Rope Toys

Rope Toys come in variety of sizes, lengths, and shapes.  Some have additions for various entertainment like attached toys or bones, multiple knots, or handles.  Rope toys are made of cotton with highly knotted ropes, and owners must remember to take care to get the appropriate size for their dog.  A rope toy should not be able to fit completely into a dog's mouth.  Rope toys are interactive toys that should be for supervised playtime only.  NEVER leave a dog unsupervised with a rope toy.  After playtime is over, remove the rope toy and place somewhere the dog cannot get it on his own.  Rope toys can be used to play many games, including helping teach fetch, and can be soaked in cold water to help with teething puppies.  Rope toys are NOT recommended for aggressive chewers.  Because rope toys are soft, they are also not recommended for problem chewers because some dogs can mistake the rope you for fabric and clothing.

 

Breed of the Month--Basset Hound

Basset Hound


Color:  Tricolor, (black, tan, white), bicolor (lemon, white)
Height:  13-15 inches
Weight:  50-70 lbs
Life Span:  10-12 years


Breed Health Concerns:  Allergies, ear infections, eyelash and eyelid problems, thrombopathia, intervertebral disk disease, enostosis, back and joint problems.


Coat:  Dense, short, hard, smooth
Country of Origin:  Great Britain

Visit the American Kennel Club for breed standards and more information.

The Basset Hound was developed from other French hounds used for hunting.  The ancestry of the Basset Hound is French, but the breed was perfected in England.

The Basset Hound is gentle, kind, sweet, devoted, and naturally well behaved...he is always a friend.  He is actually not clumsy, but can appear to stumble and waddle as he walks.

The Basset Hound, like many hound breeds, is not always the best choice for a city life.  This breed was reared for hunting and has a very loud, deep voice that he enjoys using.

Exercise:
The Basset Hound has no interested in moving anywhere too quickly, and will be happy with a short walk every day where he can use his nose to smell all the wonderful things outside.

Grooming:
The Basset Hound's coat is fairly easy to care for, but his skin requires extra attention.  It must be kept clean and free from infection.  The Basset Hounds ears and eyes must also be cleaned regularly and kept free from infection.

Training:
Bassets may sometimes need some extra time to learn basic obedience.  The Basset is highly motivated to please, and using positive reinforcement training will help the breed learn with more ease.

All that extra skin can make this breed quite comical at times!