Turtleheadfred
03-23-2005, 05:51 PM
What about Bassets?
Basset hounds are wonderful, loving dog that are often mistaken for small dogs. Yes - you could call them small if you consider a TANK small! They have long, large bodies on top of short legs, and they possess long ears and a droll, droopy face. The basset frame, which is made up of heavy bones, a strong heart, and a large lung capacity, lends the basset tremendous strength and stamina. Bassets are intelligent, gentle, and stronger than their short stature suggests. They are devoted companions, both on the hunt and in the home. Because of their looks, they are often dubbed the clown of the hounds.
Are they smart?
Yes - but they are often very independent, they are not meant to live in households where basic obedience is a primary concern. Bassets tend to obey when they feel like it, and sometimes not even food can entice them to obey. This is because bassets are bred to be stubborn, so that they can hunt under the most difficult terrain, such as dense underbrush and briar patches.
Are they social with other dogs?
Generally - yes. Since they're pack animals, their acceptance of other dogs has always been essential. However if you adopt a basset that has been abused in some way, you may find it does not get along with other animals.
Tell me the NEGATIVE things about Basset Hounds.
1. They shed year around.
2. Their coat is oily in nature and dirt tends to collect in them.
3. They smell more doggy than other breeds.
4. Most basset hounds tend to slobber.
5. Because of their tendency to follow scents over obedience, a fenced-in yard is a must when owning a basset hound. (An electronic fence is not an option with basset hounds, as they tend to ignore the electroshock. The urge to follow a scents dominates this breed.)
6. They require plenty of exercise to prevent obesity.
7. Homes that have inground swimming pools must have a sturdy fence around it. Bassets can easily drown.
8. Be prepared for a role reversal: You do not own a basset--It owns you.
Basset hounds are wonderful, loving dog that are often mistaken for small dogs. Yes - you could call them small if you consider a TANK small! They have long, large bodies on top of short legs, and they possess long ears and a droll, droopy face. The basset frame, which is made up of heavy bones, a strong heart, and a large lung capacity, lends the basset tremendous strength and stamina. Bassets are intelligent, gentle, and stronger than their short stature suggests. They are devoted companions, both on the hunt and in the home. Because of their looks, they are often dubbed the clown of the hounds.
Are they smart?
Yes - but they are often very independent, they are not meant to live in households where basic obedience is a primary concern. Bassets tend to obey when they feel like it, and sometimes not even food can entice them to obey. This is because bassets are bred to be stubborn, so that they can hunt under the most difficult terrain, such as dense underbrush and briar patches.
Are they social with other dogs?
Generally - yes. Since they're pack animals, their acceptance of other dogs has always been essential. However if you adopt a basset that has been abused in some way, you may find it does not get along with other animals.
Tell me the NEGATIVE things about Basset Hounds.
1. They shed year around.
2. Their coat is oily in nature and dirt tends to collect in them.
3. They smell more doggy than other breeds.
4. Most basset hounds tend to slobber.
5. Because of their tendency to follow scents over obedience, a fenced-in yard is a must when owning a basset hound. (An electronic fence is not an option with basset hounds, as they tend to ignore the electroshock. The urge to follow a scents dominates this breed.)
6. They require plenty of exercise to prevent obesity.
7. Homes that have inground swimming pools must have a sturdy fence around it. Bassets can easily drown.
8. Be prepared for a role reversal: You do not own a basset--It owns you.