Firstly can you ask yourself WHY you want a Basset?
.. If you have seen a cute and cuddly Basset on the TV
- don't be fooled! They grow up into BIG STRONG
hounds with a mind of their own. All hounds are pretty
stubborn - but the Basset is a bit more conveniently deaf than others. Having said that they are also quite sensitive so the Basset owner must be a KIND Sergeant Major!. Genuine breeders will want to know that you have really thought about the characteristics of the Basset and whether they are the hound for you
A Basset Hound has lots of energy but is also a calm and placid hound and he has short legs. 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.
Is a Basset Hound the hound for you?
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. We are always asked “Are they good with children?” . We always reply - Are your children good with dogs? I t 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.
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.
The WHOLE family must want a Basset a s a pet. There may be problems if Bassets are in a family where not everyone wants them .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,
Please NEVER think of owning a Basset if you are out at work all day. They are pack hounds and love company of other animals or people. They will tolerate your being absent for 4 or so hours, but if you leave them alone too long they will pee and deposit all over your carpets, howl the place down and chew up all your furniture. Think of the dog - not yourself! Also how are you ever going to housetrain a Basset puppy? If you are not vigilant in those first few weeks they will take a long time to train! and that won't be their fault - it will be yours. Breeders will not to place a Basset puppy in a home where it will be alone for excessively long periods
If you are looking for a guard dog then don’t consider
a Basset! They have a loud voice but being a pack dog
they are gregarious and like to meet people.
Will you spay or neuter you Basset Hound? Breeding
puppies is a big commitment and Basset breeders
always endorse their puppies to make sure that they
are not used for breeding without their permission.
Spaying or neutering your Basset is usually a good idea.
Can you afford not only the purchase price of a Basset Hound but also the running costs each year? New owners need to be aware of how much it costs to keep a Basset Hound. You may have insurance, vet bills, kennelling costs, feeding, bedding etc to take into account.
