They were my faithful Monty and Jasmine, the twin Basset Hounds. Stubborn, smelly, forever hungry and lazy. But, my best and loyal friends to the end, bless them. I have the greatest memories of my life with them.
Basset hounds are a beloved breed known for their friendly and loving nature. With their low-energy and easy-going personality, they make for the perfect family pet. But owning a basset hound is not without its challenges.
In this post, I will share the joys and challenges of owning a basset hound, or two, as well as some tips for successfully caring for these lovable dogs.
They may not have been the greatest hikers in the world but they certainly filled my world with joy and companionship.
The Joys of Owning Basset Hounds
When it comes to the joys of owning basset hounds, there is no shortage of reasons to love this breed.
For one, basset hounds are known for their friendly and loving nature. They are affectionate with their family and generally get along well with other dogs and people. This makes them great companions for anyone looking for a loving and loyal pet.
And, tell me about it, they are low-energy with an easy-going personality. Unlike some breeds that require lots of exercise and mental stimulation, basset hounds are happy to lounge around the house and take things slow.
This makes them a great choice for families with busy schedules or those who live in small apartments.
In addition to their friendly and easy-going nature, basset hounds are also known for their amusing and endearing characteristics.
We have all seen them in the adverts, from their droopy ears and sad-looking eyes to their comical waddle, basset hounds are sure to bring a smile to your face. They are also known for their deep, soulful howls, which can be both endearing and entertaining.
I can say personally that overall, the joys of owning basset hounds are numerous. From their loving and affectionate nature to their low-energy and easy-going personality, they are a delightful breed to have as a pet.
Monty and Jasmine gave me smiles and laughter every day with their antics. Even naughty behaviour gave me joy.
The Challenges of Owning Basset Hounds
While the joys of owning basset hounds are many, it’s important to note that there are also challenges to consider.
For one, basset hounds have a strong sense of smell. They have the second strongest strength of smell in the dog world after the bloodhound. They can smell things far away that we wouldn’t know about … and off they go. Recall? Oh no. There is a scent to follow that really is more important. These big floppy ears aren’t listening.
Speaking of training, another challenge of owning basset hounds is their tendency to be stubborn and difficult to train. Due to their strong-willed and independent nature, basset hounds can be resistant to commands and training. If you are a first time dog owner then, yes, you may like the slow and loyal nature, but getting them to do what you want is something you may have to forego.
I know of many dog trainers that have a stipulation: no basset hounds.
In addition to their stubbornness, basset hounds are also prone to certain health issues. These can include ear infections, eye problems, and back problems.
These 2 were rescued and in my consideration I had to think of vet costs. Monty, the male, was full sized. Yes, 30 kg of stubbornness. That is a lot of weight on those short legs and as he grew older the arthritis kicked in. Eye problems naturally came in for both. Poor Jasmine was blind but happy towards the end, bless her.
As for their backs, I must say I never took them up mountains or allowed the to run up and down stairs. The breeding of these dogs over the years has not helped equip them for steep climbs. To ensure a good quality of life for them in later years you must look after their backs and legs, no matter how springy they may be as pups.
The smell…ha, yes! The unmistakable smell of a basset hound. They have an oily skin that hound dogs of this type tend to have and, although you may get used to it yourself, your friends will know you have a basset hound if they get in your car or sit on your couch.
Overall, while the joys of owning basset hounds are many, it’s important to be aware of the challenges and be prepared for how to handle them. Patience is a big key, lots of patience.
Tips for Successfully Owning Basset Hounds
If you’re considering owning a basset hound, there are some important tips to keep in mind to ensure a successful and happy relationship with your pet.
First, it’s important to provide your basset hound with regular exercise and mental stimulation. While they are not as high-energy as some breeds, basset hounds still need regular walks and playtime to stay healthy and happy. This can help prevent boredom and destructive behaviors, and can also help maintain their physical health.
Another important tip is to be patient and consistent with training and socialization. As mentioned earlier, basset hounds can be stubborn and difficult to train. It’s important to be firm and consistent with commands and training, and to be patient with the process. Regular socialization with other dogs and people is also important to help your basset hound learn good manners and become well-adjusted.
Finally, it’s important to provide regular grooming and care for your basset hound. This includes regular ear and eye care to prevent infections and other problems.
Overall, with regular exercise, training, socialization, and care, you can successfully own and enjoy the joys of a basset hound.
Conclusion
I miss Monty and Jasmine and think of their antics a lot even now a few years on.
Their sloppy and slobbery kisses and the drool all around the water bowl. The waiting for them to check that every blade of grass on a walk was exactly as they were the day before.
The loved their sunrise walks and adored their cuddles.
I personally would not get a basset hound puppy, nor encourage others to get one having experienced first hand what overbreeding has done to them and their health issues.
But having these twins for the years I had with them were truly the fondest times.
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