As you know we have two basset hounds, Belle and Willow. We've always heard about the odor that bassets have, but to be honest neither Abby (our previous basset) or Belle really had an odor other than just plain dog.
We got Willow in November and I have to tell you - Willow has THE odor. It is described as a musky smell. Some people describe it as smelling like Fritos. I couldn't put my finger on exactly what she smelled like. Then after 2 months it came to me...
Tuna Fish!
It isn't there all the time, but we notice it after we have been gone and they have been in Camp Bel-low (formerly known as Camp Belle, a.k.a the laundry room). We open that door, and uffdah! It is like stepping on a tuna boat!
Okay I've never actually stepped on a tuna boat, but I have a feeling it would smell very similar.
We also notice it when she gets really excited (aka lunchtime, car rides).
I know, looking at this picture it is hard to imagine her excited about anything, but trust me, when awake she can be a bundle of energy!
I did some research on the odor. Let's face it, if your dog smells like a tuna fish you want to know why!
I found out that basset hounds have oil in their skin that helps keep their loose skin flexible. It also allows for water to run off them when working in the fields. The closest Belle and Willow come to any field is running in the yard or at the dog park. And the word "work" and "Willow and Belle" in the same sentence is laughable. In the morning I say, "Let's go to work!" For me it means work. For Belle and Willow it means "let's go sleep in the office."
The article I read also said, "If you want a sweet smelling dog, the basset hound is not for you."
Amen.
BUT, if you want a comical dog with 2-inch legs and 8-inch ears, who is a great family dog and cuddler, and appears pretty pitiful in appearance, then the basset hound IS for you.
So if you stop over and something seems fish, it's just Willow.
LOL... Actually my Basset has an awful stink to him... When he has a bath it actually makes him smell worse... The odd part is he is almost three and I have just started noticing the smell.. hhmm
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting about your basset! What does yours smell like? I never thought much about it, but I bet them having a bath makes their bodies respond the same as being in the rain - it makes that oil go to work, so it probably does result in making them smell worse! Our vet says not to worry about too many baths at home(our girls get baths there when they are boarded). And I think they don't have the smell right away because if we smelled them before we had a chance to fall in love with them, it might be a deal breaker :)
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