The Basset Hound is best known for his short legs, long ears and sad eyes. Many people don’t realize this adorable and friendly dog was once bred to hunt rabbits. It’s more likely that you’re considering adding a Basset to your family as a pet; if so, follow the steps below when caring for him.
STEP 2:
Plan to keep your Basset indoors for the most part. If you must put him outside during the day, make sure you have a fenced in yard. Bassets are known for following their nose and wandering off. Sadly, very few will make their own way back way home.
STEP 3:
Spend a lot of time with your Basset. If you don’t, the neighbors will know it; this breed will begin howling if left alone for long periods of time.
STEP 4:
Exercise with your Basset. Bassets tend to put weight on easily (those droopy eyes get them a lot of treats!), so they need to go on walks or play in the yard. Bassets do not make good swimmers and should be watched closely around water.
STEP 5:
Have an ear cleaning routine. Like other long-eared breeds, the Basset Hound is prone to experiencing ear trouble due to lack of cleanliness. Their hunting instinct has them sniffing their noses along the ground, which in turn makes their ears drag too. When their ears drag they pick up dirt along the way.
STEP 6:
Keep his nose clean. (And his eyes!) Dragging his muzzle along the ground while following a scent is going to leave his nose dirty. And those adorable sunken, droopy eyes might earn him a lot of treats, but they are also prone to infection when dirt is constantly being shifted around his face.
STEP 7:
Keep an eye out for symptoms of problems that this breed is known for; ear and skin diseases, arthritis, lameness, epilepsy, blood disorders and hip and elbow dysplasia.
STEP 8:
Finally, purchase some paper towels. Your new Basset Hound will drool a lot and you’ll be cleaning up after him!
Click here to visit HowToDoThings.com