Other Definitions
basset hound (dict)
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Basset Hound | asset Hound | | ountry of origin | | a href="/encyclopedia/France" title="France">France | | lassification | | {| align=center | FCI: | Group 6 Section 1 | | a href="/encyclopedia/American-Kennel-Club" title="American Kennel Club">AKC: | Hound | | a href="/encyclopedia/Australian-National-Kennel-Council" title="Australian National Kennel Council">ANKC: | Group 4 (Hounds) | | a href="/encyclopedia/Canadian-Kennel-Club" title="Canadian Kennel Club">CKC: | Group 2 - Hounds | | a href="/encyclopedia/Kennel-Club-(UK)" title="Kennel Club (UK)">KC(UK): | Hound | | a href="/encyclopedia/New-Zealand-Kennel-Club" title="New Zealand Kennel Club">NZKC: | Hounds | | a href="/encyclopedia/United-Kennel-Club" title="United Kennel Club">UKC: | Scenthound Breeds | | | | reed standards (external links) | a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=cache:R9RTtwba3MQJ:www.fci.be/uploaded_files/163gb98_en.doc+site:www.fci.be+%22163+/+05.+03.+1998%22&hl=en&ie=UTF-8" title="http://www.google.com/search?q=cache:R9RTtwba3MQJ:www.fci.be/uploaded_files/163gb98_en.doc+site:www.fci.be+%22163+/+05.+03.+1998%22&hl=en&ie=UTF-8">FCI, AKC, ANKC, CKC
KC(UK), NZKC, UKC | The Basset Hound is a chunky, short-legged breed of dog of the hound family. They are scent hounds and were bred to hunt by scent. Their sense of smell for tracking is second only to that of the Bloodhound. The name Basset derives from the French word "bas" meaning "low" or "dwarf". Appearance These dogs are around 33 to 38 cm (13 to 15 inches) in height at the withers. They have smooth, short-haired coats and are generally tricolour—black, white, and tan—red (sometimes called marmalade) and white, or, less commonly, lemon and white. They have long, low-set ears and powerful necks, with much loose skin around their heads that forms wrinkles. Their tails are long and tapering and stand upright with a curve. The breed is also known for its hanging skin structure, which causes the face to have a permanent sad look; this, for many people, adds to the breed's charm. The loose, elastic skin around the neck is thought to help catch the scent of what they are tracking. Temperament The Basset Hound is a calm and companionable breed, but they are often very stubborn. They are an especially loyal breed, are very friendly, and will gladly play with children. When left on their own, bassets tend to eat rather than exercise. Care must be taken to prevent weight gain. The mournful appearance of the basset hound can cause owners to be "sympathetic" and give them extra food; owners should resist this temptation. Like other hounds they are often very difficult to obedience train. Many basset hounds will obey commands when offered a food reward, but will "forget" the training when a reward is not present. The breed has a strong hunting instinct and will give chase or follow a scent if they get one. They should be trained in recall; failing that, they should be kept on a lead when out on walks. Basset hounds are a "large dog" on short legs. They have Dwarfism, specifically achondroplasia. The short stature can fool you; they are long and can reach things on table tops that dogs of similar heights cannot. History Basset Hounds are an old, aristocratic breed of French lineage. The first known reference to the breed was in 1585. Health In comparison to other breeds, the Basset is an especially healthy breed, but there are some illnesses that they fall prey to. They are a deep-chested breed, and are therefore prone to Bloat. Many bloodlines are genetically prone to Glaucoma. Young Bassets occasionally develop Paneosteitis. Older Bassets occasionally develop Von Willebrand disease. Care Bassets tend to shed a lot, but do not require frequent brushing. Like the Bloodhound, they are a "wet mouthed" dog and tend to drool. Basset Hounds often overeat. Feedings should be regulated to prevent weight gain. Miscellaneous The cartoon character Droopy Dog is a Basset Hound. External links
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