Perhaps one day you were walking around the park and you happened upon a peculiar looking dog, a dog with long flapping ears, a long body, very cute and lovable. You decided you just had to have one! Well this would happen to be a Basset Hound!

That is what happened to me. The very first time I saw one, I just knew I had to have one. But before I got one, I decided to do some research on them.

This is what everyone should know about Basset Hounds.

Good Natured, Lovable, and Talkative

Basset Hounds usually have a good temperament. They are good-natured. They look sad a lot, but in reality, they're really quite happy. They also get along well with children. In fact, they are very loyal dogs. However, unlike other breeds, they can be loyal to entire families.

Owner's say bassets seem to "talk" in a low whine to get there owners attention. The Basset is really a vocal breed. They bark and howl to get their owner's attention or when something is bothering them. Although, due to their laid-back demeanor, nothing really bothers a Basset so it does not happen often. Still, if you can't handle a vocal dog, a Basset is not for you.

Basset Hounds Tend to Wander Off

Bassets should be on leashes when they are going for walks. They tend to follow their nose and don't have a very good track record of finding their way home. It is up to the owner to protect them from their wandering ways. Keep them on a leash and make sure the yard has a good fence.

However, they do tend to lean toward the lazy side. This is really one of their more endearing traits!

History of the Breed

The basset hound originally comes to us from France. They were bred to hunt rabbits. The word Basset comes from the French word "bas" which means "low" or "dwarf". They are descendant of St. Hubert's Hound, which is very similar to a bloodhound.

The Sad Side of Bassets

This has been a very short introduction to the wonderful world of Basset Hounds. They are a beautiful breed of animal and I love them. Doing research, though, I noticed a ton of basset hound rescue organizations. Unfortunately, people get them not knowing they drool. Then they give them away. This is an all too sad and true occurrence. If you can't handle a bit of slobber, then please find another dog.

If you intend on getting a basset hound, try there first. But if this is a spur of the moment decision, don't bother. Only get a pet if you sincerely intend to take care of it and keep it. Too many of these animals end up in shelters or abandoned.