About Basset Hounds
Basset Hounds are a Scent Hound and are a big dog on short legs.They were originally bred to hunt hare. They are a pack animal and will consider you a member of their pack. Their scense of smell is second to the bloodhound. They have long velvety ears and a sad expression. They have dark eyes with a little hew showing. They have a short, smooth, close coat which is a heavy shedder, so regular grooming will help with this.
Their long ears drag on the floor and in anything for that matter, so regular cleaning of them needs to be carried out to prevent bacteria. Specially designed Spaniel Bowls, we have found to be very helpful at meal times.
Being a hound, they have an oily coat which produces a bit of a "hound smell" about them, regular bathing & grooming keeps them smelling fresh & their coat in good condition.
Being a dwarf type breed with short legs they can be prone to spine & hip arthritis, for this reason you should not encourage jumping up or off of beds & chairs. Walking up & down steps when young should also be avoided as it puts a strain on the back & hips. They should also be lifted in & out of the car or a doggy walking ramp could be used when they are adults. The avarage basset hound should weigh around: male: 25–34 kg (55–75 lb) & female: 20–29 kg (45–65 lb).
Their Height is around 30–38 cm (12–15 in) for Males & 28–36 cm (11–14 in) for Females.
Their colour is generally black, white and tan (tri-colour) or tan/lemon and white (bi-colour). Although all hound colours may be seen.
Their long ears drag on the floor and in anything for that matter, so regular cleaning of them needs to be carried out to prevent bacteria. Specially designed Spaniel Bowls, we have found to be very helpful at meal times.
Being a hound, they have an oily coat which produces a bit of a "hound smell" about them, regular bathing & grooming keeps them smelling fresh & their coat in good condition.
Being a dwarf type breed with short legs they can be prone to spine & hip arthritis, for this reason you should not encourage jumping up or off of beds & chairs. Walking up & down steps when young should also be avoided as it puts a strain on the back & hips. They should also be lifted in & out of the car or a doggy walking ramp could be used when they are adults. The avarage basset hound should weigh around: male: 25–34 kg (55–75 lb) & female: 20–29 kg (45–65 lb).
Their Height is around 30–38 cm (12–15 in) for Males & 28–36 cm (11–14 in) for Females.
Their colour is generally black, white and tan (tri-colour) or tan/lemon and white (bi-colour). Although all hound colours may be seen.
General Appearance
Bassets are large, short, solid and long, with curved sabre tails held high over their long backs. An adult dog weighs between 20 and 35 kilograms (44 and 77 lb). This breed, relative to size, is heavier-boned than any other.
This breed, like its ancestor the bloodhound, has a hanging skin structure, which causes the face to occasionally look sad; this, for many people, this adds to the breed's charm. The dewlap, seen as the loose, elastic skin around the neck, and the trailing ears which along with the Bloodhound are the longest of any breed, help trap the scent of what they are tracking. The basset hounds neck is wider than its head. This, combined with the loose skin around its face and neck means that flat collars can easily be pulled off. The looseness of the skin results in the Basset's characteristic facial wrinkles. The Basset's skull is characterised by its large nose, which is second only to the Bloodhound in scenting ability.
The Basset's short legs are due to a form of dwarfism. Their short stature can be deceiving; Bassets are long and can reach things on table tops that other dogs of similar height can not. Because Bassets are so heavy and have such short legs, they are not able to hold themselves above water for very long when swimming.
This breed, like its ancestor the bloodhound, has a hanging skin structure, which causes the face to occasionally look sad; this, for many people, this adds to the breed's charm. The dewlap, seen as the loose, elastic skin around the neck, and the trailing ears which along with the Bloodhound are the longest of any breed, help trap the scent of what they are tracking. The basset hounds neck is wider than its head. This, combined with the loose skin around its face and neck means that flat collars can easily be pulled off. The looseness of the skin results in the Basset's characteristic facial wrinkles. The Basset's skull is characterised by its large nose, which is second only to the Bloodhound in scenting ability.
The Basset's short legs are due to a form of dwarfism. Their short stature can be deceiving; Bassets are long and can reach things on table tops that other dogs of similar height can not. Because Bassets are so heavy and have such short legs, they are not able to hold themselves above water for very long when swimming.
Coat
The coat of a Basset is medium-short, smooth and hard, and sheds frequently. Any true hound colour is acceptable in Basset Hounds, and no one colour is preferred over any other. Many Bassets have a clearly defined white blaze and a white tip to their tail, intended to aid hunters in finding their dogs when tracking through underbrush. The Basset Hound coat is naturally oily, giving off a distinctive "hound scent," which is natural to the breed.
Temperament
Basset Hounds are renowned for their gentle, docile demeanor. The Basset Hound is a friendly, outgoing, and playful dog, usually tolerant of children and other pets.
