About Basset Hounds
Welcome to Halstead Hounds, your trusted Basset Hound breeder. We are dedicated to breeding healthy and happy Basset Hounds and providing you with all the information you need to care for your furry friend.
History of Basset Hounds
The Basset Hound is a breed of hound that originated in France in the 16th century. It is believed to be a descendant of the St. Hubert Hound, which is also the ancestor of the Bloodhound. The name “Basset” comes from the French word “bas,” meaning low, which refers to the breed’s short legs and low body.
Basset Hounds were originally bred for hunting small game, such as rabbits and hares. Their keen sense of smell, second only to the Bloodhound, and their short legs, which allow them to move slowly and carefully, made them excellent hunting dogs.
Over time, Basset Hounds became popular as companion animals due to their gentle and friendly nature. Today, they are loved by families all over the world for their loyalty, affection, and playful demeanor.
Characteristics of Basset Hounds
Basset Hounds are known for their distinctive appearance. They have a short, dense coat that comes in a variety of colors, including tri-color (black, white, and tan), lemon and white, and red and white. Their ears are long and droopy, and their eyes have a sad, soulful expression.
Basset Hounds are medium-sized dogs, weighing between 40-60 pounds and standing about 12-15 inches tall. They have a sturdy build with short legs and a long body.
Despite their somewhat melancholic appearance, Basset Hounds are friendly, affectionate, and good-natured. They are loyal to their families and get along well with children and other pets. They are also known for being stubborn and independent, so consistent training and socialization are essential.
Basset Hounds as Family Pets
Basset Hounds are known for their gentle and friendly nature, which makes them excellent family pets. They are incredibly affectionate and form strong bonds with their families. They are also very patient and tolerant, which makes them great with children. Kids will enjoy their playful and sociable nature, and parents can trust them to be gentle and protective.
Social Dogs
Basset Hounds are social dogs that enjoy being around people and other animals. They are not aggressive and tend to get along well with other pets, including dogs and cats. However, because of their social nature, they do not like being left alone for long periods of time. They can become anxious and may exhibit destructive behaviors, such as chewing or barking, if left alone for too long. It is important to provide them with plenty of social interaction and not leave them alone for extended periods of time.
Vocalization
Basset Hounds are known for being vocal dogs. They have a distinctive bay, which they will use to communicate with you or to alert you to something. They may also howl or whine if they are bored or anxious. While some people find their vocalizations endearing, it is important to consider whether you and your neighbors will be comfortable with a vocal dog. Training and socialization can help manage their vocalizations, but it is part of their nature and may not be completely eliminated.
Care of Basset Hounds
Diet
Basset Hounds are prone to obesity, so it is important to feed them a balanced diet and monitor their weight. Feed them high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. Avoid feeding them table scraps and limit treats to no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake.
Exercise
Basset Hounds are not as active as some other breeds, but they still need regular exercise to stay healthy. A daily walk of at least 30 minutes is recommended. Be careful not to overexert them, especially in hot weather, as they are prone to overheating.
Grooming
Basset Hounds have a dense coat that sheds moderately. Brushing them once a week will help remove loose hair and keep their coat healthy. They are also prone to ear infections, so it is important to check and clean their ears regularly.
Training
Basset Hounds are intelligent but can be stubborn and independent. Positive reinforcement methods, such as treats and praise, work best when training them. Start training and socialization early to ensure they develop into well-behaved and confident dogs.
Health Concerns
Basset Hounds are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain health issues. Some common health concerns in Basset Hounds include:
- Hip Dysplasia: A genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit into the hip socket properly. This can lead to arthritis and pain.
- Ear Infections: Due to their long, droopy ears, Basset Hounds are prone to ear infections. Regular cleaning and checking of the ears can help prevent infections.
- Obesity: Basset Hounds are prone to obesity, which can lead to other health issues, such as diabetes and joint problems.
It is important to feed them a balanced diet and provide regular exercise.
It is important to have regular veterinary check-ups to ensure your Basset Hound is healthy and to catch any potential health issues early.
Book Suggestions
If you are looking for more information on Basset Hounds and their care, here are some book suggestions:
The Basset Hound Handbook: This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Basset Hounds, from their history and temperament to their care and training.
Basset Hound Handbook book
Basset Hounds for Dummies: This friendly and informative book is a great resource for anyone who is thinking about getting a Basset Hound.
The Basset Hound (The Terra Nova Series) Hardcover
The Complete Basset Hound: This book covers everything from choosing the right puppy to raising a healthy and happy Basset Hound.
Basset Hound: A Comprehensive Guide to Owning and Caring for Your Dog (Comprehensive Owner’s Guide)
Contact Us
If you have any questions or would like more information about our Basset Hounds, please contact us at puppies@halsteadbassets.com
Smooth
Canine coats come in many different types, depending on the breed’s purpose. Each coat type comes with different grooming needs, allergen potential, and shedding level. You may also just prefer the look or feel of certain coat types over others when choosing a family pet.
Short
How long the breed’s coat is expected to be. Some long-haired breeds can be trimmed short, but this will require additional upkeep to maintain.
A breed’s tendency to alert you that strangers are around. These breeds are more likely to react to any potential threat, whether it’s the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. These breeds are likely to warm to strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.
How easily a breed handles change. This can include changes in living conditions, noise, weather, daily schedule, and other variations in day-to-day life.
How easy it will be to train your dog, and how willing your dog will be to learn new things. Some breeds just want to make their owner proud, while others prefer to do what they want, when they want to, wherever they want!
The amount of exercise and mental stimulation a breed needs. High energy breeds are ready to go and eager for their next adventure. They’ll spend their time running, jumping, and playing throughout the day. Low energy breeds are like couch potatoes – they’re happy to simply lay around and snooze.
How often this breed vocalizes, whether it’s with barks or howls. While some breeds will bark at every passer-by or bird in the window, others will only bark in particular situations. Some barkless breeds can still be vocal, using other sounds to express themselves.
How much mental stimulation a breed needs to stay happy and healthy. Purpose-bred dogs can have jobs that require decision-making, problem-solving, concentration, or other qualities, and without the brain exercise they need, they’ll create their own projects to keep their minds busy — and they probably won’t be the kind of projects you’d like.