Fred has come to us as a rescue from the Glencoe Animal Shelter. Having never had a Basset Hound before there were lots of things to learn. Bassets are scent hounds bred for hunting small game. There is no amount of shouting or waving of arms that will ever get Fred to come (well perhaps a treat) if he gets off his lead or out the door. He like most dogs is a pack animal and one of the most gentle
breed in existence. Bassets are hard to train and respond best to rewards rather that scolding. Since this breed has such short legs and are naturally quite lazy they can become obese if not exercised. Fred loves to gallop along on a long lead and causes many a laugh as his ears and face flop up and down. If you're a clean freak Bassets are not for you. They drool, shed and the spray when they shake their huge heads is a sight to see. Fred is currently about 50 lb and is fed twice a day so he can work off some of his food. Given that he's a scent hound nothing is safe on a counter left unattended while cooking. He's absconded with an entire pork chop and a huge piece of ground beef that was about to be a hamburger in the blind of an eye. Absolutely no remorse...although with that face it's hard to tell. Bassets are very social animals with people and with other dogs or pets. He doesn't like to be left alone and has a bark that would wake the dead. He's also extremely entertaining when he decided to put on a show of his moaning skills. Aside from the sad sack look of this breed their ears are like satin and take a great deal of care. Fred loves the walk in shower for his baths and weekly his ears are cleaned inside and out. Such a joy to have as my baby boy....Fred is still learning and has just turned a year old.
