the skinny on basset hounds?

[bradley300]

interested in everything about them that makes them a good or bad house dog. slobber, barking, shedding, energy, they are cute for sure, but how are they with being inside, more of a hassle than they are worth? better as an outside dog? thanks for the help!

 

[cowgurl6254]

I almost got a basset last year, but after doing lots of research, I decided they weren't the breed for me. They are adorable obviously, but they tend to be stubborn. They also tend to be couch potatoes, and I needed a dog with more energy. As far as barking goes, bassets don't bark like other dogs. It's a weird sound and they tend to be vocal.

 

[Zoom]

They are quite cute and most love to cuddle and be petted. The biggest downsides tend to be health related--very prone to chronic ear infections because of those long floppy ears, leg and back problems because of the height/length ratio and the oddly bent front legs--though not all have these; I know a couple that are fairly straight and then one dog that had to have it's legs broken and reset in an effort to straighten them out so he could properly walk...they're still incredibly crooked. Some eye issues because of the droopy look. Most are quite vocal and have a very loud hoarse braying bay instead of an actual bark. They are pretty stubborn as well. They also love to eat and can pack on the pounds if not watched and exercised enough.

But you can find some good ones! A co-worker has one and he's a great little dog.

 

[StillandSilent]

Like most hounds, they have to be carefully supervised in order to keep them from wandering off. THey also tend to grow obsese and have to have portions moniters. And all the bassetts I've ever known have been whiners. Don't need anything, just follow you around whining.
But they tend to be real laid-back. They love kids.