It should never be aggressive or nervous & early socialisation & training is recommended as it is with any breed.
The basset although can be slow to learn, needs calm, kind but firm repetition from their owner.
It should never be aggressive or nervous & early socialisation & training is recommended as it is with any breed.
The basset although can be slow to learn, needs calm, kind but firm repetition from their owner.
Health
EARS
Basset Hounds have large pendulous ears (known as "leathers") that do not allow air to circulate inside them, unlike other breeds with erect or more open ears, Due to this, it can result in infections and ear mites if their ears are not kept clean and dry. If their ears are allowed to dangle on the ground or in food on a daily basis, they may develop chronic and potentially fatal ear diseases. Regular wiping of the ear is important as their ears seem to fall into their food and water.
Young puppies trip over their long ears and may bite their ears accidentally if they dangle in their food. This can lead to infection if they break the skin.
Basset Hounds have large pendulous ears (known as "leathers") that do not allow air to circulate inside them, unlike other breeds with erect or more open ears, Due to this, it can result in infections and ear mites if their ears are not kept clean and dry. If their ears are allowed to dangle on the ground or in food on a daily basis, they may develop chronic and potentially fatal ear diseases. Regular wiping of the ear is important as their ears seem to fall into their food and water.
Young puppies trip over their long ears and may bite their ears accidentally if they dangle in their food. This can lead to infection if they break the skin.
Stature
The Basset Hound's short stature is due to the genetic condition osteochondrodysplasia. (abnormal growth of bone and cartillage) Dwarfism of this type in most animals is traditionally known as achondroplasia. Basset Hounds, Dachshunds and Bulldogs are a some of the dog breeds classified as Achondroplastic.
Because of a basset's body build, if they fall, they can hurt their hips, injure their spine or break a leg. Many ageing bassets have been euthanized due to such injuries. If a puppy sustains one of these injuries, the damage can be permanent. So remember to lift them rather than have them injure themselves.
Because of a basset's body build, if they fall, they can hurt their hips, injure their spine or break a leg. Many ageing bassets have been euthanized due to such injuries. If a puppy sustains one of these injuries, the damage can be permanent. So remember to lift them rather than have them injure themselves.
Other health issues
In addition to ear problems, basset hounds may be susceptible to eye issues. Because of their droopy eyes, the area under the eyeball can collect dirt and become clogged with a mucus. Basset Hounds can be prone to yeast infections in the folds around the mouth, where drool can collect without thoroughly drying out.
Lifespan
The general lifespan of a basset hound is around 10 - 12 years, some may live longer, some shorter.
Leading causes seem to be cancer in (31%) Old Age in (13%) Gastric Torsion in (11%) & Cardiac (8%) according to the 2004 KC survey. One dog included in the study lived until 16.7 years.
Among the 226 live Basset Hounds in the 2004 UKC survey, the most-common health issues noted by owners were dermatologic (such as dermatitis), reproductive, musculoskeletal (for example, arthritis and lameness), and gastrointestinal (for example, gastric torsion and colitis)
Basset Hounds may also develop epilepsy, glaucoma, luxating patella, thrombopathia, Von Willebrand disease, hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia.
Leading causes seem to be cancer in (31%) Old Age in (13%) Gastric Torsion in (11%) & Cardiac (8%) according to the 2004 KC survey. One dog included in the study lived until 16.7 years.
Among the 226 live Basset Hounds in the 2004 UKC survey, the most-common health issues noted by owners were dermatologic (such as dermatitis), reproductive, musculoskeletal (for example, arthritis and lameness), and gastrointestinal (for example, gastric torsion and colitis)
Basset Hounds may also develop epilepsy, glaucoma, luxating patella, thrombopathia, Von Willebrand disease, hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia.
Our Bassets
We have not encountered any of the above issues apart from expected arthritis during older age in our hounds so far. We had one live until 14 years old.
A little about Gastric Torsion, the most feared issue for a basset hound owner
Gastric Torsion is the most dreaded issue a basset hound owner can have to face. It is the most distressing, fast acting and painful thing for a basset hound to go through.
It is a life threatening event! It is caused by an increase in air or gas in the stomach and the extremelt painful twisting of the stomach. Any basset showing signs of gastric tortion must see a vet immediately.
The Warning signs of this terrifying issue: are of a seemly unhappy basset hound.
The basset may seem nervous or frightened, it may be pacing around, looking generally uneasy repeatedly, it may be trying to hide its self away.
It will be trying to vomit with no real effect of producing anything or may be drooling, long white or clear strands from its mouth.
Any vomit that does get produced will be of a frothy/mucous consistency it may be white or clear coloured.
The dogs stomach will be increasing in size from the air or gas building up in the stomach, this is why the basset will be trying to vomit and why it is feeling so uneasy.
