Did you know that Basset Hounds, one of the most recognizable dogs due to their unique and adorable physical characteristics – the long, droopy ears and sad puppy eyes, were initially bred to be hunting companions? They possess a second-to-none sense of smell, with over 220 million scent receptors, only surpassed by the Bloodhound. With such heightened sensory skills, you might think they’ll make excellent guard dogs. But the truth might surprise you.
Basset Hounds are not cut out to serve as guard dogs in the conventional sense. Their friendly, easy-going nature and love for large amounts of sleep make them less than ideal for the role. If you’re interested in owning a Basset Hound, you need to understand what they were bred for and what they could realistically provide as pets. No guard dogs here, folks, but the Basset Hounds bring a whole bunch more to the table!
Let me paint you a picture. A stranger approaches your house. He isn’t familiar with the house rules as you are. Suddenly, the dog senses the unfamiliar presence. Would it growl, bark furiously, and pounce on the stranger? With a Basset Hound, most likely not. Instead, a Basset Hound might raise an inquisitive eye, give out a mild woof if the situation demands, before stretching and going back to sleep.
The Basset Hound’s history goes back hundreds of years, specifically in France during the 1500s, where low-to-ground hounds were treasured for their tracking abilities. These hounds became the ancestors of the Basset Hounds we know and love today. Immensely skilled in tracking down game, they specialize in hare and rabbit hunting. Thanks to those droopy ears, smells get stirred up from the ground and send direct signals to their fragrance-sensitive noses.
Wondering if this nose-oriented nature would be useful in home security, akin to sniffing out uninvited guests? Not so much. Basset Hounds are known for being especially friendly. They’re excellent companion dogs and they adore children. Plus, they get along well with other animals too. They love a good petting session and a comfy place to sleep. Their motto could very well be ‘Why waste energy on barking when you can sleep?’
However, don’t think Basset Hounds are completely useless in the home security department. Their deep bark can act as a deterrent because it sounds like it’s coming from a much larger dog. If the unfamiliar sound or smell arouses their curiosity, Bassets may also bark to draw your attention or express concern. Even so, expecting them to attack an intruder is utterly unrealistic. More than anything, their bark will signal that someone new is around, leading them straight back to you for further instructions – or a treat!
With their peaceful nature, it might surprise you to learn that Basset Hounds have been used in police work. Their tracking skills are sometimes employed in finding lost individuals or tracking down criminals, not in an aggressive, apprehend-the-bad-guy way, but rather a follow-the-scent-and-guide-the-officers job.
Getting a Basset Hound can be a fantastic addition to your family, especially if you have kids or other pets. They’re gentle, good-natured, and slow-paced, which make them great for kids who want a pet they can interact with safely. On the other hand, Basset Hounds are not ideal for those who want a guard dog or live a very active lifestyle as these dogs are notorious for their love of long naps and averse to intense physical activities.
When it comes to their health, Basset Hounds are prone to certain conditions due to their physical characteristics. Ensuring they maintain a healthy weight is crucial as obesity can lead to back and leg problems. Routine veterinary visits are a must to keep these loveable companions in top shape.
In conclusion, while Basset Hounds may not be suited to perform guard duties, they are winning millions of hearts worldwide due to their friendly disposition, charming demeanor, and head-turning look. As a sweet and loyal companion, this kind and affectionate breed is an excellent choice for any family – just don’t expect them to pull night shifts on the lookout for shadowy figures!
Who knows? Maybe a squirrel enters your yard, and your ever-so-trusting Basset Hound lets out a unique warning bark, and the squirrel scampers away, and your day is saved. In their little hearts, perhaps they believe they’ve just saved their beloved human from an imminent squirrel threat, and that could make them the best guard dogs! After all, the pen is mightier than the sword, and a bark might just be mightier than a bite!
