Is the Basset Hound the right breed for you?
The first question we would ask is why do you want a Basset Hound? Most people presume them to be lazy dogs who sleep by the fireside. Whilst they definitely do enjoy this when given the chance, it is definitely not the full picture! This is why we encourage potential new Basset Hound owners to visit us to view some adult Bassets & see what they are really like.
All puppies are cute & it is important to fully realise that little bundle you take home at 8 weeks old is going to grow rapidly into a big dog typically weighing 30-36kg (male) or 25-30kg (female). Bassets have lots of energy & thoroughly enjoy playing & interaction with people & other dogs of all breeds.
Please do not think of owning a Basset Hound if you are out at work all day. They can tolerate being left on their own for upto three or four hours maximum, but if you leave them for longer they will mess over your carpet, howl & chew up all your furniture out of boredom & frustration.
Any puppy is a big commitment & is going to need time, patience & round the clock company. Like humans, dogs go through the teething stage & during this time will chew anything & everything within its reach - it is part of development. Also like a baby, puppies like lots of attention & companionship or they will cry....in basset terms this means howl. Please remember the basset, being a hound, is very vocal & has the ability to howl & then some!
Puppies should be well socialised to ensure you have a happy, healthy puppy that will fit in with your family & everyday life. They are a great family dog & get on well with children who are old enough to treat them with consideration, as they have a very loving temperament.
Many people neglect to consider the long term costs of owning a Basset Hound (or any breed for that matter). The purchase price of the puppy is the tip of the iceberg, there are many ongoing costs associated with ownership of a dog incuding vet fees for routine scheduled vaccination injections, emergency vet fees, food, pet insurance & kenneling costs if you need to leave your basset while you travel. Before deciding to purchase a puppy, not just from us, from anyone, please carefully consider all of these important factors.
Recommended Reading
If you have not owned a Basset Hound before, we strongly advise you to buy a good book to read up on the breed in detail. One of the best we would recommend is 'The Basset Hound' by Championship Show Judge Marianne Nixon, owner of the Brackenacre Kennel.
This 192 page, hardbacked manual traces the descent of the Basset from the tall, straight-legged French version to its development in this country as a hunting & show dog.
The author gives expert advice on choosing, training, health & general care, showing, breeding, whelping and rearing puppies.
We are not alone in considering the book to be our Basset Hound Bible, it is available from www.amazon.co.uk or Pets At Home stores. ISBN 185279094-6, priced at around £20.00 it is worth every penny.