The dog may looked hunched up in some cases, a tight bloated abdomen, panting, shallow breathing and foam around the dogs lips. These are just some of the signs.
What should I do?
You can put your ear to the dogs stomach, if normal gurling digestion sounds are not present then bloat is a possibility. Visible bloating may not always be present.
Alway have some Simethicone at home in case of an emergency.
The best thing to do is give the dog something with simethicone such as GAS X, you will need to check the doseage for your dog with your vet. Administer this at the first signs of Gastic torsion (Bloat)
Because simethicone is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract it is very safe. The medicine is unlikely to cause adverse side effects.
What is happening to my dog?
Gastric Torsion Involves the twisting of the stomach and is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt treatment. If not treated and attended to the dog may be deceased within an hour or so. It is the most cruel and painful of things to happen to a dog.
The stomach basically fills with air or gas and if it rotates it gradually cuts off blood and oxygen supply to the internal organs.
The condition occurs commonly in domesticated animals, especially in certain dogbreeds. Deep-chested breeds are especially at risk. Mortality Rates in dogs range from 10 to 60 percent, even with treatment. With surgery, the mortality rate is 15 to 33 percent.
Gastric Torsion / dilatation volvulus in dogs is likely caused by a multitude of factors, but in all cases the immediate issue is a dysfunction of the sphincter between the esophagus and stomach and an obstruction of outflow through the pylorus. Some of the more widely acknowledged factors for developing gastric dilatation volvulus include increased age, breed, having a deep and narrow chest, stress, eating foods such as kibble that expand in the stomach, overfeeding, too much water consumption in a small period of time before or after exercise and other causes of gastrointestinal disease and distress. Studies have indicated that the risk of bloat in dogs perceived as happy by their owners is decreased, and increased in dogs perceived as fearful. This may be due to the physiological effects of the dog's personality on the function and motility of the gastrointestinal system. Alternatively, the dogs may become unhappy/uncomfortable as a consequence of the conditions that lead up to exhibiting bloat. Dogs with inflammatory bowel disease may be at an increased risk for bloat.
It is a life threatening event! It is caused by an increase in air or gas in the stomach and the extremelt painful twisting of the stomach. Any basset showing signs of gastric tortion must see a vet immediately.
The Warning signs of this terrifying issue: are of a seemly unhappy basset hound.
The basset may seem nervous or frightened, it may be pacing around, looking generally uneasy repeatedly, it may be trying to hide its self away.
It will be trying to vomit with no real effect of producing anything or may be drooling, long white or clear strands from its mouth.
Any vomit that does get produced will be of a frothy/mucous consistency it may be white or clear coloured.
The dogs stomach will be increasing in size from the air or gas building up in the stomach, this is why the basset will be trying to vomit and why it is feeling so uneasy.
The dog may looked hunched up in some cases, a tight bloated abdomen, panting, shallow breathing and foam around the dogs lips. These are just some of the signs.
What should I do?
You can put your ear to the dogs stomach, if normal gurling digestion sounds are not present then bloat is a possibility. Visible bloating may not always be present.
Alway have some Simethicone at home in case of an emergency.
The best thing to do is give the dog something with simethicone such as GAS X, you will need to check the doseage for your dog with your vet. Administer this at the first signs of Gastic torsion (Bloat)
Because simethicone is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract it is very safe. The medicine is unlikely to cause adverse side effects.
What is happening to my dog?
Gastric Torsion Involves the twisting of the stomach and is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt treatment. If not treated and attended to the dog may be deceased within an hour or so. It is the most cruel and painful of things to happen to a dog.
The stomach basically fills with air or gas and if it rotates it gradually cuts off blood and oxygen supply to the internal organs.
The condition occurs commonly in domesticated animals, especially in certain dogbreeds. Deep-chested breeds are especially at risk. Mortality Rates in dogs range from 10 to 60 percent, even with treatment. With surgery, the mortality rate is 15 to 33 percent.
Gastric Torsion / dilatation volvulus in dogs is likely caused by a multitude of factors, but in all cases the immediate issue is a dysfunction of the sphincter between the esophagus and stomach and an obstruction of outflow through the pylorus. Some of the more widely acknowledged factors for developing gastric dilatation volvulus include increased age, breed, having a deep and narrow chest, stress, eating foods such as kibble that expand in the stomach, overfeeding, too much water consumption in a small period of time before or after exercise and other causes of gastrointestinal disease and distress. Studies have indicated that the risk of bloat in dogs perceived as happy by their owners is decreased, and increased in dogs perceived as fearful. This may be due to the physiological effects of the dog's personality on the function and motility of the gastrointestinal system. Alternatively, the dogs may become unhappy/uncomfortable as a consequence of the conditions that lead up to exhibiting bloat. Dogs with inflammatory bowel disease may be at an increased risk for bloat.