Basset Hound health: what owners should know

The breed's shape brings known risks: spinal disc problems, elbow and hip dysplasia, bloat, ear infections, eyelids that roll inward or droop outward, and glaucoma. Responsible breeders screen parents for hips and elbows, have eyes examined, and avoid extremes such as very loose skin or deeply sagging lids. Ask about the parents' ages and health, and whether any relatives have needed back surgery.

Keeping the dog lean, using ramps instead of letting it leap from heights, and checking the ears weekly prevent a lot of trouble. Get to a vet urgently if your Basset has a swollen, tight belly with retching that brings nothing up, suddenly cannot walk normally or cries when lifted, or has an eye that looks red, cloudy or painful.