Basset Hounds are a breed that often captures the attention of dog lovers with their lovable, goofy antics. However, before bringing one home, it’s important to fully understand the pros and cons of this companion. Here are 12 areas to consider:
1. Pro: Family Friendly
Basset Hounds make excellent family pets because of their laid-back personality. They enjoy spending time with their families, whether it’s running around with children or lounging on the couch.
2. Con: Too Friendly for Guarding
If guarding your property is your primary concern, then the Basset Hound is not the breed for you. Their social nature means they are often overly friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs.
3. Pro: Independent
Unlike some other breeds, Basset Hounds don’t necessarily feel the need to stick to their owners at all times. They are generally independent, confident dogs who do well alone or in social situations.
4. Con: Stubborn
The downside to their independence is that Basset Hounds can be very stubborn, making them challenging to train. However, with patience and consistency, they can learn.
5. Pro: Active Companions
Basset Hounds are a moderate energy breed that loves to go on adventures with their families. They don’t require excessive exercise, but they are well-suited for active households.
6. Con: Prone to Laziness
Despite their love for activity, Basset Hounds can also be quite lazy. Without enough exercise, they are prone to joint problems, diabetes, and obesity.
7. Pro: Great Sniffers
Basset Hounds are scent hounds bred with strong sniffing instincts. They are wonderful search and rescue or hunting dogs.
8. Con: Will Follow Scents Away
However, their love of following a scent can also be problematic if they wander off. It is essential to train them to have strong recall skills and keep them on a leash in unsafe areas.
9. Pro: Compact Size
Basset Hounds are a compact breed, making them a great fit for smaller homes that cannot accommodate larger breeds.
10. Con: Noisy
Basset Hounds are known for their unique bay and love to bark. This can be a significant challenge for apartment or condo living.
11. Pro: Adaptable
Basset Hounds are adaptable and can adjust to the lifestyle of their owners. They are great companions for families that consistently have visitors.
12. Con: Prone to Obesity
Finally, Basset Hounds love to eat and are prone to obesity. Without proper exercise, it is easy for them to put on weight, which can be harmful to their health.
Overall, bringing home a Basset Hound can be a wonderful experience full of love and companionship. However, their stubbornness, tendency to be lazy or noisy, and propensity for obesity require patience and dedication from their owners. With proper training, daily exercise, and a lot of love, Basset Hounds can make excellent family pets.
