| Learn the facts on maintaining good health, grooming | | | | a few times a year, as their coats tend to repel water. |
| needs, living conditions and more when it comes to the | | | | A Basset Hound's ears need regular cleaning since |
| Basset Hound. The Basset Hound originated in sixth | | | | their long, floppy ears do not allow air to circulate, |
| century France and is thought to be descended from | | | | increasing the risk of infection and they do tend to |
| the St. Hubert Hounds. The Basset Hound (bas means | | | | slobber more than other dogs. Basset Hounds need to |
| 'low-set' in French) proved useful to hunters, with its | | | | be exercised frequently and often times have to be |
| slow movement and long ears to stir up scent, they | | | | encouraged to do so as they are prone to taking naps |
| could drive prey out from dense covering and into | | | | in the sun. The Basset Hound is prone to some genetic |
| open fields. The Basset Hound has stamina to keep up | | | | disorders. Von Willebrand's disease is a platelet |
| with hunters and to track and prey for long periods of | | | | disorder that results in mild to moderate bleeding and a |
| time. Basset Hounds are still used for hunting in some | | | | longer than average bleeding time. Through breeding, |
| areas of the world. The Basset Hound is described as | | | | the incident of this condition has been reduced in the |
| gentle, sociable and stubborn. Basset Hounds are loyal | | | | breed. Basset Hounds are also prone to glaucoma, |
| to their families and good with children and other | | | | gastric torsion and interdigital cysts. Some Basset |
| animals. They prefer to be lap dogs and do not make | | | | Hounds are allergic to certain grasses. Without proper |
| good guard dogs, as they will greet any stranger who | | | | exercise, Basset Hounds are prone to obesity, which |
| approaches them as a friend. Basset Hounds tend to | | | | can cause arthritis, back pains and heart trouble. |
| be strong-willed and independent, making them difficult | | | | There is a website that has great information on |
| to train, but with enough consistency this can be | | | | Basset Hounds and most other breeds of dogs. It has |
| overcome. When out for a walk with a Basset Hound, | | | | details that pertain to a dog breeds health, grooming, |
| always keep it on a leash as the hunting tendencies | | | | living conditions, best food choices and more, the |
| may override any and all training. Though Basset | | | | website is called: Dog And Cat Facts, and can be |
| Hounds have a short stature, standing 12 to 15 inches | | | | found at this url: |
| tall, they are not considered small dogs, and will on | | | | By Robert W. Benjamin |
| average weight 50 to 65 pounds when mature. They | | | | Copyright © 2006 You may publish this article in your |
| have short coats that are tri-colored (black, white and | | | | ezine, newsletter on your web site as long as it is |
| tan) or red and white, and require relatively little | | | | reprinted in its entirety and without modification except |
| maintenance. Regular brushing will keep the coat free | | | | for formatting needs or grammar corrections. |
| of dirt and reduce shedding. Baths are necessary only | | | | |