The Basset Hound breed is incredibly versatile and can come in a variety of colors. This breed can be black, completely brown, or any shade in between. They do not produce pheomelanin, so their color is naturally faded over time. Some people, including breed enthusiasts, prefer to have their dogs with white tail tips, as they make them easier to track. For that reason, these dogs are often referred to as „dappled.”
Breed standard
The colors of Basset Hounds are white with black tickings. These are minute spots found on the lighter color coats. These colors also include a golden color. The most commonly seen color of the Basset is tricolor, which is similar to the Beagle’s coat. The color of the dog may change over time, and the base coat may turn brown at the top of the legs and around the ears.
Blue is a rare color among Basset Hounds. The AKC does not recognize pure blue Basset Hounds. However, other kennel clubs do recognize this color. Pure blue basset hounds are extremely rare and are not eligible for AKC registration. Blue Basset Hounds may develop allergies to certain foods and are not suitable for breeding. Blue Basset Hounds may also have dry noses or cracked paws.
Hounds have long, thick, and supple ears. Their ears are set low on the head and rest on the line of the eye. They may have slightly pendulous ears that drag the floor when they are down to scent. Over-pendulous ears are an unfavorable trait and may result in infections. The head and muzzle are both broad and long, with skin wrinkles around the eyes and brow. The upper lip may overlap the lower lip. Light hounds may have brown upper lips, and the nostrils may be over-puffed and protruding beyond the lip.
While pure black Basset Hounds are rare, black and white breeds are also available. This color is difficult to achieve, as black bassets often develop tan markings around the eyes. The elusive pure white color of a basset hound is also rare. In addition to black and white, some bassets are albino, though this color is not considered a pure white color.
Genetics
The Basset Hound is a small, sturdy canine with a coat that varies in color. Its blue color is a genetic error and is a cause for concern for dog lovers. They accuse breeders of polluting the breed and claim the blue gene is linked to various health issues. Many pups begin their lives with a black and white coat. Tri-colored pups may have some black, but it fades to a light brown color by the time they reach seven or eight weeks of age. Other colors may develop into lemon or tan markings.
The genetics of a basset hound consists of four major alleles: the E, G and T alleles. Allele E produces the black and red pigments. It is dominant in all Basset Hound breeds and is present in most of the species. The e allele is recessive in nature. Consequently, dogs with the e allele will have red hair while those with the ay allele will have a lemon color.
While a single mutation can cause these traits, researchers have discovered that two copies of the gene that is responsible for the short legs are actually a point mutation. The two copies of the gene shut down the growth of cartilage at the tips of the limbs. The researchers believe this to be the cause of the short legs in certain bassets. This research has been critical in determining why some bassets are stumpy in the legs, and Parker has managed to prove that it is a genetic problem rather than a breed trait.
The genetics of a basset hound are complex, but the traits of the breed are recognizable. The Basset Hound has a deep muzzle, and its skin is short and loose, making it less agile than other breeds. Basset Hounds also have the longest ears, making it easy to pick up scent in tall grass. While the breed is small, it is a great tracking dog.
Physical characteristics
The physical characteristics of the basset hound include long ears, a big heavy body, and short legs. The name is derived from the French word „bas”, which means low. The Basset is an excellent tracker and loyal pet. The breed is large in size, and the heavy bones give it a stoic, heavy-looking appearance. It has a dense coat of short hair that is often white or black in color.
The head of a basset hound is rounded with a deep muzzle, a long and wide muzzle, and wrinkles around the eye. Its snout is heavy and deep, and the nose is black and thick. The jaw is strong and well-developed, and the ears, while small, should meet the front of the dog’s nose and narrow gradually. The tail is slightly longer than the rest of the body.
Though not a high-energy dog, Basset Hounds should get 20 to 30 minutes of exercise a day. However, they are often attracted to strong smells and will chase them until they find them. They are also known for drooling, which is caused by the buildup of saliva on the jowls and flaps of skin around the mouth. These traits are important for a dog owner to consider when choosing a Basset Hound.
The name Basset comes from the French word „bas” meaning „low,” and the breed dates back to the 1500s. There are many theories about the origin of the Basset breed. Some claim that this breed is the result of a mutation of the Norman Staghound and St Hubert’s Hound. While there is no definitive proof, evidence suggests that the Basset hound evolved from a dog originally used to hunt badgers on horseback. In the 1800s, this breed of dog was developed and refined in England. It was a favorite among aristocratic French hunters.
Care
As with any other breed of dog, the care of a Basset hound involves certain precautions. Though their short coats are easy to maintain, they should be brushed weekly. In addition, their ears and eyes should be checked periodically for dirt. Bathing your dog as needed is also important. A basset hound’s skin folds are prone to trapping food and saliva, which can result in body odor.
Keeping your dog’s eye healthy is extremely important for its quality of life. Certain eye conditions are hereditary and may cause blindness if not treated. To make sure your Basset hound’s eyes stay healthy, he should be examined by a veterinarian every year. Eye conditions can be painful and may require surgery if left untreated. Every exam should include a thorough eye exam, which will reveal any abnormalities that may be affecting his eyesight.
Common conditions that affect basset hounds include wobbler syndrome. This condition affects dogs of all ages, but is particularly common in the Basset breed. If left untreated, this condition can lead to limping, weakness, or even paralysis. If detected early enough, treatment may include surgical procedures or medications. A doctor will be able to recommend an appropriate treatment. It’s essential to take your dog to the vet for an evaluation, since they can offer the best treatment for your basset hound.
Although Basset Hounds are not known for their barking, they’re not very noisy. This is a good thing, because excessive barking is a sign of a health problem. However, excessive barking can also signal a behavioral problem. These dogs can also be playful, which can make them susceptible to injuries. Because of their stocky bodies, they’re not great swimmers. Therefore, owners should be extra careful when taking them out in the backyard.
Choosing a breeder
There are several types of basset hound colors, including a variety of solid colors that are not recognized by the AKC. A solid lemon-colored Hound is an extremely rare color, and most of its puppies are mistakenly thought to have a lemon-colored coat. However, a true lemon-colored Hound is completely white at birth with no tan spots. In addition, a tan-colored Hound is often mistaken for a lemon-colored one.
If you’re not familiar with this breed, this article will introduce you to some of the main characteristics of this dog. As a general rule, Basset Hounds are calm and friendly indoors and out. However, you’ll need to dedicate ample time to playing with your new puppy. While Bassets are great pets for the family who enjoys active lifestyles, they will need some daily exercise.
The health of a Basset Hound is similar to that of other purebred dogs, but their unique shapes make them more prone to developing certain diseases. Hip dysplasia, or dislocation of the hip joint, is one of the most common health issues of this breed. While some Bassets may be genetically predisposed to developing this condition, some can be harmed by poor diet or lack of exercise.
If you have a preference for one color, you may want to choose a Basset breeder with a variety of colors and markings. Blue Basset Hounds are considered undesirable due to their recessive trait. They’ll lose pigmentation, which may cause other health issues, such as food allergies. Blue puppies with black noses will usually turn grey as they mature, and their hair follicles will be unpigmented, similar to human albinos. Additionally, blue Basset Hounds may have cracked paws or noses.Similar Posts:
