A Basset Hound Puppy Curled Into the Coziest Little Crescent

Curled into a perfect crescent on a fluffy white rug, a lemon and white Basset Hound puppy is deep in a nap. His long ears fold forward over his closed eyes, his thin tail wraps around his hind legs, and his white paws are tucked under his chin. The living room around him is lived in and cheerful, with a sofa, a knitted blanket and a basket in the background.

Dogs curl up to conserve warmth and protect their bellies, an instinct that goes back to their wild ancestors. Puppies sleep a lot, and this is when they grow, learn and recover from the excitement of exploring. A Basset puppy can sleep for many hours a day, and a quiet, comfortable place is important. Put his bed away from drafts, and teach children to let sleeping pups rest. A soft, washable rug or bed with good support is helpful for a heavy-boned breed, since Bassets have large frames and short legs that need cushioning. Between naps, they need short play sessions and gentle walks. Don't worry if he twitches or whimpers in his sleep, as dogs dream just like we do.

The only sound in this room is the soft rhythm of his breathing. Everything else can wait until the nap ends. When he wakes, he will stretch, shake out those ears, and probably look around for someone to follow around the house.