I was a basset hound owner for 15 years. My family got our one and only basset hound when I was just eight years old. She was flown to us from Georgia (which inevitably became her name) and it was love ever since. Though basset hounds aren’t the most athletic dogs nor do their long sausage bodies and stubby legs make for easy access onto the couch, they make you fall in love with them with their adventurous spirits and long-eared faces. Here are 15 reasons why basset hounds make the best dog-friends!
1. Their infamous ears
No other dog breed out there is famous for their ears like basset hounds are. Their long, droopy ears, though sensitive to water, are one of the popular asset to bassets that give them their goofy, lovable look!
2. Wrinkles for days
Bassets are short-haired dogs so their fur is very fine and thin unlike say, a golden retriever who has very long hair. Because of this, and because bassets are also known for being on the chunkier side, what I like to call their "little chunk rolls" are more noticeable on them. But in my opinion, I think basset embrace their curves and their rolls!
3. Sad eyes, happy personalities
Look at that sad face! But don't be fooled. Though bassets have droopy eyes just as much as their droopy ears, bassets are happy dogs! They love nothing more than snuggling up beside you on the couch or soaking up some sun on the back porch!
4. Basset puppies are the CUTEST.
5. Hound laziness
Besides their looks, I believe bassets are known for being one of the laziest dog breeds out there. But that's okay! I believe bassets make good matches for an older couple or an owner who just loves to have a constant couch snuggle buddy. But I know from experience, bassets are very quick and athletic - but usually in small bursts. My family's dog Georgia picked times when she wanted to be full of energy and also when she wanted to be lazy. She would go from chasing us kids around the pool to stopping mid-walk and lay down on the concrete with no sign of budging. So their laziness can be cute when snuggling up on the couch during the movie but when you're trying to take them on a walk on a hot summer day and they decide to take a little nap, it's not so cute!
6. Their fashion sense!
I know from experience that bassets can be very fashionable dogs! Or maybe it's just their very high tolerance for letting their owner's dress them up.
7. A smile to lighten anyones day!
Whether running at you at full speed or just begging for a treat, these dogs, with their floppy ears and gooey tongue and wrinkles all around, will always keep you laughing!
8. Their unconditional love
Every dog, when loved and treated right, will love you no matter what. I'm sure I'm bias when I say that basset hound love is something unique. Though lazy and would love to lay on the couch all day, they'll still jump off the couch and greet you when you come home. They'll let curious children pull their ears and grab their paws without even a growl. And they're so very protective - one knock on the front door will send a basset howling the house down! After Georgia passed I don't think I could get another one, just because how special her love was to me and our family. But I'll always be able to look back on the memories we were blessed to have with her.
