Basset Hound Couple

Basset Hounds are among the most pleasant-natured and easygoing of all breeds.

Some are dignified, but most are clownish. Almost all are reliably good-natured, sociable, and peaceful with everyone – strangers, children, and other pets, too. At a dog show, one can count on seeing cheerfully wagging tails in the Basset Hound ring.

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. 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. Lazy owners have fat Bassets with concurrent health problems. The couple in this photo are in the winter of their lives and have an owner who has kept them in really good shape. It is so very seldom one gets to photograph old Basset Hounds in this conditioned and with such wonderful confirmation and markings.

When you do take your Basset Hound outdoors, you need to keep him in a fenced area or on-leash. 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. "Come" is not a command that Basset Hounds are eager to obey.

Indeed, Bassets are not eager to obey many commands. 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. Yet he responds amiably to patient, consistent obedience training that includes lots of praise and encouragement.

Basset Hounds live for food, which is why so many of them are fat. They are champion beggars, and will steal any tidbit within reach – and be forewarned that when they rear up on their hind legs, their reach includes countertops!

Finally, Basset Hounds bay and howl (especially when bored), and they are notoriously slow to housebreak.

Read less