Il Basset hound is part of the breeds of group 6, the one that groups i hounds and dogs for blood trail. There FCI believes the Basset hound from English, but they have always been there heated disputes on the origins of the breed between English and Americans, so much so that many cut off the bull's head considering it a dog from Anglo-American nationality.
It appears that the breed was selected from an old typology of the St. Hubert Hound. It still had to wait until 1883 before the basset hound was officially recognized and registered with English Kennel Club. Many disputes arose over the way the breed was selected.
In our country the breed has known his maximum diffusion in the 70s of the last century and in that period many Basset Hound farms arose; the strong flexion suffered by the breed since Years' 80 has drastically reduced the number of Basset Hound breeders.
Origins of the Basset Hound
Il Basset hound It is also known as giant dachshund, its name derives from the union of the French term "Bottoms"(basset), and from the English word "Hound"(hound)
The origins of the breed are to be found in the French hunting dogs bred by monks. Their selection was made with i bassetti, or dogs affected by achondroplasia, dwarfism of dogs, which led them to have the same size as normal dogs, but particularly short limbs.
The bassets selected to create the Basset Hound are the Basset d'Artois, Norman and Bloodhound which gave him the typical aspect of the face that we still know today.
The reason why the dog was selected is essentially due to his nose developed, aided by short, key features for the hunting den animals, such as the fox, the pheasant , hare.
Precisely this wide use in the world of hunting, has caused the dog to develop as one of the dogs mostly used in hunting. Thanks to morphology, being able to track down the prey is very easy. The long ears allow channel odors of the soil directly into the nose. While the limbs with long nails, allow it to slip into burrows and bushes. Furthermore, the long white tail, allow the hunter to spot it even in bushes and tall grass.
Physical characteristics of the Basset Hound
The main feature of the hound is thephysical aspect. The hound is characterized by a long body, but give it short legs. Also, he has a facial expression that makes him look sad all the time.
The dog is a specimen strong, which despite it is a bit disproportionate, all in all it is quite harmonious. The weight does not go beyond 35-40 kilos, the head is long, like the ears, with many wrinkles that give it a sad look.
Il Nose is black and broad, with wide nostrils that help him sniff effectively. The eyes usually they are dark with a look that is always serious and calm.
The long and powerful body ends with a long and arched tail, to make it visible even where nature is most flourishing.
Il smooth, short and dense coat usually has combinations of three colors like white, black and fawn distributed in spots.
Basset Hound character
The Basset Hound is a working hound, suitable for hunting due to its stamina. Perfect when it comes out in mute, has one deep and melodious voice. Precisely because of this propensity for hunting, the dog is strong, active and capable of giving all his commitment in the field, demonstrating great resistance to physical fatigue.
The Basset Hound manages to move with discretion during a hunting trip, despite having one rather heavy structure.
Even if he is a hunting dog, he can live with the family. It's a reliable and funny dog, he loves to spend his family time doing long walks, playing or discovering the nature that surrounds it. The important is don't make him bored and it will also find it well in those contexts where there are children.
The dog extremely sensitive affection to the master, to whom he shows all his gratitude. Even though he is a very quiet dog, knows how to be respected if annoyed or stimulated in a negative sense.
Nutrition and fitness
Il Basset hound is a dog that tends to gain weight, so you have to pay close attention to his supply. In addition to choosing quality meals, you must faithfully adhere to the doses recommended by the veterinarian.
Even if he can live comfortably in an apartment, the better make him take long walks often. During your stay outdoors, you have to let it run and let him play with other dogs.
A useful exercise can be that of let him sniff out the tracks and in any case to change the game often so as not to get bored.
General care
The hound it doesn't need a lot of care because he does not suffer from genetic problems. The only one caution must be addressed tosupply to avoid becoming overweight.
Il by the very long to be kept shiny and clean it must be combed 2-3 times a week. More attention must be paid to ears often subject to infections and nails that if they are not consumed or cut regularly, they grow excessively and can create annoyances.
Training
Il Basset hound is considered a stubborn dog and that's partly true. Even if he can easily understand the commands, these must be clear and imparted correctly since he was little. In fact, unlike other breeds, he does not have the disposition to shoot immediately when the master gives him orders.
The hound is a sweet, gentle, friendly dog, but when it goes hunting, è stubborn and is capable of withstanding harsh conditions. For this reason, they are easy to train for hunting, the important thing is to use positive techniques.
Lover of the company of other dogs, is at ease with other animals, moreover, the tendency to want to please the owner, will lead him to be less stubborn and therefore more accommodating.