All dogs have their desirable aspects and their less desirable aspects. Basset hounds can make wonderful pets but can present many challenges too. Some of their less appealing characteristics have to do with stubbornness, noise, shedding, gassiness, and chronic health problems. Let's take a look at some of these challenges a little more closely.
Stubborn
Basset hounds are stubborn. There's no getting around it. They are extremely independent and any type of training, even housebreaking them, can be a long and potentially arduous task. It can take up to six months of crate training even to accomplish this one basic and very necessary task. You will need patience and complete consistency to make headway with this breed. This is only the first of the challenges that you must keep in mind.
Loud
They're loud too. Their barks, although low, can carry a very long way and disturb you and everyone around you if this behavior is not curtailed. This particular trait won't make your neighbors into friends unless you put a stop to it quickly. Some issues, however, are entirely yours to deal with.
Messy
Basset hounds shed a lot of their short hair. It will end up attached to your hands, your clothes, and quite possibly every surface in your home. It may not be the worst thing in the world, but the extra effort required to clean up after all this shedding is something to think about. There is more to come from the realm of hygiene issues.
Gassy
This breed can be quite gassy too. This is, of course influenced by diet, but it's not something you want to be blind sided by once you get home with your new pet. A dietary plan consisting of real meat and other similarly fresh foods can help to take it down a few notches and make it much less of a problem, but otherwise it can be an issue. Still, there are more serious concerns.
Chronic Health Problems
Basset hounds are susceptible to a number of chronic health problems. Among the possibilities are joint problems, ear infections, and certain skin disorders. These are due to poor breeding practices and their unique body type. There are definitely challenges to be faced when taking in a basset hound.
Taking any dog in is a big responsibility. Basset hounds come with more than their fair share of challenges. They are strong-willed, loud, messy, have flatulence issues, and can be predisposed to health problems. It may sound like there is an endless parade of issues that come with this particular breed, but the point is really to know what you are getting in to so that you can be prepared for what's ahead. That way you can take all this with the joy of your new basset hound.
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