Basset Hounds: 8 Reasons This Breed Might Not Be the Right Fit for Everyone

Introduction: The Truth About Living with Basset Hounds

Basset Hounds are among the most identifiable breeds of dog anywhere in the world-with their long eared, sad, doe-like eyes and short, heavy legs, they have a charisma that cannot be resisted. Calmer in nature and loving, they have become household pets of many families. However, beauty may lie in the eye of the beholder, and although a Basset Hound may seem to be a relaxed, low-maintenance dog, keeping the pet in the home may not be as easy as first-time owners had thought.

As scent hounds, the Basset Hounds were bred to search out game over great distances and rely single-mindedly on the sense of smell. This background makes up most of their character- and needless to say, not always compatible with every lifestyle. Basset Hounds are a stubborn breed with their own set of rules, including a propensity to drool, shed, and make lots of noise, among other quirks that might take a new owner by surprise.

In this guide, there are eight reasons why Basset Hounds may not be the best pet to suit everybody. Knowing these characteristics in advance of bringing one home will assist you in making the determination as to whether or not you want to own this whimsical, but at times challenging breed.

1. Slow but Stubborn – Independent Thinkers

Basset Hounds are not the fastest learners–in fact, they are rather smart; it is rather a matter of their independent streak, which may complicate the training process. They are scent hounds, and this means that they were bred to move at a speed of their own, as they make independent decisions when tracking game. This independence often manifests itself in the training environment, as they also may seem to tune out unless they are interested in the training.

The thing about working with a Basset Hound is patience. They are most responsive to positive reinforcement, brief training lessons, and commands given in discipline. Ruthless tactics or anger will only cause them to harden up.

Independent Basset Hounds training suggestions:

• By using high-value treats, you can keep them interested.
• Make sessions short enough- 5 to 10 minutes would be ideal most of the time.
• Have daily practice to remind yourself about commands and get into habits.

2. Powerful Nose, Wandering Mind

The nose is a Basset Hound superpower-and occasionally the Hound distraction. One of the greatest scent-tracking senses in the dog world, they are able to smell far away and most times, without hesitation, follow the scent trail.

This scent attention may make them seem stubborn or disobedient, yet, in the true end, they are truly just following their nature as they have been bred. Once they are in pursuit of a scent, they might not obey any kind of instruction, such as the “come” or the “stay.”

Walking safety tips and outdoor play tips:

• Never walk without a leash in untalented, fenced-off property.
• Stay off busy streets so they may avoid trouble.
• Provide games on scent, so that it will satisfy their tracking instincts without risk.

3. Not Exactly Marathon Runners – Low Exercise Drive

When compared to most dogs, which require intense and strenuous exercises, Basset Hounds do not require hard exercises. They like to take their time and wander sniffing or checking things out, but are not designed to run long or exercise aggressively. This may be good news to some owners, but it also implies that they can easily gain weight unless they receive sufficient daily exercise.

Since their stocky legs will exert excessive pressure on their joints, they can easily develop serious diseases, such as hip dysplasia or arthritis, due to the additional weight that they carry.

Ways to get them moving: Fun lessons with low impact:

• Go on several short walks during the day and not just one.
• Go in the yard or hallway and play a game of gentle fetch.
• Interactive toys that promote slight movement and thinking.

4. Prone to Weight Gain and Joint Issues

The peculiar way of Basset Hounds, having a long back and short, strong legs, is not the only cause that it appears to be strange, but also such a formation preconditions this dog to some of its illnesses. They may have a high possibility of experiencing back problems, arthritis, and low mobility due to their overweight state since it increases the pressure on their back and joints.

A healthy diet and portion control are very important to help maintain a Basset Hound fit. Obesity can occur very quickly as a result of overfeeding, even in small portions. Eating well coupled with daily non-strenuous exercise,s will see their joints saved years down the line.

Exercise tips, including joint friendly exercises:

• A couple of small walks per day rather than long and vigorous runs.
• Don’t use stairs and avoid jumping on furniture to avoid straining.
• Bestow orthopedic dog beds for the necessary support.

5. Vocal About Everything – Barking and Howling

The rich, throaty bark and heart-wrenching howl are zaps in the charm of the Basset Hound–though a bit of annoyance to owners who want a quiet house. Basset Hounds, being originally bred to hunt in a pack, communicate with people and with each other through their voice.

The barking or howling can be done to warn you that there are some visitors, or they may react to what they hear outside, or just because they want your attention. Their voices will tend to be overbearing, absent any training, and particularly when they are bored or lonely.

Some means of dealing with inordinate noise:

• Train a command, such as quiet with good reinforcement.
• Use mental and physical stimulation to avoid boredom barking every day.
• Do not accentuate barking by responding to the barking each time it occurs.

Check Out: Bloodhounds: 9 Incredible Traits That Prove These Dogs Are Smarter Than You Think.

6. Shedding and Drool – Mess Is Part of the Package

Basset Hounds also shed all through the year, regardless of the fact that they have a short coat. Their shed is highly seasonal in nature, and therefore, a thorough grooming schedule is important to maintain the loose hair in check. It also comes as a surprise to many of its new owners that these dogs also drool, especially when holding food or water.

The drool may settle down on the floor,  on the furniture, on the clothes- it may even settle on your lap. Although it is an endearing trait to some owners, you need to be ready in case you consider a clean home to be important.

Advice when dealing with shedding and drool:

• Brush once a week in order to eliminate the loose hair and, in this way, decrease shedding.
• Have drool towels at the ready to perform clean-ups.
• Clean beddings on a regular basis to ensure that odors are kept in check.

7. Slow to Mature – Puppy Behaviors That Last

Basset Hounds might appear like old wise men at first glance, even as newborns, but that is not always the case. A lot of them retain their childlike, spoilt-puppy characters even into adulthood. This may feature such things as chewing shoes, counter-surfing in pursuit of snacks, or just plain old disobedience when they do not feel like paying attention to commands.

Although such a youthful spirit can be very endearing, it also implies that they should be trained and kept within limits longer than many other breeds. Unless they are corrected, these habits, like little puppies, may last forever.

Guidelines on helping them to become well-bred adults:

• As the puppy is growing, proceed with organized training.
• Offer them chew toys and puzzle feeders.
• You ought to also positively reinforce good behavior as they mature with age.

8. Not the Best Off-Leash Dogs

An unbelievable nose is the best (and, at the same time, the worst) feature of a Basset Hound. After smelling a sign of interest, their instinct to sniff the nape over the brain occurs, and they walk out of sight. That is why recall training is particularly complicated.

There are genuine dangers to allowing a Basset Hound to mush free in an unfenced park or land–they pick up a scent trail readily and may trot right into traffic, become lost, or meet with other dangers.

Better options for granting them freedom: Exercise in closed grounds or dog parks.

• Get a long training lead to have space but control.
• Play some scent games and nose work in safe conditions.

Conclusion: Loving Them for Who They Are

Basset Hounds are adorable, faithful, and most distinct. They have their moments of stubborn domination, their wanderlust to smell things, and can be exceedingly messy, but that is what makes them such lovable creatures. They were bred to do something, and their lacks are a result of their working history.

With owners who realize such traits and live with them, Basset Hounds are a pleasure to have. They do best in households where their characters are valued, where their needs are taken care of, and they are patient with the owners as well as the rewards of owning such pets.

But when you are willing to take on a big-hearted (and loud) companion, a Basset Hound may be your ideal animal.

For more info: Click Here.

FAQs – Quick Answers for Potential Basset Hound Owners