Why do basset hounds have big paws

You may have noticed that dog paws come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some dogs have wide paws, and others are narrow. Some dogs have rear dew claws, and others do not.

Some have hair between their toes, and others have webbed feet. Typically, larger feet correlate with higher height and weight as an adult dog. It makes sense why a larger breed like labrador retrievers needs bigger feet to support a heavier build and taller height. If you are just treating his pads for weekly conditioning, olive oil, coconut oil, or petroleum jelly will work to soften the pads and relieve minor cracks, scrapes, and cuts.

Apply your conditioner onto each paw pad. At 8 weeks old our largest puppy was from the first litter at 16 pounds 5 ounces. At 8 weeks old our smallest puppy came from the third litter at 8 pounds 8 ounces. And everything in between. They wanted a dog that they could take with them on hunting trips for getting rabbits, squirrel and other small game.

They grew in popularity in France, and once they had gained popularity in their home country, the French decided to bring one to President George Washington as a gift, for his hunting trips. Over time, the gained popularity for hunters during that era, and although they soon became recognized as a full breed of dog, the AKC did not recognize them as a full breed until The ears of a Basset are long for a reason, and that is to aid them in their tracking of scents.

Bassets use more than just their nose for tracking scents, they use their ears to stir up scents on the ground. When a Basset gets into tracking mode, their heads are low to the ground and their noses are busy sniffing. As they trot along, their ears drag along the ground, kicking up scents that make it into the nasal passage and they process it.

Blood Hounds work the same way, using their ears to help kick-up scents from the ground and around them, to detect what they are. They are prone to wax build-up and other issues, and require wiping them out gently with a warm wash cloth.

If you thought it was just the way that particular Basset stood, and was only a trait for that particular dog, that would be incorrect.

All Basset Hounds have outward turning front feet and there is a purpose behind it. They have wide shoulders for their short stature, which requires a balance mechanism. The positioning of their feet helps to keep them stable and balanced as they walk, run and track their hunt. Many people have a misconception about Basset Hounds that they are stubborn and hard to train. Basset Hounds are not really stubborn, at least when it comes to training them.

Many people just do not realize what the best way is, when it comes to training this breed. Bassets are very much, food-driven dogs and will respond very well to treats and food for reward. If you try to use the punishment-based training method, it will not work because they will not respond. The problem I have with the term 'stubborn' is it sets the tone for the training. Certain things are going to be more difficult to accomplish with them than others because it's not their forte.

Their forte is putting their nose to the ground, following a scent, and baying. They're not going to be quick to take to obedience work. Because basset hounds were bred as a pack dog, they get along well with other pets—dogs and cats alike—and prefer to have company at all times.

The amiable basset hound can adapt to most living situations. Though they move slowly, basset hounds can be single-track minded and wander off at the whiff of a scent with no regard for their surroundings. They'll get a scent and all of a sudden they're on autopilot.

Basset hounds prefer leisurely walks and can be a good lesson in slowing down to smell every. Basset hounds are prone to loneliness , and with loneliness comes long periods of howling and other undesirable behaviors. Having a companion—human or animal—for your basset hound will help keep these behaviors at bay and your neighbors happy , the BHCA says. Because of their weight and build, basset hounds shouldn't be required to climb too many steps. They should always be lifted onto and off of furniture and into and out of cars as these repeated hard motions can cause serious health issues.

Overall, basset hounds make great pets for a myriad of lifestyles. If you can provide daily walks and patient, consistent positive reinforcement-based training , they will be more than happy to stick by your side.

If you're frequently away for long periods of time, you may want to reconsider a basset hound. It's important to consider your lifestyle before committing to any dog. Talk to a basset hound breeder or rescue group about expectations to see if this breed is a good fit for you. A basset hound named Lafayette played a key role in chasing off a meddlesome butler in Disney's The Aristocats. The basset hound's short coat is low-maintenance and easy to groom, but weekly brushing will keep shedding under control.

Same goes for your basset hound's eyes and face folds: They should be cleaned of any debris multiple times a week and given periodic baths to keep their skin healthy—and limit their sometimes-stinky hound smell. Regular brushing is a good time to check for coat sheen dull hair can mean a lack of nutrients in his diet , nail length, and ear and dental health. A basset hound's nails should be trimmed frequently —if you can hear them tapping against the floor, they're too long.

The Basset Hound Club of America recommends brushing a basset hound's teeth with specially formulated canine toothpaste twice a week. Though at-home care can keep your pup healthy, you should still take him to regular veterinary appointments.

Always reach out to your vet with any concerns. Basset hounds will require extra weekly care to their ears , as their long floppy shape can prevent proper air circulation and lead to infections.

You run a basset in the field, they're going to come back with all sorts of junk in their ears because they're dragging along the ground. Basset hounds' eyes are also prone to collecting debris, so it's important to clean around the eyes daily to avoid preventable health issues.

This breed's ability to focus is second to none on the trail, but it suddenly disappears when obedience training begins. Basset hounds can be headstrong and, because of this, are slower to train. They were bred to put their nose to the ground, follow the scent, and make no noise all along the way," Kilcommons says.

That is hardwired into them. To make progress with this breed, you have to turn the training into a game, where it's something you're doing together. Get some food, get some toys, get on the ground and play. All of a sudden, the nose is coming off the floor. The basset hound has a lifespan of 12—15 years.

Like all breeds, the basset hound is prone to certain health conditions. The Basset Hound Club of America strongly recommends breeders test for thrombopathia and complete a thorough ophthalmologist evaluation.