Should I Get A Basset Hound As A Pet?

Do you mind having a headstrong pet that is difficult to train?

Can you ensure that a Basset Hound will get a lot of daily exercises?

Do you mind having a dog that is difficult to housebreak?

Do you mind having a noisy pet?

Do you mind having a pet that is known for slobbering and sheading, has a houndy odor, and is potentially flatulent?

Do you mind having a pet that is predisposed to many health issues?

Basset Hounds are headstrong dogs who don't particularly care about pleasing their owners. Most Basset Hounds are stubborn and can be manipulative. These dogs are very difficult to teach to respond to the owner's call. It often happens that the Basset Hound starts sniffing and does not pay attention to the owner. Owners must show them, through absolute consistency, that they mean what they say.

Basset Hounds were originally bred to run long distances. Unfortunately, modern breeders deliberately grow them with a deformed structure that is unhealthy. Despite that, they need more exercise than the typical slow walk around the block given to them by many owners. Basset Hounds who don't get enough exercise can become obese, which puts additional stress on their bones and joints and causes more health problems.

Basset Hounds are very difficult to train to defecate in a designated place. If owners hope to housebreak this breed, consistent crate training is mandatory. Expect several months of consistent crate training before this dog gets the concept.

Basset Hounds can get very noisy. They have a deep voice that carries a long way and their mournful baying and howling can last for hours. If you or your neighbors can't stand the noise it is not recommended that you get this dog.

Many Basset Hounds, with their unnaturally heavy loose lips, slobber, and drool, especially after eating and drinking. They also shed much more than people might think. Their short coarse hairs come off when petted and stick to clothing, upholstery, and carpeting. Potential gassiness (flatulence) is yet another problem with Basset hounds. Fortunately, this problem can be alleviated with a homemade diet of real meat and vegetables.

Due to their deformed builds, long ears with narrow ear canals, and loose skin folds, Basset Hounds suffer a lot of bone and joint problems, ear problems, and skin diseases.

If you want a dog that is one of the most good-natured dogs and is sociable with people and other animals a Basset Hound may be a good choice for you.