Why does a basset hound have long legs?
Hailing from a mountainous region may explain why the basset (which is French for “low”) was bred to have short legs and large paws. His long ears, which help to stir around the scent that he’s tracking, along with his baying howl, can be attributed to his hound dog heritage.
Is it bad for a basset hound to be obese?
Basset Hounds who don’t get enough exercise can become obese, which puts additional stress on their bones and joints and causes more health problems. Basset Hounds need regular opportunities to stretch their legs in a safely enclosed area, like a dog park,…
What kind of exercise does a basset hound need?
But they do need more exercise than the typical slow walk around the block that many owners give them. Basset Hounds who don’t get enough exercise can become obese, which puts additional stress on their bones and joints and causes more health problems.
Why do basset hounds not run for miles?
Providing enough exercise. Basset Hounds were originally bred to run for miles. Unfortunately, modern breeders deliberately breed them with a deformed structure that is unhealthy. These dogs cannot and should not run for miles, else they destroy their already-iffy joints and bones.
Why does my basset hound have hip dysplasia?
Hip and elbow dysplasia are often linked to the laxity of the muscles, connective tissues, and ligaments which support your dog’s hip and elbow joints. As this condition progresses, the articular surfaces of the two connecting bones lose contact with each other.
Are there any medical problems for a basset hound?
Orthopedic problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia are very common to the Basset Hound. People usually do not think that hip and elbow dysplasia is a problem to the Basset Hound due to a common misconception that small dogs never suffer from these. Unfortunately, this is only a myth.
What does it mean when basset hound has short limbs?
The Basset Hound is bred deliberately to have this genetic deformity which is called Chondrodysplasia. “Chondro” means cartilage, while “dysplasia” means an abnormality in growth. This term is also referred to as canine dwarfism. Because the Basset Hound has short limbs,…
When to bring your basset hound to the vet?
This disease is excruciating for your dog and leads rapidly to his blindness. Some of the symptoms include watery eyes, squinting, bluing of the cornea and redness in the white parts of the eyes. This condition is a medical emergency. That’s why if you see these symptoms, bring your Basset Hound to your vet immediately.