Are Basset Hounds High Maintenance Dogs?

Q: Are Basset Hounds high maintenance?
We are thinking about adopting a Basset Hound but I'm concerned about my 2-year-old sister and we have heard they are high maintenance dogs. Are they really?

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Answers and Views:

Answer by D3VILDOG -Harvey Dent 4 Pres-
They can be yeah, but I think its worth it cause they are an awesome pet.

Answer by Maui
The Basset Hound is a scent hound, and as such it will take a lot to deter him from following an interesting smell when he finds one - perseverance and patience are the keywords. They have a reputation for being slow to housetrain. They are independent and can be stubborn. Be aware this is a sturdy dog, so start gentle encouraging training early on.

The short coat of the Basset Hound is low maintenance, and a weekly brush will help minimize what shedding there is. The Basset's ears need special attention as they accumulate dirt inside and out, and so regular cleaning and inspections are necessary.

The Basset Hound is a messy dog. Do not underestimate the amount of slobber some Bassets can produce. This does vary between individuals, but assume your Basset will slobber profusely, and you won't be disappointed. Although most Bassets don't enjoy swimming, they do love to wallow in shallow water and mud.

Answer by anneliese
Even if Basset Hounds are high maintenance, they're totally worth it, they're honestly the nicest dogs I've ever seen. and they're great with little kids and toddlers and stuff. they're very gentle, I used to have one named Maggie.

Answer by deborah ciombor
We are on #'s 7 & 8 basset hounds, for the last 30 years they have owned us! It is a unique breed in the canine world. If you want to smile a lot (and have everyone stop you when you're out walking with them), a basset is a sure bet. They are stubborn-you must set yourself up as the alpha right away.

Fortunately, they are always looking for a treat so make sure that yours always does a 'trick' like 'sit', 'down', 'shake paw', etc. to get a reward. They will train much more easily but watch the waistline! I have had no more difficulty training a basset than any other dog.

They are quite intelligent and good problem solvers-this can get them into trouble. I have had some people tell me they loved their basset but the s/he was as 'dumb as a box of rocks', probably not.

Bassets are independent and if they thought the hound didn't understand and was stupid, the hound just didn't wish to do as they asked. I love my bassets-sweet, cuddly, funny and loyal. They love kids and are usually anxious to see them.

Keep the ears clean and brush regularly and the maintenance is manageable.

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Answer by Mama
Right up my street this one .......... High Maintenance? In what way? They have an easy coat, (ears do need keeping clean), they can take as much or as little exercise as you are prepared to give (limited before a year to allow the bones/muscles to develop, but after that the more the better really). Feed - simple, but twice a day as adults because of Bloat (Gastric Torsion). I would be concerned about your 2-year-old sister, especially if you are thinking about taking on an adult but even with a puppy, they are a heavy breed, and a toddler trying to find her feet plus a puppy careering about could = a disaster!

Are you talking about Rescue? If so the rescue people should advise you, answer your questions. If you are talking about buying a puppy - ditto, a reputable breeder will be able to answer your questions and will be asking you some too.

Bassets are perfect family dogs. They thrive in a 'pack' - and the opposite if left long hours on their own. They are stubborn, but contrary to popular belief, not stupid. They train you!! If you take one on, be prepared to get another, and another -they are addictive. I know, we have had up to 12 in the past ................. Good Luck, and enjoy.

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Answer by Yoshi
YES!!! they need full attention all the time and can cause a lot of trouble, they are one of the hardest dogs to train, they can be cute though my sister has two and her life is wrapped around them

Answer by abhaya
Bassets are Great dogs but they can be a handful. They are scent hounds so they can be a bit difficult to housebreak. You need to be very consistent and patient. They slobber they have big flaps of skin at the mouth those hold slobber and water. You need to keep the nails clipped and ears clean. regular brushing helps with shedding. They also have the hound smell regular bathing takes care of it.

All that said they are wonderful dogs. and loyal. They tend to be couch potato so makes sure they get plenty of walks. and by all means, protect the back. don,t let them jump on and off furniture, etc. If you want them on the couch with you get a large footstool for them to use as a step so they don't have to jump.
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