You would think a hound with long, droopy ears, mournful eyes and a body that seems to slither along the ground when it walks would be a creature of relative tranquility. On first glance, Basset Hounds seems to be the embodiment of docility, but is there a hidden beast lurking beneath that adorable, droopy façade?
Did you know that instead of a bark, Basset Hounds bay? They have a unique, deep throated and melodious baying that easily echoes through its surrounding. Some have even compared the sound to a wandering minstrel in the night. It’s a fact that many Basset Hound owners weren’t aware before they brought home their new dog. Don’t fret, though! The Emperor Napolean Bonaparte himself fell in love with the Hound’s distinctive vocal ability.
You might be asking yourself, is my Basset Hound’s deep baying a trait of being aggressive? Well, hopefully by the time you finish this article, you’ll have your answer.
Firstly, Basset Hounds were bred to be pack dogs that hunt by scent. It’s good to know they rank second, after Bloodhounds, in terms of the power of scent detection. Their acute sense of smell often kicks in as they are strolling along the park or even when relaxing at home. Over centuries, these dogs have been selectively bred to track scents over vast outdoor expanses.
Did you know the average Basset Hound’s nose is home to an incredible 220 million scent receptors? In comparison, we humans only have 5 million. This exceptional olfactory prowess proves vital in the dog’s historical job – helping hunters track game. When they sniff an enticing scent, they may “bay” out alerts to their colleagues that they’re on the right track. This can sometimes be mistaken as aggression, but it’s simply their natural way of communication.
Now, let’s clear the air: Basset Hounds, despite their unique attributes, are not typically aggressive dogs. Their friendly and laid-back nature makes them excellent family pets. They love children, curling up on the couch and enjoy being in the company of their human families. In fact, a lonely Basset Hound is an unhappy one.
However, like all dogs, Basset Hounds can show aggression if they are not properly trained or socialized. Basset Hounds can be a bit headstrong. They can be stubborn, like their distant cousin, the Bloodhound, and sometimes may not respond to commands at all. This is not aggression, but a nature of dogs bred for independent work. Training your Basset Hound requires patience, a calm assertiveness, and positive re-enforcement.
Basset Hounds are also food enthusiasts! Owing to their love for food, they can sometimes get protective if they perceive a threat to their cherished mealtime. In rare cases, this extends to toys or favorite spots in the house. This is also not outright aggression, but a sign of resource guarding, which can be curbed with proper training.
Lastly, it’s essential to understand that aggression can sometimes be a sign of fear or pain. These sweet dogs are known to suffer from certain health complications like ear infections or hip dysplasia, that could trigger an aggressive response.
So, to answer our question: are Basset Hounds aggressive? No, not inherently. They are gentle, affectionate and love to be a part of the family. Aggression in Basset Hounds is not at all a common trait, and when it does occur, it’s often an indication that something else is amiss.
To ensure that your Basset Hound remains docile and friendly, remember to adopt good training techniques, provide plenty of social interaction, and keep regular vet appointments to keep them in the best health.
The loving and unique nature of a Basset Hound, coupled with its lively spirit and deep sense of loyalty, should make any fears of aggression a distant memory. Embrace their unique howl as a nod to their fascinating lineage rather than a sign of aggression.
Here’s to our four-legged friends – may their howls echo through the night, singing songs not of aggression, but simply celebrating the long and thrilling chase of life. Basset Hounds, despite their sometimes sad expression, are not aggressive; they’re just friendly old souls who sing a little differently than the rest of us.
