How to Identify a Basset Hound

By eHow Pets Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
Pat the top of a Basset hound's head and you'll notice it's domed-shaped. Their nose is long and their sense of smell is second in the canine world to only the Bloodhound. The Basset has a large skull that leads to a muscular neck and body.
Step 2:
Notice the deceptively large and powerful body of a Basset hound. Their average weight is between 55 and 75 pounds and their average height is between 12 and 15 inches at the shoulder. They have low-slung, loose-skinned bodies and long tails that arch upward. If you have a Basset hound as a walking companion, you'll get plenty of stares since they have such an unusual physique.
Step 3:
Check out the Basset's big paws. They have unusually large yet stubby legs, so they need those feet to help hold up the rest of their heavy, sturdy bodies.
Step 4:
Pay attention to a Basset's long, floppy ears, perfectly designed to stir up and hold scents. The folds of skin under the chin, called the dewlap, also help trap and hold scents as do the wrinkles around the head. Being a scent hound, the Basset is "wet-mouthed" and will drool and make messes while drinking or after they've been outside for a while getting "scented up." If you share your life with a Basset, you'll want to keep a few towels handy.
Step 5:
Be prepared to brush your Basset's coat at least once a week. While they have brisk, short coats that repel water and dirt pretty well, they tend to shed more than other short-haired dogs. A Basset's ears will also need regular attention.

Tips & Warnings

Bassets make great family dogs and are considered the best breed for kids. You can find a great "houndie" at any number of Basset hound rescues across the country or from online resources such as Petfinder.com.

Resources

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