Basset hound dogs?

can anyone please,fill me in on the basset hound dog,how old the breed is,what they where used for,the pross and cons,what kind of pet do they make

Hi bluebrancall,

The Basset Hound has French origins, dating back many centuries. The first use of the word "Basset" in describing a breed of dog with short legs can be found in early French text written in the sixteenth century.

The Basset Hound's original purpose was hunting small game, usually within a pack. He's a scent tracking dog, ie. hunts with his nose. His nose is second only to the Bloodhound in its tracking ability. He was bred for endurance, not speed, and to be low to the ground so that he could slowly and deliberately follow a ground scent in difficult terrain through thick brush.

They actually make a great pet for a compatible owner.

Some of the pros: They're usually very friendly, laid back, and mild mannered. They don't require a lot of elaborate grooming. They're social dogs and enjoy the company of people and usually get along with other pets.

Some things that may be considered cons (depends on what bothers you): They shed all year. They drool and are wet mouthed. They can be stubborn (I like to say independent) which makes them harder to train than some other breeds. They follow their nose, i.e. they tend to wander. Therefore when outside, they should be on a leash or in a fenced yard.

Here's an article with more information that may help you determine if you're compatible with this breed:
http://www.just-basset-hounds.com/owning...

It contains a link to a detailed basset hound profile, a link to an article about why owning a basset hound is not for everyone, and a link to an article about the breed's origin.

Hope this info is helpful.

I suggest using google like


"keyword wiki"

mostly, they are quite reliable, or generally give you an rough idea if they are not precisely accurate.. in this case..

"basset hound wiki"

saves alot of time and future queries..

hope that helps

Your second answer gave you alot of great information - there's not much I can add other than the pro's and con's. I own three. Typically for those interested I lump them into three general catagories. You have your "puppy mill" bassets which you should avoid. They often develope alot of medical issues and can become very tempermental from poor breeding and poor conditions. The second is the "show" basset - these are typically what people think of when they decide to look into the breed. Good luck finding a breeder willing but they do fit in very well with the lazy hound perception. Finally you have the "hunting" basset which is what people end up with when they are smart enough to avoid the "puppy mill". They are fabulous fun dogs but bred for hunting. This makes them extremly energetic, at times hyper, and stubborn. They can be very difficult to train and their instincts can over ride even the best training. They are loud, slobbery, and are one of the highest shed/dander breeds there are making them messy and difficult for people even midly allergic. They can grow to a weight of 55-75+lbs making them heavy and hard to handle for the young or weak. They require constant attention to the inside and outside of the ears. But they are loving, loyal, smart, interactive, and very friendly. They do require fencing and will take off after anything resembling prey including cats. Their worth it but if you don't have the time, patience, or recourses reconsider. I hope this helps....

Those last two ansers were very good. I've had bassets( the hunting kind) all my life. In fact i'm a 3rd generation breeder. Few hints though. If you do get a basset, please exercise it. Take it for walks. Don't let it get too fat. Some aren't as drooly as others just like some aren't as vocal as others. If you get one from a breeder, ask to see its parents. Usually puppies will take after their parents. Don't leave food out on a counter. They can smell it and reach it if they want to. Stubborn but highly loyal. Teach them very early to be gentle when they play, they have strong jaws but learn quick to be gentle.
I wrote mainly about cons but a love the basset breed and they are worth the effort. They are loving and can be extremely gentle and great with kids.

google it

i don't know