The saddest looking happiest dog ever!

Thats right its the basset hound which was bred as a tough and devoted hunting breed in England, the Basset is a laid-back family dog that loves children and a warm bed to snuggle in. The breed is long and low to the ground with short legs and humongous ears, typically weighing 50-65 pounds while only rising 14 or so inches from the ground at the shoulder and enjoying a lifespan of 10-14 years.

The Basset has a loyal following of admirers that are taken with the breeds' charm and sweet disposition that earns him high marks as a wonderful pet. A devoted and loyal dog, the Basset is easy to be around and does have a propensity towards being overweight if food intake is not carefully monitored and simple regular exercise is not enforced through regular walks. A short coat with moderate shedding is easily handled with regular, simple grooming sessions using a stiff brush. Due to this hound having a typical water repelling coat, the doggie odor can be curtailed with regular bathing and dog spray for in between bath time sessions. Their ears do require extra care however due to their weight and lack of airflow which is dealt with by regular ear cleaning practices.

Due to their short legs and weight, the Basset does best with moderate, regular exercise at a slower pace, keeping in mind that while this sturdy breed can handle any weather, extreme temperatures can cause overheating if exercising is overdone. The best exercise regime for this breed is consistency and regularity and a healthy diet to maintain a good weight as they have a propensity towards obesity. Known for a distinctive hound dog howl, the Basset is normally a quiet breed, saving its energy for when its necessary to sound the alarm.

Although they are very intelligent, the breed (as with most hounds) has a stubborn streak and does best with clear boundaries, positive training methods, food rewards, and early socialization to ward off any negative behaviors.