Characteristics of the Basset Hound

The Basset Hound is the dog with its characteristic short legs, floppy ears, and tender eyes that can be easily identified among other dog breeds. Unlike some hounds that are sharp and energetic, the Basset Hound’s behavior is inclined to be gentle and calming. Because of this feature, it can easily adapt to different ways of life and will be the right choice for a long-term partner for many people.

1. Gentle and Affectionate

In general, Basset Hounds are quite sociable and friendly with people. Furthermore, these dogs show remarkable patience and toleration, especially with children. They seldom get into fights with kids when the latter are noisy or accidentally touch them. On the contrary, they frequently perform a slow and deliberate action to be in contact with the child, e.g., lying down close to the kid and allowing him to stroke the ear, or following a running child with short-legs so that he won’t bump into a child. The Basset Hound is not the cause of any discord when it shares the house with other pets. No matter whether it is with cats or other dog breeds, the Basset Hound is able to merge without trouble. The dog’s calm disposition towards other people and animals in the household makes it great in homes where there are multiple pets.

2. Steady and Patient

The Basset Hound is a low-energy dog with a clearly composed temperament when compared to the likes of other breeds who have limitless energy. It seldomly wants to be played with non-stop by the owner. Even if the owner has heavy work commitments and is away for long hours, the dog remaining home usually will not exhibit destruction as a sign of discontentment with the lack of activity. On most occasions, the Basset Hound opts for sunbathing at the window or lounging beside the sofa, passively inspecting the street, or coiling into a ball for a short sleep. This dog is very patient in a way that suits well with the routine of working people and thus he can be an excellent partner for seniors who only need to take him for a walk occasionally to make him tired.

3. Loyal Companionship

Basset Hounds can hardly do without their owners yet such dependence is not exhibited through excessive clinginess but rather through quiet, loyal companionship. So long as the owner is at home, the dog not only follows the owner’s movements through the house but also keeps up a steady and somewhat undercover watch from the background since it is as if it is providing silent protection. Furthermore, they are great at comforting their owners when the latter are sad; they come by quietly, touch the hand with their wet nose or drop their head on knees to offer comfort. Also, during the short-time shopping, they wait for their owner either at the door or at his favorite spot on the sofa with ears to the floor so that they can hear the footsteps of the owner returning. It is this quiet loyalty that makes the bond between human and dog even stronger.

4. Slightly Stubborn

One more thing associated with crouch is stubbornness and it is also part of the Basset Hound’s character, which is closely linked to its hunting instincts. The scent of something nearby turns on its powerful sense of smell and off it goes in search of the smell. It may be off in the middle of tracking the scent and not even hear the call of the owner for a while. This attribute is also present during training. Simplification of the commands “sit” or “shake” and the slow reacting of the dogs might be due to distraction by the birds outside the window or the scent on the ground. Instead of getting tougher and forcing it to go at your pace, you will only make it more stubborn at that time. Patient repetition of the task with soft handling and providing small treats as rewards are ways that the dog learns to be cooperative gradually. It is not that stubbornness is a character flaw which makes her eccentric but it is that she is more vibrant because of it and endearingly quirky temperament.