What is in a basset hounds habitat?

Answer 1

The Basset was bred for hunting small game. The Basset's long ears were developed to stir up and hold the scent for their strong nose to smell. The folds of skin under the chin, called the "dewlap", help trap and hold the scent. Wrinkles about the head and face also aid in holding the scent. Their large feet make them steady and the heavy bones make them sturdy. With their short legs they are ideal for slow trailing which allows hunters to follow on foot. The Basset is used primarily to hunt rabbit although they were first used on other small game such as pheasant.

The breed was first presented at a Paris dog show in 1863 which began the dog's popularity. Their popularity spread to England and feuds soon arose between those who wanted the dog to be more of a show dog, keeping them more as a companion dog and those who wanted to keep it as a hunting dog. The breed spread to America where breeders started developing a dog which they felt covered both hunting and companion / show traits. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885

Answer 2

If you want to keep it out side, then a regular dog house would be fine. A plastic one would be more durable and easier to clean. You will also need a long tie out cable because Basset hounds need space to spread out. The leash should be a vinyl coated steel cable for maximum durability; Basset hounds are stronger than they look and they wander when not tied up.

The dog house should be in the shade to keep the dog cool. If you live in an area where it gets cold in the winter, you should bring your Basset hound in (they're not designed for cold weather). They make great house pets and mine doesn't get into anything when left alone. Basset hounds don't like being alone, and you might find it hard to leave yours outside; mine will cry and bay until someone comes out to sit with him or we bring him back inside.