WHY do you want a Basset Hound?
Adorable Basset babies grow into very big hounds on short legs. Adult males are between 34-40kg, adult females 25-30kg, they are big dogs. All hounds are stubborn – but Bassets have made it an art-form. They certainly have a mind of their own, they are stubborn and regularly you will be talking to yourself,
If you want a dog to sit, stay, heel, play ball with, or obedience train, get a spaniel. If you want to go jogging or need a dog that is always alert you may be more suited to a terrier or Border Collie. If you are looking for a guard dog then don’t consider a Basset! They have a loud voice but being a pack hound they are gregarious and like to meet people.
Basset’s are sensitive hounds, you will need to make sure you are ‘top dog’ but you will need to do it in a gentle, but firm way. A Basset will remember a heavy handed approach. Jan Fennell’s The Dog Whisperer is a good insight into canine behaviour.
It is crucial that you do not over exercise a Basset puppy, just a short walk on a lead, or a play in the garden is plenty until they are around 8 months, then you can gradually increase it. By around 18 months a Basset will require a decent walk, twice a day.
Socialization is also important as soon as you get your Basset puppy, he will need to meet lots of people, including children and the elderly & he needs lots of experiences so he will be comfortable in most situations.
A Basset Hound has lots of energy, but is also a calm and placid hound and has a mischievous nature, is fun-loving and sociable.
Is a Basset Hound the hound for you?
Do you have time for a Basset, they are very demanding, do you have time to clean ears and teeth every week and give him a good brush? You may also have to cut his nails every few weeks
Do you have children. You might ask “Are they good with children?” . How about asking yourselves - Are your children good with dogs? It works both ways. Bassets will be kind and loving if they are treated with consideration and have their own special place to retire to when they are fed up with humans - a place where they are not disturbed, a cage or crate is a good idea for your young hound, but it is essential that you do not let children play in there. As with any animals NEVER leave children alone with them.
The WHOLE family must want a Basset as a pet. Do not buy a Basset as a surprise - it is not a toy to be discarded if unwanted. Breeders will want to meet all the family before selling you a puppy,
Bassets are an old pack hunting breed and they still have a hunting instinct, Bassets may wander off if you do not have a secure garden. Can you provide a secure, fenced area?
They are pack hounds and love the company of other animals and people. They will tolerate your being absent for a few hours, but if you leave them alone too long they will bay. Bassets don’t bark, they bay and they will bay if they are lonely. The bay of a Basset carries much more efficiently than a bark, you will be unpopular, and of course they will mess in the house and probably destroy it too. Think of the dog - not yourself!
Also how are you ever going to housetrain a Basset puppy if you are out at work? If you are not vigilant in those first few weeks they will take a very long time to train! and that won't be their fault - it will be yours.
Bassets are notoriously messy, not only do they moult constantly but they also have an extraordinary amount of slobber to deal with, if you are very house-proud this is probably not the breed for you.
Good breeders will want to know that you have really thought about the characteristics of the Basset and whether they are the hound for you. Be ready when you call to answer (honestly) lots of questions.
Please NEVER think of owning a Basset if you are out at work all day.
Will you spay or neuter you Basset?
All our puppies are Kennel Club endorsed ‘not for breeding’, and you will sign a contract that you understand this, and that you cannot breed from your Basset.
Can you afford a Basset?
On top of the initial purchase price, you need to consider the price of food, bedding – and of course vets bills – even with insurance vets bills mount up. The cost of owning a Basset (or any breed of dog) isn’t cheap.
Where will you buy a Basset from?
Research, research, research, the more information you get about the breed, its characteristics before you visit a breeder the better – use the internet, get a book or two, talk to owners, a great idea is to go to an event organised by one of the Basset Hound Clubs, (all the clubs arrange walks - people are welcome too!) – or even go to a dog show, get a feel for the breed, most Basset exhibitors are more than happy to spend time talking about the breed.
Good breeders would never advertise their puppies in local papers, free-ads or some of the less reputable Puppy Sales websites (we try to avoid any websites which sell designer dogs, Basset crosses, etc.), good breeders sell puppies either by recommendation or on more reputable registered sites (http://www.champdogs.co.uk ) or via the Kennel Club.
Respected breeders will be members of one or more of the Basset Hound Clubs, be known by the committees of those clubs, also all the club secretaries will have a list of breeders, most reputable breeders also show and have a long-term interest in the health and welfare of the breed – www.bassetpuppies.co.uk have a good page on what should worry you in a puppy advert.
It’s worth asking a breeder why they choose to have a litter, if they are breeding from a pet – why (it’s a myth that bitches should have one litter before being neutered).
When you visit you should see clean, healthy chunky puppies, they should be alert, inquisitive and warm, you should be able to meet the mother (and probably see a picture of the father, the most suitable stud dogs will probably NOT be owned by the breeder – in fact it is unlikely, unless you visit one of the bigger kennels). Puppies are usually Kennel Club registered, they will come with a pedigree, information and diet sheets, 4-weeks free insurance, a puppy pack and instructions on feeding, etc.
A good breeder will support you all the way, advice and help for the life of your Basset, good breeders will always want to keep in touch with their puppies new owners, they will be happy to assist where possible.
Good luck – like Marmite, you will either love them (and probably end up with more than one), or after researching realize that this isn’t the dog for you. It’s better to be honest to yourself and the breeder at an early stage. If after all the research you do decide a Basset is for you – hold on, its going to be fun, infuriating, messy, sometimes noisy but always fun!
This information is adapted from www.bassetpuppies.co.uk, a good and informative website, you should also get a copy of The Basset Hound by Marianne Nixon (ISBN 185279094-6) and The Basset Hound by George Johnston (ISBN 090884000)