With its 33 to 38 cm at the withers, the Basset Hound is a short-legged dog. Its small head is surrounded by long floppy ears and its somewhat loose and elastic skin can form some wrinkles or folds at the level of the forehead. He has smooth, short hair and his coat is generally three-colored: black, tan and white or two-colored: lemon and white. However, the breed standard recognizes any hound color.

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale classifies it among the hounds of small size (Group 6 Section 1.3). (1)

As with many purebred dogs, the origins of the Basset Hound are unclear and debated, but it is presumably of French origin. He also shares many physical characteristics with other French Basset and also the dog of Saint Hubert. The first mentions of a dog of this type date back to the Middle Ages. From this period, it would have been developed by monks for the purpose of chasing or catching game in dense terrain, while having the ability to keep the nose close to the ground. Exported to Britain, this is where the breed evolved to reach its current standard. Even today, although the tradition of hunting with hounds is less widespread, it is still used by some crews in France for rabbit hunting. (1)

To understand the character of the Basset Hound, it is important to remember the origins of the breed. It is above all a hunting dog bred and selected to belong to a pack. Its owner is therefore seen as the dominant member of the pack and it is natural for a Basset to try to find his place in the pecking order, with the hope of becoming the dominant in turn. Despite this somewhat rebellious tendency, which can also be its charm, the Basset has a generally gentle character and his habit of the pack makes him not very shy and very sociable. He is very devout to his master. (2)

By its nature of enduring and athletic hunting dog, the Basset Hound is a robust dog and little prone to the diseases. His long, hanging ears should, however, be watched carefully and cleaned regularly, as they are prone to infections, such as dermatitis. malassezia or ear mites (also called otacariosis). (3)

Ear mange

Ear mange is a parasitic disease, most often caused by a microscopic mite: Otodectes cynotis. This mite is naturally present on dogs and cats and feeds in particular on epidermal debris and earwax. The overgrowth of this parasite in the dog’s ears causes pain and severe itching. The dog shakes its head and scratches itself, sometimes to the point of blood. Diagnosis is made by observing the parasite directly in the ear using a device called an otoscope. Examining an ear secretion sample by microscopy may also allow observation of larvae or eggs of the parasite.

Usually, treatment is through the localized application of an acaricide (a substance that kills mites), along with regular cleaning of the ears and ear canal to prevent relapses. (4)

Dermatitis and ear infections malassezia

The yeast species malassezia is naturally present in animals, but in some cases it overgrows in excess and is the cause of dermatitis (infection of the skin). The species Malassezia pachydermatis is also the most common cause of ear infection in dogs.

The Basset Hound is particularly predisposed to the development of dermatitis by this yeast. The main symptoms are extreme itching, localized redness and possibly the presence of scales and a waxy texture of the skin and hair.

Predisposition is an element of the diagnosis, but only the identification of the yeast malassezia by culturing skin or ear samples and a microscopic examination makes it possible to conclude. Treatment then consists mainly of the localized application of antifungals, but it is important to note that relapses are frequent and therefore to be monitored. (6)

Glaucoma

The Basset Hound is susceptible to developing primary glaucoma, that is, it has a genetic predisposition for the development of this disease. Primary glaucomas usually affect both eyes.

Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the normal functioning of the optic nerve is impaired by an increase in intraocular blood pressure. More precisely, this hypertension within the eye is mainly due to a defect in the flow of aqueous humor between two structures of the eye, the cornea and the iris.

The diagnosis is made by a thorough ophthalmological examination and in particular by the measurement of the intraocular pressure (tonometry). As the Basset Hound is susceptible to developing other eye pathologies, it is also necessary to carry out a differential diagnosis to rule them out.

The main symptom of glaucoma, ocular hypertension, has adverse effects on all structures of the eye and particularly on the nervous tissue of the eye. It is therefore important to quickly control this pressure in order to preserve the best possible vision for as long as possible. If the disease is too advanced, the damage to the eye is irreversible and the treatment will only be a palliative for the pain.

Unfortunately, primary glaucoma is not curable and the progression to complete blindness is irreversible. (7) Yorkshire Terrier: character, health and advice.

The game is important in educating the young Basset Hound. You can thus establish a relationship of trust for the years to come, but also slowly establish your dominant position. Make sure you get plenty of toys for them, especially something to chew on. This should save the furniture …