For all of you out there who want to get a Basset hound, there is a question that all of you need to ask. ”Are Basset Hounds high maintenance?” If you never had a Basset hound before, and you want to get a dog that won’t break your bank account, or interfere with your lifestyle, here is what my 10-year experience can tell you.
Are Basset Hounds High Maintenance?
Basset Hounds are low-maintenance dogs because they require very little grooming and just a short daily walk will satisfy their exercise needs.
Basset hounds are very cute and affectionate dogs that a lot of people are happy to have. All of us, dog owners, want to give our dogs the best possible life. Sadly, not all of us are able to do that due to finances or an active lifestyle.
The thing with Basset hounds is that they are not high maintenance in all possible ways. They are prone to a lot of medical conditions because of their body build. The older they get, they suffer from joint issues, back problems, diabetes, and other health conditions. On the other hand, they are considered low maintenance because a simple walk around the block is perfectly fine for them.
A Basset hound is a perfect dog for you if you have an active lifestyle and don’t have a lot of time to spend walking your dog. Also, if you want to have a peaceful household, then rest assured that a Basset hound won’t run around your house and make a lot of noise. They like to sit back and chill on the couch.
Basset Hound Maintenance
Basset Hound Energy Levels – Low Maintenance
As far as energy levels, Basset hounds are considered low maintenance because they are low energy dogs that love to relax all day long. You won’t find this dog running around your house or apartment.
Basset Hound Intensity – Low Maintenance
Basset Hounds are low-intensity dogs that do everything slowly. They walk slowly, eat slowly, and drink water slowly. Watching them will move around the house will make you fall asleep.
Basset Hound Exercise Requirements – Low Maintenance
Basset hounds require very little exercise which makes them a low maintenance dog in the physical activity field. If you live in an apartment, a simple walk around the bock is fine. If you live in a house, let him run in the backyard, if he wants to.
Basset Hound Trainability – Medium Maintenance
Basset hounds are very stubborn and independent dogs that can be a little bit hard to train. They are very intelligent, but only when they want to. You can get a Basset hound to listen to you through his belly (feed him lots of treats). Here is how to get your Basset hound through obedience training.
Basset Hound Tendency To Bark and Howl – High Maintenance
Basset Hounds were bred as hunting dogs. The barking and howling are still in their DNA. They will bark when they are unhappy or happy. They also bark when they want something, or just for the sake of making noise. However, you can teach your Basset Hound to stop barking. Here is how.
Basset Hound Separation Anxiety – High Maintenance
Basset Hounds enjoy human company. To be fair, your Basset hound will follow you even when you go to the bathroom. Almost all Basset hounds suffer from separation anxiety and they tend to bark and howl when they are left alone. See how to lower your Basset hound’s separation anxiety or expect a lot of complaints from the neighbors.
Basset Hound Amount of Shedding – High Maintenance
Basset hounds tend to shed a lot throughout the year. They have a short and smooth water-resistant coat which is fairly easy to maintain. But, if you want to keep things under control, you have to brush your Basset hound frequently.
Basset Hound Drooling Potential – High Maintenance
Basset hounds tend to drool all day long. It only gets worse when they eat and drink water. All of their saliva that is meant to soften the food for them will end up on your floor. There are ways to make your life easier by puppy-proofing your home.
Basset Hound General Health – High Maintenance
To be honest, Basset hounds are not the healthiest dogs out there. They are prone to a lot of medical conditions. Because of their body build, Basset hounds can suffer from joint issues, spine issues, diabetes, and many more health conditions. You can improve your Basset hound’s health by feeding him healthy food.
Basset Hound Vaccination Required – Medium Maintenance
Basset hounds require the usual vaccination that all other dogs need. Once you get your dog registered with a vet, they will remind you when your Basset hound is due for a vaccination. Here are the required vaccinations for your Basset hound.
Basset Hound Food Expenses – Medium Maintenance
When you see a Basset hound, your first impression is ”wow, this dog looks like he eats a lot of food”. In reality, Basset hounds are considered medium to large dogs and don’t eat a lot of foods. Usually, owners feed their Bassets one meal per day which they split into breakfast and dinner.
Basset Hound Tolerates Cold Weather – Medium Maintenance
Basset hounds can withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit which is -6 degrees Celsius. Although they are considered an indoor pet, a Basset hound can live outside if his house is properly isolated.
Basset Hounds Tolerates Hot Weather – Medium Maintenance
Basset Hounds and all dogs, in general, should not be exposed to hot weather for a long period of time. Once the temperature rises above 90 degrees Fahrenheit or 32 degrees Celsius, you should get your Basset hound inside. If you decide to go out for a walk, make sure that your pup is hydrated.
Basset Hound Adapts to Apartment Living – High Maintenance
Let me get this straight. Basset hounds can live in an apartment, but they don’t do well without any outdoor space. They want to have a spot where they can lay and sunbathe. You can take them out more often, but you have to be willing to spend more of your free time on your Basset hound.
Basset Hounds Adapts to House Living – Low Maintenance
Basset hounds will have a great time if you have a house and a backyard. There are some precautions that you have to take in order to puppy-proof your home and backyard. But, once you do that, your Basset hound will have a happy life.
