
In education, do not follow the advice that the puppy needs to be lifted by the scruff of the neck. By lifting the basset hound by the skin, we will only lift his coat, not the animal. For these dogs, punishment is a categorical word: "no" or "bad" followed by a light slap. If in his eyes you have not won the role of the leader, then he will sit like a stone, ignoring any commands. His main weapon is passive resistance.
Interesting Basset Facts
In the United States, they are used as hunters to this day. These dogs have the best sense of smell in the world. They received this gift from the Bloodhound. They are well used for work in the army, customs, police. There is evidence that they took a trace 78 hours old.
Their ears have not only aesthetic value, but also a functional value. They are a kind of natural funnel that collects all odors from the ground, without scattering them, bringing them closer to the nose.
Even William Shakespeare described his hunting dogs like this: “They have big flews, smooth hair. Long ears hang from the head, collecting the morning dew. Straight, straight legs, like the towers of Thesalia. Their movements are slow, and their voices are harmonious like bells. If this is not a basset standard, then close to that.
Acquiring a Basset Hound Puppy
If you decide to purchase a basset hound puppy, it is better to turn to a good kennel club. Breeding this dog correctly is not easy. Only an experienced breeder can find a good animal for you in every way. The approximate price for a Basset Hound puppy ranges from $ 100 to $ 700.
To understand a basset, you need to live with him. His character is not simple, but he is able to give so much love that you will definitely respond to him in kind. Yes, he has a sad face, but if we take a closer look at him, the world will become much more fun.
For more interesting information about the basset, see this video:
