A dog becomes an extremely special part of a family, especially when it grows up with your children. Finding a faithful and loving pup that will not only tolerate your kids but also love them and watch out for them, is an amazing thing. A dog has an impeccable ability to endear itself to humans, and when we find the perfect pooch, we are smitten from day one.
Of course, just like humans, a dog comes with his own unique personality, temperament, and habits, and it’s up to you to do your due diligence and decide if your future furry housemate is a good match for a home with kids. Certain breeds make excellent companions but tend to be better suited to a one-owner situation, while other breeds are used to being part of a pack and thrive on living with a family. A Basset Hound is one of the latter, used to hunting in packs, this floppy-eared dog enjoys being around others, and does well with both children and other pets.
The Basset Hound: Family Dog and Friend
Here are 8 reasons why a Basset Hound is an excellent choice for a home with kids and can be the best family dog:
- A Basset Hound is very loving.
- A Basset Hound is a sturdy dog with lots of stamina, which means he can keep up with energetic and active children.
- A Basset Hound is friendly and outgoing.
- A Basset Hound loves to be around people, including children.
- A Basset Hound has an easygoing nature.
- A Basset Hound is very playful.
- A Basset Hound is patient and very tolerant of noise and lots of activity.
- A Basset Hound is loyal and protective of his family and will look out for your children.
Getting To Know the Basset Hound
There is no question that a basset possesses some of the most sought-after traits you would want in a dog that spends a lot of time with kids. However, when you’re researching potential pups to add to the family, it isn’t all about personality (although it plays a very big part). You also need to consider factors like size, required care, and your budget when you determine if a pup is a good fit for your family. For example, if you live in a small apartment, you definitely don’t want to adopt a sweet puppy that seems to be perfect with your kids, only to realize that he will be about 200 pounds when fully-grown.
Knowing the basics about the breed you plan to bring home is a must so you can ensure your relationship with your pup can grow and last over time.
Here are some good-to-know facts about the playful and gentle Basset Hound:
SIZE
A Basset Hound hugs the border between a medium and large breed, so if you’re sold on this low-key pooch but would prefer the smaller end of the scale, consider choosing a female. The females of a breed tend to be smaller than the males, although that doesn’t guarantee you’ll end up with a smaller pup. Bassets stand roughly 14 inches high and some can reach up to 15 inches, and bassets weigh between 40 and 65 pounds.
LIFE EXPECTANCY
A Basset Hound’s average life expectancy is 12 to 13 years. Whether you get your dog from a breeder, or you decide to adopt or rescue your new pal, knowing a pup’s lifespan can help you decide whether you want to purchase or adopt a younger or older dog. This is especially important if you have young children and want a dog that can grow up with your kids.
GROOMING NEEDS
A Basset Hound has a short coat, but don’t be fooled into thinking that means you won’t have to brush him regularly. Despite his short coat, a basset sheds a lot, which means you need to brush him a few times a week to help get rid of dead and loose hair. This routine brushing keeps your pup (and your furniture) clean, in addition to an occasional bath to help his coat stay nice and shiny.
You also need to make sure his nails are regularly trimmed, keep his eyes clean, and attend to regular dental care. A basset hound should have his teeth brushed twice a week with a special doggy toothpaste. Also, a basset’s ears are prone to mites and infections since they hang low and don’t allow air to circulate, so it’s imperative to regularly check and clean his ears.
HEALTH ISSUES
As mentioned above, this pup’s droopy ears make him susceptible to ear infections and ear mites, so it’s important to stay on top of grooming when it comes to cleaning and checking his ears. You can also use an elevated bowl with raised sides to help keep your dog’s long ears from falling into his food and water. Reputable breeders will screen for a variety of other conditions in this breed, including hip dysplasia, glaucoma, luxating patella, and elbow dysplasia.
EXERCISE NEEDS
A basset doesn’t require too much exercise, but he loves to play. Therefore, a daily walk and a few play sessions with the kids are often all this dog needs before he settles in for a long nap. It’s worth noting that this dog is not very good in the water, so swimming is probably not the best choice for playtime.
Since this pooch loves to be a part of a pack, family walks are a great way to spend time together and bond. You can let older children hold the leash and use the walks as a way to assign some responsibility for your basset’s care to your kids. Even though this breed doesn’t need a lot of exercise, regular activity is still important to make sure your furry friend doesn’t end up overweight.
TRAINING
This pup can be pretty smart, but he can also be very stubborn, which can end up making training a little tough. However, it’s not impossible, and with early socialization and lots of yummy rewards, you can train your basset to be a well-behaved, well-rounded companion. Make sure to keep training sessions positive and consistent, and over time your pup will respond very well.
Basset Hounds and Kids
There are many ways you can characterize a basset hound: family dog, hunting companion, couch potato, and of course, loyal friend. Still, if you plan to add any pup into your family, proper preparation is always important. Make sure all children in the household know how to appropriately interact and touch a dog, as well as basic rules and expectations, such as don’t go by a dog when he is eating. It’s also important to set early expectations with your new pooch as well and make sure that training starts right away. If you check all of these boxes, your basset hound can become a wonderful and loving addition to your family.
If you decide you’re ready to take the plunge and add a basset hound to your tribe, then your next step is to find the perfect pup. You can adopt a dog or find one through a reputable breeder. A great starting point is petfinder.com, and if you decide to rescue a basset, check out some of the different basset hound rescue groups that have many precious pups looking for a new home.
You can find more great tips and resources about pets by checking out the rest of our blogs. At Neater Pets, we make it our goal to give you helpful information in one place so you can give your pets the very best!