ASK LOTS OF QUESTIONS
- a conscientious breeder will ask you questions to make sure their puppy is going to a good home. There are lots of sites on the internet with puppies for sale and how do you choose.- how do you know that you have found a breeder who cares about Bassets and is telling you the truth? Its a minefield out there and here are
some questions you could ask - don’t suggest you ask them all!!
How long have you owned Basset Hounds
Should have owned Bassets for over 4 years
How long have you owned the mother of the puppies? Has she had a litter of puppies
Before? If so when?
Should have owned the mother for at least 6 months. If she has had a litter before it must have been at least 1 year ago - if less - don’t buy!!
How long have you been breeding Basset Hounds
Most reputable breeders have probably been breeding for some years - but you may have come to someone whose first litter this is. If this is so you should have been recommended by an experienced breeder.Ask who is advising them and then email an advisor listed here to check
Do you only have Bassets or do you have other breeds as well
If they own more than 2 breeds think carefully
Do you belong to a Basset Hound breed club?
If so ask them which one & who is the Secretary - you can check with the Club Secretary
Do you show your Bassets
If not - what other activities do you they do? If none - why are they breeding
If you show your Bassets what have you won
Most breeders/exhibitors do so on a regular basis but some people say they show their hounds but they don’t - it just sounds good! You can check with an advisor who will find out for you
Do you have a Kennel Club prefix?
All breeders have a Kennel Club registered prefix for their kennel of which they are proud
Will your puppies be registered with the Kennel Club
All puppies should be registered with the Kennel Club
How many litters do you breed each year
4 would be a maximum number
What age do you let puppies leave
Should be over 8 weeks
Can I visit you again before I make my mind up?
Answer should be yes
If I leave a deposit and change my mind do you refund the deposit?
The answer should be Yes but some unscrupulous people are taking non-returnable deposits
Do you have a contract of sale and agreement that ensures that I can return the puppy to you if I can no longer care for it?
There should always be a contract of sale signed by both parties and preferably witnessed. Read it carefully
Will you take back my Basset or help me rehome if I find I can no longer care for him/her
All genuine breeders care about their Bassets and will always either take your Basset back or help you find another home.
Can you tell me about any health concerns with Bassets
If they answer none - run a mile
What paperwork do you provide?
Breeders should provide a 4 or 5 generation pedigree, a receipt, a sales contract which the breeder will keep a copy, Kennel Club registration (endorsed), worming certificate. rearing guide
