Can Basset Hounds Have Blue Eyes?
Whether a Basset Hound can have blue eyes is a matter of debate amongst dog lovers. Although some people are opposed to these blue-eyed pooches, others claim that a genetic defect or poor breeding practices can cause the eye color in some dogs. However, the fact remains that hundreds of Basset Hound owners have blue-eyed Bassets. So, how rare is the condition?
What to Expect From a Blue Eyed Basset Hound
If you’re considering adopting a blue eyed basset hound, you’ve probably wondered what to expect. These dogs are small, low-set, and prone to chase things. This makes them an excellent family dog, but there are also certain things to consider when getting one. Blue eyed basset hounds have a strong sense of smell, so they shouldn’t be left unsupervised. It’s important to leash them when taking them on walks and when taking them to dog parks, where you should make sure they are safely secured. In addition, fences should be high enough to keep them from jumping over them. And don’t let them loose in the house, as they might run off.
While many dog lovers are wary of this appearance, it’s a fact that blue-eyed basset hounds are a healthy breed. Though blue eyes are not a breed-defining feature, they’re common in Basset Hounds. They are very intelligent and require intensive training. They also perform many services for their owners. And, unlike Pitbulls, Basset hounds don’t need a lot of attention or care to stay healthy.
Can Basset Hounds Have Blue Eyes
Although it’s rare for Basset hounds to have blue eyes, it is possible. This is a major fault of the breed standard, and if your dog has blue eyes, it will probably be disqualified at a dog show. There are many causes for this defect, which is most common in young dogs. An injury or nerve damage can cause the defect, and severe inflamed eyelids can lead to ectropion.
If you want a dog with blue eyes, you can try to look for one with a light or medium colored coat. Lighter-colored basset hounds generally have dark eyes. Although blue eyes are more striking for looks, blue eyes are only a cosmetic issue. The difference between the light and dark eyes is not significant. Typically, basset hound dogs follow the darker eye’s guidance.
While a blue puppy will be a desirable trait, a blue adult dog will be an unattractive addition to the house. The blue color is due to a recessive gene, and it is associated with a number of issues, including food allergies and skin problems. It’s important to note that a blue puppy with a black nose will turn grey and have unpigmented hair follicles, similar to human albinos. Additionally, blue Basset hounds can have dry noses and cracked paws.
What Does a Blue-Eyed Dog Mean
When a dog has blue eyes, it means the breed has a recessive gene. This gene is linked with many problems in humans, including skin allergies and periscoping intestines. It is not known whether the blue-eyed bassets can compete in dog shows or have any of the aforementioned conditions. Regardless of the cause of the blue eyes, blue basset hounds can make great pets and make excellent family companions.
While blue-eyed basset hounds have a genetic defect, it does not necessarily mean that they are albinos. Albinos are not able to produce melanin, which is responsible for their color. Pure albinos have no pigment in their skin, and can only be confirmed by genetic testing. Pure albinos will appear white to the naked eye. Despite its name, blue-eyed basset hounds have an extremely calm personality.
Despite their placid nature, Basset Hounds can develop eyelid problems, including entropion (the turn in of the eyelids), and thrombopathia. Both can lead to bluing of the cornea and infection of the white part of the eye. Your veterinarian can diagnose this condition and help you treat your Basset hound. This droopy eye condition is a serious medical problem.
How Rare is a Blue-Eyed Dog
A blue-eyed Basset hound has only one eye, and is not an albino. Albinos do not produce melanin, but can develop blue eyes if the parent dog has this gene. However, true albinos are rare. This is because these dogs lack pigment or the enzymes needed for the production of melanin. Although these dogs are rare, they are still very much possible to find, but genetic testing is needed to determine their rarity. If you are interested in obtaining a Blue-Eyed Basset Hound, you can start by looking at some of the following examples.
