+ MEET THE BREED
“BASSET” IS FRENCH FOR “LOW.”
BASSET HOUND Short, sweet, and full of fun! by SAMANTHA ST.CLAIR
HE BASSET HOUND IS AN ICONIC BREED KNOWN FOR its short legs, long body, wrinkly skin, and floor-length ears. They are seen in various media outlets and have been famous brand ambassadors. But did you know that behind their celebrity status and good looks, they are a canine capable of saving lives? Appearances certainly aren’t everything, but the basset hound’s features serve a purpose beyond being camera ready.
T
Developed in France and Belgium, bassets later became the AKC’s tenth recognized breed. Initially, these stout hounds were designed to use their low-hanging ears for scenting animals through rough landscapes. Their ears collect scents off the ground, which leads them to a target with precision. In today’s society, the target is often a lost human they trail during search and rescue missions. While bassets are known for being lazy, they can be athletic dogs whose stamina enables long days outdoors searching for animals or missing people. Basset hounds have such powerful tracking abilities that only bloodhounds surpass them in trailing skills. Of course, most basset hounds today are pets, and they certainly appreciate lounging around on the couch or trailing missing snacks in the house. Basset hounds are flexible companions who enjoy time spent outdoors with their family, too. While they won’t want a long jog or hike, they do find pleasure in a stroll through the park where they can receive attention from the adoring humans around them. These adorable canines are well known for their comical personalities and have no trouble making friends. Basset hounds can be difficult to train and require a patient human who will take their time with training and understand that bassets are not always the best listeners. However, they are
28 LANCASTER COUNTY PET
trainable and can learn a variety of tricks. They are also strong competitors in various competitions, including nose work and tracking. The health of the breed is something to consider. They are prone to ear infections, so regular ear cleaning is necessary. If you want a fresh smelling hound, bassets do require regular baths to keep their skin healthy. Because of their body composition, they are prone to back injuries and shouldn’t jump on and off furniture. Due to this, equipping your home with ramps for your hound is recommended. If you are looking for a super active companion, a basset hound likely won’t fit your needs. However, if you are searching for a companion that can do a little of everything and who will make you laugh every day, they are a strong candidate for the position of your best friend. If you want to see a Basset in action, visit Lancaster’s very own Basset, Bentley Waffles, at instagram.com/bentleywaffles - but be warned, you may end up wanting to add one to your family!
