European Basset Hounds: A Comprehensive Guide to Ownership

European Basset Hounds are a beloved breed known for their short stature and long ears. They originated in France and were bred for hunting small game.

Their short legs and long body make them perfect for following scents in dense terrain. This unique physiology allows them to excel in their original purpose.

European Basset Hounds are relatively low-maintenance pets, requiring regular exercise but not excessive amounts of it. A daily walk and some playtime should suffice.

Their calm and gentle nature makes them an excellent choice for families with children.

Suggestion: European Shih Tzu

The European Basset Hound can be traced back to 6th-century France, making it an older breed than the American Basset Hound.

They have a long history of hunting small game and have never lost their prey drive.

This breed has adapted well to being companion dogs, making them a great fit for families.

European Basset Hounds are loyal and loving, and they generally get along well with every family member, whether human or animal.

Their friendly nature makes them a great addition to any household, as long as they receive regular exercise and attention.

Consider reading: European English Bulldog

A Basset Hound's growth rate should be slow and steady, as the breed is commonly known for putting on an unhealthy amount of weight.

At one month old, Basset Hounds typically weigh between 3-5 pounds, while at six months old, they can weigh anywhere from 30-40 pounds on average.

By two months old, they've already gained significantly, weighing between 10-15 pounds. By three months, they're up to 15-25 pounds, and by four months, they're around 20-30 pounds.

Here's a rough idea of what to expect in terms of weight gain:

Basset Hounds typically need at least 16 months to reach their full size, and larger ones may require a full two years to fill out their chest completely.

As you consider bringing a European Basset Hound into your family, it's essential to think about the cost and care involved.

You'll need to factor in the cost of food, vet bills, and supplies, which can add up quickly. A rough estimate for the first year is around $1,500, but this can vary depending on your location and your dog's health.

See what others are reading: Thai Ridgeback Cost

European Basset Hounds are prone to hip dysplasia, which can lead to costly surgeries and ongoing care. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help prevent this, but it's essential to be prepared for potential vet bills.

To estimate how much bigger your Basset Hound will get, consider their age, paw size, and genetics. If they're under 16 months old, they may still be filling out, and their paws may look oversized compared to their body.

Here are some factors to consider when estimating your Basset Hound's adult size:

European Basset Hounds are prone to a range of health issues, including arthritis, carpal valgus, and ear and skin infections. These conditions are often caused by their wrinkly skin, which requires extra care.

They need to be bathed at least twice a week, and their ears, wrinkles, and folds need to be checked daily for signs of irritation or infection.

You might enjoy: English Bulldog Skin Bumps

Basset Hounds are also susceptible to panosteitis, a painful condition that occurs when the outer shaft of the leg bones becomes inflamed. This condition is often painful and can leave young dogs temporarily lame.

Regular veterinary exams and preventative care can help catch diseases early on and minimize their impact. Your veterinarian can screen for conditions like panosteitis, hip dysplasia, and skin diseases.

Some common health problems that Basset Hounds are prone to include:

To keep your Basset Hound healthy, it's essential to stay on top of their care. This includes regular bathing, ear cleaning, and veterinary check-ups.

European Basset Hounds are a wonderful breed, and it's essential to know some key information about them.

They typically stop growing around 16 months old, and their weight can be predicted using a growth chart.

You can expect your adult European Basset Hound to weigh between 40 and 65 pounds, according to the American Kennel Club standards.

However, as a responsible owner, you should be aware that Basset Hounds are prone to various hereditary conditions.

Preventative care is crucial to ensure your European Basset Hound lives a happy and healthy life, so consider enrolling in a pet insurance plan to save money on eligible costs.

European Basset Hounds require regular bathing, with a minimum of two times a week. Daily checks for signs of irritation or infection in their ears, wrinkles, and folds are also crucial.

Their coats are smooth and short, making them relatively low maintenance in that regard. However, they do need to be brushed daily or every other day to prevent matting.

Some common health issues to watch out for include arthritis, carpal valgus, ear and skin infections, glaucoma, hip and elbow dysplasia, obesity, and patellar luxation.

Here are some essential grooming tasks to keep your European Basset Hound healthy:

Training a Basset Hound requires patience and creativity. They can be stubborn, so it's essential to use positive reinforcement to keep them motivated.

Basset Hounds are intelligent, but their European heritage makes them prone to laziness. This means they need regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay engaged.

Keeping training sessions short is crucial, as Basset Hounds have a short attention span. Aim for 10-15 minute sessions to avoid overwhelming them.

Consistency is key when training a Basset Hound. Set a routine and stick to it to help them understand what's expected of them.

European Basset Hounds are a little lazy, so they need regular exercise to stay healthy. They require at least an hour of exercise a day.

A walk around the block or playtime, like fetch or scent games, is a great way to get them moving. This will also provide mental stimulation, which is essential for their well-being.

If you don't provide enough exercise, your Basset Hound may put on weight, which can lead to various health issues. Exercise helps prevent weight gain and keeps them physically fit.

Regular exercise will also help prevent boredom and undesirable behaviors in your Basset Hound.

For another approach, see: Shiba Inu One Cent

European Basset Hounds require regular grooming to stay healthy and clean. Their coats are smooth and short, but they still need to be brushed daily or every other day to prevent matting and tangling.

They also need their teeth brushed regularly - ideally twice a day, but at least three times a week. This will help prevent bad breath, gum disease, and other oral health issues.

You'll also need to trim their nails regularly to prevent overgrowth. This is an important part of their overall grooming routine.

Here are some common health issues that can be prevented or managed with regular grooming: