| Basset Hounds are among the most companionable | | | | OK, he drools. Some bassets drool more than others. |
| and lovable dogs on the planet. Here are ten | | | | You'll accept drool, because you just love him to |
| characteristics of the breed you need to know | | | | death. |
| before bringing a Basset into your life. | | | | 6. Weight: |
| 1. Bassets seem to love everyone: | | | | Since he's prone to weight gain and bloat, as is |
| It's difficult to imagine a sweeter, gentler or more | | | | common among all deep-chested breeds, he should |
| peaceful dog. An adult basset on a walk in the park | | | | be fed reasonable portions only twice a day. Bassets |
| will try to make friends with almost everyone. | | | | tend to overeat. Remember that they're long and |
| Strangers seem drawn to him, will want to pet and | | | | low, and excess weight can lead to back injury. At a |
| coo over him. Emotionally, he sometimes seems | | | | minimum, a daily walk is a must. |
| almost human. His temperament is very well suited | | | | 7. Ears: |
| for a family setting. He's really good with children and | | | | Bassets' long ears do not provide good air circulation |
| other dogs. He loves to play. Aggression is very rare. | | | | and are prone to infection. Cleaning weekly and |
| Don't expect him to be a guard dog. | | | | application of an ear wash solution from a |
| 2. Sense of Smell: | | | | veterinarian are required. While frequent baths are |
| His sense of smell is second only to the bloodhound. | | | | not necessary, the ears drag in everything and may |
| Bassets were bred for hunting small game. His nose | | | | need scrubbing more often. |
| can lead him into danger. He's an escape artist and a | | | | 8. Care and Maintenance: |
| wanderer. It's advisable to keep him in an enclosed | | | | With the exception of the ears and drool, bassets |
| area and on the leash during walks. Left to his own | | | | are easy to keep clean. His short, dense coat repels |
| devices, he'll follow his nose wherever it takes him. | | | | dirt and water. Bassets do shed, but regular brushing |
| 3. Intelligence: | | | | and removal will keep it to a minimum. Bathing about |
| Because of his clown like demeanor, laid back attitude | | | | once a month is all that's needed. |
| and a streak of stubbornness, there are those who | | | | 9. Compact Big Dogs: |
| stereotype the basset as dumb. Don't believe it. On | | | | His short stature is deceptive. Most bassets weigh in |
| the contrary, he's a past master at getting his way. | | | | the range of 50 to 65 pounds. He has more bone for |
| Clownishness, soulfulness and contemplative | | | | his size than any other breed. Because of his short |
| assessment of any situation are all part of his arsenal | | | | legs, he may have difficulty jumping into some |
| to win you over. | | | | vehicles. |
| 4. Puppies & Housebreaking: | | | | 10. Barking: |
| Admittedly, housebreaking is difficult. If patience is | | | | Bassets are not given to excessive barking. Since he |
| not your long suit, you may want to consider a | | | | is very much a pack animal, he may howl if left alone |
| grown hound from rescue. In housebreaking a basset | | | | for long periods. He's vocal and often makes a |
| puppy, gentle tolerance and persistence, with plenty | | | | variety of sounds in keeping with his mood, especially |
| of positive reinforcement, will yield success. During his | | | | when excited about the prospect of a walk or play. |
| first year, refrain from allowing him to go down long | | | | If you're looking for a gentle companion that's easy |
| stairs or jump off couches. His lengthy back is prone | | | | to care for and gets along well with everyone, you'd |
| to problems during the formative stage if too much | | | | be hard put to do better than a basset hound. Please |
| stress is applied. | | | | consider rescuing a basset. Just do a search for |
| 5. Drool: | | | | "basset rescue" on Google to find dogs in your area. |