

Like all dogs, Basset Hounds must be taught to come when called. Basset Hounds need regular opportunities to stretch their legs in a safely enclosed area, like a dog park, if you want them to remain healthy and fit. But they do need more exercise than the typical slow walk around the block that many owners give them.īasset Hounds who don't get enough exercise can become obese, which puts additional stress on their bones and joints and causes more health problems. These dogs cannot and should not run for miles, else they destroy their already-iffy joints and bones. Unfortunately, modern breeders deliberately breed them with a deformed structure that is unhealthy. Basset Hounds were originally bred to run for miles. My Basset Hound Training Page discusses the program you need. To teach your Basset Hound to listen to you, I recommend "Respect Training" is mandatory.

You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say. Most Basset Hounds are stubborn and can be manipulative. Basset Hounds are independent thinkers who don't particularly care about pleasing you. If I was considering a Basset Hound, I would be most concerned about. More traits and characteristics of the Basset Hound Finally, you can avoid some negative traits by training your Basset Hound to respect you and by following the 11-step care program in my book, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy.Unfortunately, you usually can't tell whether a puppy has inherited temperament or health problems until he grows up. If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy.With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult Basset Hounds have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics. You can avoid some negative traits by choosing an ADULT dog from an animal shelter or rescue group.Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training. Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Heavy shedding (yes, even though he's shorthaired!).Running away, oblivious to your calls, when an interesting scent catches his attention.

Slowness to learn and an independent "what's in it for me?" attitude toward training.Is sociable with people and other animals.Is one of the most good-natured of all breeds.They are champion beggers, and will steal any tidbit within reach – and be forewarned that when they rear up on their hind legs, their reach includes countertops!įinally, Basset Hounds bay and howl (especially when bored), and they are notoriously slow to housebreak. Yet he responds amiably to patient, consistent obedience training that includes lots of praise and encouragement.īasset Hounds live for food, which is why so many of them are fat. Stubborn and slow to obey (you should expect thoughtful, deliberate responses), the Basset Hound can exhibit an amusing sense of humor while doing his own thing. Indeed, Bassets are not eager to obey many commands. "Come" is not a command that Basset Hounds are eager to obey. This is a hunting hound with a powerful nose and a yen for the chase, and if he picks up an interesting scent and launches himself, your shouting and arm waving will fall on totally deaf ears. When you do take your Basset Hound outdoors, you need to keep him in a fenced area or on-leash. Lazy owners have fat Bassets with concurrent health problems. They may be short-legged, but Bassets weigh 50 or 60 pounds and need a moderate amount of daily exercise to stay fit, even if they appear to be content snoring in front of the fireplace. However, this is not necessarily the easiest breed to live with or train! Many people are very surprised, when encountering a Basset Hound up close, at how bulky and heavy this breed really is. At a dog show, one can count on seeing cheerfully wagging tails in the Basset Hound ring. Almost all are reliably good-natured, sociable, and peaceful with everyone – strangers, children, and other pets, too. Some are dignified, but most are clownish. Basset Hounds are among the most pleasant-natured and easygoing of all breeds.