The first factor to consider is the color of the eyes. Basset Hounds typically have brown, hazel, or blue eyes, though there are some exceptions. While blue eyes are the most desirable, they are not necessary for optimal sight and are not a breeding fault. In addition to being an aesthetic feature, Basset Hounds have large, open nostrils, which are beneficial for improved tracking ability. They are second only to Bloodhounds in the size of their nose.
Do Blue-Eyed Dogs Have Problems
Do blue-eyed Basset Hounds have problems? This is a question many pet owners ask, but few can answer definitively. While the eyes are a prominent fault of Basset Hounds, it has little or no impact on health or hunting ability. The problem is purely an aesthetic one. Show breeders often lock in the unsound and unhealthy features of a dog, such as blue eyes, in order to achieve a perfect show dog. Blue eyes are not related to a genetic aberration, but they can occur if the dog has been exposed to irritants, has an infection, or has had a severe inflamed eyelid condition.
Many people who view blue color in Blue Basset Hounds as a genetic error encourage dog owners to steer clear of this particular color. They accuse breeders of polluting the breed and claim there are other problems associated with this gene. However, it should be noted that many pups start life with black and white coats. Tri-colored pups may also be partially black, with some black fading to dark brown within seven or eight weeks of birth. Puppies of other colors may become light brown or lemon colored. Some pups may even develop tan markings in their coats.
Blue Basset Hound – Is it Really a Rare Breed
There are many benefits to owning a Blue Basset Hound, and this article will look at a few of those benefits. One of these benefits is their easy-going nature. Blues enjoy the company of other dogs and cats. If introduced early, they can even get along with cats. Blue Bassets are genetically susceptible to eye diseases, including glaucoma, which can lead to blindness if left untreated. Other potential health risks include hip dysplasia, which causes the joints to be incorrectly formed. These dogs can also develop progressive retinal atrophy, which can affect the retina, causing a red eye and other signs of age-related vision problems.
The rare Blue Basset Hound is also susceptible to genetic disorders, which can lead to alopecia and periscoping intestines. Both sides insist on the welfare of the breed, though. Lemon Basset Hounds are not truly rare. They are actually a light shade of lemon. The closest thing to a true lemon coat is blonde fur. White Basset Hounds haven’t developed tan markings and are considered the most pure lemons.
Basset Hound Colors – The Many Hues Basset Hound
Basset Hound colors can vary throughout their lifetime. They may become lemon or red or get more yellow than black. They are affected primarily by genetics and the Melanocortin 1 receptor. This gene determines the color of the fur. However, there are some exceptions. Dogs with the e allele are typically red and do not have black hair. The other Basset Hound color variation is the blue-and-white.
In addition to their various colors, Bassets can have blue eyes due to a genetic condition. Blue-eyed bassets may have abnormally formed eyelids. The many hues of the Basset Hound make it a desirable breed. Color-feathered bassets are a rare breed, but do exist. While blue-eyed bassets may look more attractive, the other colors are often difficult to spot.
While black, white, and tan are the most common Basset Hound colors, they can also come in various shades of brown. Brown comes in many hues, from lemon to dark crimson. Blue is the least common Basset Hound color, but is recognized by some kennel clubs. Blue Bassets are rare. If you find a blue Basset Hound, it’s likely because they are recessive in the blue gene.
How to Care For a Blue Basset Hound Puppy
One of the most important parts of caring for a Blue Basset hound puppy is its diet. Although this breed isn’t known for being a good watchdog, it is a great companion animal. Despite its short legs, this breed isn’t good at swimming or running around the yard. To prevent this, make sure to feed your puppy at least twice a day. During this time, you can also check your dog’s weight by feeling its ribs. If it feels light, they’re healthy. If you notice any drooling, they are likely to need more food.
As with any dog, your Blue Basset hound puppy needs daily exercise to stay healthy. It’s important to give your puppy at least 20 minutes of exercise a day, as well as plenty of time for playing outdoors. While Basset hounds are not prone to many diseases, they do suffer from some common issues. These include glaucoma and gastric torsion, which require regular veterinary care. Eye problems are another common issue for this breed. Luckily, early detection is possible.
