Edie MacKenzie

Edie MacKenzie is a published author, traveler, dog lover, and tortoise enthusiast. Passionate about what she does, her books provide peopel a firm grounding in the dog breed and their unique characteristics with a nice touch of humor.

Basset Hound Dog Breed Info

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With its adorable, droopy expression, long ears and waddling walk, the Basset is an easy dog to spot. These loveable dogs have a long history and are believed to descend from the Ardennes St. Hubert hounds. They were brought to Britain by the Norman invaders in 1066, and it was in Britain that they were bred with other hounds to increase their size.

The name, Basset ,derives from “bas”, which means low in French.

The Basset is one of the sweetest of all dogs. They are extremely loving with a real enjoyment of human company. They get on well with everyone, are even tempered and affectionate towards children and have no problem with other dogs, or even cats for that matter.

With their happy nature and comedic character it is easy to forget that they are also exceptional hunting and tracking dogs. These days though, it is more common to see a Basset as a family pet than in the field.

Grooming a Basset Hound is a relatively simple task. The coat is short and requires only a brush down a couple of times a week to keep it looking its best.

The ears also need special attention, because they are prone to fungal and bacterial infections. A wipe down with a damp cloth and drying them after is usually all that is needed to keep them clean.

You may also need to clip the dog’s nails every once in a while. This is a task many dog owners shy away from, but it needs to be done, so if you’re not up to it ask your vet or local dog groomer.

Bassets are famously difficult to train. Like most of the hound group they’ve been bred to think for themselves, so they don’t just follow orders blindly. You will need to be consistent in your efforts, but always keep it positive as Bassets are very sensitive and harsh treatment will damage the bond you’ve built up with your dog.

You’ll need a lot of patience to train a Basset as they are easily distracted, especially if they pick up an interesting scent to follow. But persistence wins the day, so stick with it and you’ll see results. Bassets love to eat, so using really tasty treats will definitely help your training efforts.

Unfortunately, their love of food can translate to a number of obesity related diseases. A common concern with overweight Basset Hounds is vertebral problems, as the extra weight puts strain on the spine. Other health concerns include foreleg lameness, entropion, gastric torsion, and cysts on the paws. They may also be prone to osteochondrosis.

Bassets can be somewhat lethargic, but you must ensure that they get daily exercise to keep them in shape.If you’re looking for an affectionate, sweet-natured dog that is just a joy to be around, look no further than the Basset.

Picking a name for your Basset can be a challenge. The best advice is to visit some of the many dog names, sites online. My recommendation is puppy-names-hq.com, which has a huge database, including thousands of female dog names.

Focus on the Black and Tan Coonhound

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The Black and Tan Coonhound, is an impressive distinctive looking dog that excels as a hunting companion.

These medium-sized dogs stand up to 27 inches at the withers and can weigh as much as 75 pounds. They have a black and tan coat and the appearance of a typical hound dog, with long, hanging ears, loose fitting skin and long legs.

The original Black and Tans were created by crossing Talbot Hounds, Foxhounds, and Bloodhounds. The idea was to create a dog for treeing racoons, but the Black and Tan proved such an able tracker that it was soon being used to hunt larger game, including deer, mountain lions, and even bear.

These are loyal, affectionate and good-natured dogs who form close bonds with humans. The are also intelligent and fast learners which makes them excellent pets for an appropriate owner.

They do however need a great deal of exercise and will therefore do best with an active family. Without proper exercise Black and Tans can become destructive and are prone to howling when left alone.

Consistent pack leadership is a must with this breed, as are training and socialization. Dogs that have not been socialized may be aggressive towards other dogs. The hunting instinct is still strong, and these dogs will follow any scent they encounter.

While they are generally good with people they are not really suited to small children as they may be too boisterous for them.With the right amount of exercise though, plus a good training program, this is a wonderful pet and loving companion.

The Black and Tan is generally a robust, healthy breed and suffers from few inherited diseases. There is a risk of hip dysplasia and, as with many long eared breeds, they may suffer ear infections. Eye problems also occur occasionally.

Black and Tans love to eat and are therefore prone to obesity. Strict portion and treat control is therefore advised.

Grooming is quite easy as the short coat only needs to be brushed once a week. You should also take care to inspect and clean the ears and eyes regularly.

It should be obvious that this is not a dog for apartment living. The Black and Tan needs lots of space to move around in as well as vigorous daily exercise. These dogs are tough enough to live outdoors, but are softies at heart and will much prefer to be inside, and close to those they love.

Good dog names can be hard to find. The best advice is to try one of the online dog names, sites. My personal favorite is Puppy Names HQ, a site that has tons of excellent dog names to pick from, including thousands of cute dog names.

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