The Basset Hound, a Gentle Giant

The Basset Hound is a Medium/Large dog thatwhen they are inside, making them great for
typically weighs between 45-75 pounds. Theirapartment life as they enjoy relaxing and laying
height averages between 11" to 15". It is long andaround inside. They are more active outdoors and
low and their height/weight ratio makes theirrequire regular play, exercise and time to run. If
already short legs look even shorter. In fact, theiryou don't have a yard, you should plan to at least
name comes from the French word "bas" whichtake them on a daily walk. They are fairly easy
means low. Their gentle, loving, patient natureto train, but if they are on the trail of a scent,
makes them an excellent companion dog for thethey will not pay any attention to you. For this
home while their keen sense of smell and huntingreason, a fenced in yard is best. They have a
instincts continue to make them excellent huntingtendency to gain weight, so monitoring their food
companions.intake and giving them ample exercise is
Recognized by the AKC in 1885, the acceptableimportant.
colors for the Basset Hound are a variety ofThe Basset Hound originated in France and dates
hound colors, but they are typically white withback hundreds of years. Their ancestry can be
chestnut or sand colored markings. The fairlytraced back to the Bloodhound. Originally used as
dense coat is short, straight, hard and smooth.hunting dogs, the Basset Hound uses its excellent
Their coat is easy to groom and only requires ansense of smell to track animals. Even though they
occasional brushing and shampooing.can still be used for hunting, they are seen more
This loving, gentle dog is perfect for family life.as companion dogs today.
They are excellent and patient with small children,Few breeds equal the Basset Hound's gentle,
even when they are not socialized with them.forgiving, laid back nature. They are perfect for
They are affectionate with their family and loveactive families and for those that just enjoy an
to be around their family. They are great withoccasional walk provided their Basset Hound can
other dogs and pets as well, although earlyhave daily outside time. Whether you have small
socialization is good for non-canine pets becausechildren or other pets or dogs, the Basset Hound
they might chase them due to their huntingcan fit into just about any type of family dynamic
instincts. They are easy going and fairly inactivewith little to no adjustment problems.