What should you look for in a Basset Hound puppy? This is a bit of a tricky question.
First, you should agree if you want a male or female puppy. Basset Hound males and females are alike in many respects but there are distinct differences between the sexes that you should be aware of.
You have to ensure that you are aware of what you expect from your new addition so you can advise the breeder. Let him/her know if you want a companion, show dog, or a competitive performance dog. No matter what the function you desire in your puppy, all puppies in the litter will have the same bloodlines.
Most well-bred litters from ethical breeders are bred to emphasize the health, character, and trainability of every puppy in the litter. In the pursuit for your puppy, you want to examine the puppies together at first.
A Basset Hound puppy should have, first and foremost, a good temperament. They should be inquisitive, outgoing, and unafraid in his advances towards everything and everybody. They will also demand and display affection without inhibition. Many times puppies will choose one of the litter to pick on. This does not mean this puppy is defective in any way. Take this puppy aside and he will usually contend himself when he is away from his littermates.
The Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is a short-legged breed of dog of the hound family, as well as one of six recognized Basset breeds in France; furthermore, Bassets are scent hounds that were originally bred for the purpose of hunting rabbits and hare. Their sense of smell for tracking is second only to that of the Bloodhound.
Appearance
Bassets are large, short, solid and long, with curved sabre tails held high over their long backs. Everett Millais, founder of the modern Basset Hound, is quoted as saying "Oh, he's about 4 feet long and 12 inches high." in reference to his French basset. An adult dog weighs between 20 and 35 kilograms (44 and 77 lb).
This breed, like its ancestor the Bloodhound, is known for its hanging skin structure, which causes the face to occasionally look sad; this, for many people, 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.
Its neck is wider than its head. The short-haired coat of a Basset is long, smooth and soft, and sheds constantly.
Any hound coloration is acceptable, but this varies from country to country. They are usually Black, Tan and White tricolors or Tan and White bicolors. Tan can vary from reddish-brown and Red to Lemon. Lemon and White is less common color. Some Bassets are also classified as gray or blue - this color is considered rare and some consider it undesirable.
Temperament
The Basset Hound is a friendly, outgoing, playful dog. He is an excellent companion for children because of his patient nature and tolerance. He can be extremely tolerant of children and other pets but like all dogs (and people too), he will require space and time to relax in privacy, away from screaming children and ear tugs.
Commonly misconceived as "stubborn", in actuality basset hounds are extremely food driven and easy to train. Bassets are quick to shut down if trained using punishment-based training methods and therefore are given the description of "stubborn". The fastest way to a Basset's heart is through his stomach. Keep training fun and interesting and offer delicious treats to keep them focused on the task at hand since that nose can distract them very easily.
First, you should agree if you want a male or female puppy. Basset Hound males and females are alike in many respects but there are distinct differences between the sexes that you should be aware of.
You have to ensure that you are aware of what you expect from your new addition so you can advise the breeder. Let him/her know if you want a companion, show dog, or a competitive performance dog. No matter what the function you desire in your puppy, all puppies in the litter will have the same bloodlines.
Most well-bred litters from ethical breeders are bred to emphasize the health, character, and trainability of every puppy in the litter. In the pursuit for your puppy, you want to examine the puppies together at first.
A Basset Hound puppy should have, first and foremost, a good temperament. They should be inquisitive, outgoing, and unafraid in his advances towards everything and everybody. They will also demand and display affection without inhibition. Many times puppies will choose one of the litter to pick on. This does not mean this puppy is defective in any way. Take this puppy aside and he will usually contend himself when he is away from his littermates.
The Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is a short-legged breed of dog of the hound family, as well as one of six recognized Basset breeds in France; furthermore, Bassets are scent hounds that were originally bred for the purpose of hunting rabbits and hare. Their sense of smell for tracking is second only to that of the Bloodhound.
Appearance
Bassets are large, short, solid and long, with curved sabre tails held high over their long backs. Everett Millais, founder of the modern Basset Hound, is quoted as saying "Oh, he's about 4 feet long and 12 inches high." in reference to his French basset. An adult dog weighs between 20 and 35 kilograms (44 and 77 lb).
This breed, like its ancestor the Bloodhound, is known for its hanging skin structure, which causes the face to occasionally look sad; this, for many people, 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.
Its neck is wider than its head. The short-haired coat of a Basset is long, smooth and soft, and sheds constantly.
Any hound coloration is acceptable, but this varies from country to country. They are usually Black, Tan and White tricolors or Tan and White bicolors. Tan can vary from reddish-brown and Red to Lemon. Lemon and White is less common color. Some Bassets are also classified as gray or blue - this color is considered rare and some consider it undesirable.
Temperament
The Basset Hound is a friendly, outgoing, playful dog. He is an excellent companion for children because of his patient nature and tolerance. He can be extremely tolerant of children and other pets but like all dogs (and people too), he will require space and time to relax in privacy, away from screaming children and ear tugs.
Commonly misconceived as "stubborn", in actuality basset hounds are extremely food driven and easy to train. Bassets are quick to shut down if trained using punishment-based training methods and therefore are given the description of "stubborn". The fastest way to a Basset's heart is through his stomach. Keep training fun and interesting and offer delicious treats to keep them focused on the task at hand since that nose can distract them very easily.
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