Basset Bottom Bassets
European Basset Hounds
Is the Basset Hound right for you?
The Basset Hound is a suitable dog for almost any situation, as long as he is treated with love and respect and given adequate care for his particular needs. The Basset's History makes him adaptable to a myriad of situations including work (as a tracking or field companion, a skilled therapy dog), exhibition (obedience, agility, conformation, and the like) or simply being a pet for an owner of almost any age. Usually a docile and calm animal, the Basset is definitely a "people dog" and should never be considered by anyone who is not going to be able to enjoy a lot of quality time with his or her dog.
City or Country
Although a large dog, most Bassets are easily adaptable to apartment living, as long as they are given adequate walks on a leash, although most would prefer a nice sized yard or enclosed field for romping.
Exercise Needs
Basset's need only moderate exercise; however, the couch potato Basset will be prone to pack on extra pounds that can be very detrimental to his health, given his long, low profile. It is advised that any Basset be given regular exercise either in a confined, fenced area or on a leash. Short daily walks that are strictly for toilet purposes are not enough exercise to keep extra pounds from showing up on the Basset's body.
Attention
Although a Basset Hound is adaptable to almost any type of living arrangements (provided that he has adequate room for exercise), he will be Happiest in a home where someone is home with him during the day, and preferably in a place that has a secure fenced area where he can occasionally romp and play on his own. The average Basset Hound is a versatile dog who will likely be just as much at home in the field on hunting trips as he is in your backyard fetching tennis balls for the neighborhood kids. Left alone for long periods of time, a Basset ( like any dog) will become bored and can get into trouble. Their voice is definitely part of their character, and many learn to love the sound of their own voice bouncing around empty rooms or yards. This can definitely cause a problem for the owner with nearby neighbors.
Other Pets
Because Bassets were bred to hunt in packs they are excellent additions to any multi-pet household, as long as the initial introductions are handled well
Training
The Basset is a sturdy, loyal pet who is easy to train ( as long as training sessions are kept interesting). He can be quite stubborn at times, so if you're not willing to be patient and creative during training sessions, keep looking for your perfect pet-it won't be a Basset.
The Dreaded Drool
Although the Basset makes a wonderful companion, he is not the perfect dog for everyone, If you are an exemplary housekeeper who finds dog hair and slobber offensive, it's best to look for another breed. Bassets shed no more than any other breed, and less than some, but their slobber and drool is usually very effusive and can be quite difficult to get used to. The Primary reason for owners turning a Basset in to a rescue network is the amount of drool they can create and "share"
Grooming Needs
Although Bassets are considered "wash and wear" dogs, they are Prone to the body odor that is familiar to most hound breeds. People who live with a lot of hounds don't notice the smell after a while, but newcomers find it hard to miss. Many times, the odor associated with a Basset won't stem from body odor at all, but come from his ears. Because the ears are low and pendulous, you may find them prone to infections and other medical maladies from lack of air circulation,
Outdoor Supervision
If you can't keep him confined or extremely well supervised every moment he is out of doors, it's best to choose a different breed. Any Basset that is allowed to get his feet under him as he chases a smell will be a lost Basset in minutes. Because of their ability to cover large areas of ground in a short amount of time, a lost Basset may remain so even with the most diligent of searches. Since this is a Hound breed, bred to trail prey through thick underbrush, their sense of smell combined with an inquisitive nature makes it impossible for them to be allowed out into the world on their own without supervision and makes it necessary for them to be kept controlled on a leash.
Children
The Basset's intelligence and adept clumsiness, paired with his loyalty and trustworthiness, make this breed one of the most desired for a family pet. However, it's impossible to answer the question, "are Bassets good with children?" without first answering the question, "Is this child good with dogs?" Children should be taught how to interact with animals, especially dogs, long before you consider adopting a dog as a pet. Children and dogs left alone together with no supervision are an accident waiting to happen. Dog bites very seldom occur when a parent or guardian is supervising their interaction. No dog should be expected to continually take abuse at the hands of any human, no matter how small those hands. Children should be advised of the dangers of teasing or provoking any dog, and when problems occur, common sense should be exhibited before you jump to a conclusion that can have disastrous results for and innocent dog. Problems between dogs and children are usually easily preventable with a combination of responsible dog training and responsible parenting.
Take the Basset Quiz
Have you decided if you are indeed a Basset Hound person? Let's see how you honestly answer the following questions:
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*Are you and your entire family committed to spending the next 8 to 12 years providing health care, food, grooming, training, and love for a family pet?
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*Do you have the time available to take your dog for walks and to the vet? to bathe and groom your Basset as often as necessary?
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*Will you be willing to teach your children to respect your dog's space, and teach them to handle and treat the dog properly? Will your children follow the "house rules" you've set for the pet?
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*Are events in your future coming that could provide life-altering changes? Things such as having a baby, caring for elderly parents, a divorce or job change, financial insecurity, that might alter your ability to care for a pet? If these things came up unexpectedly, would taking care of your Basset still be a top priority?
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*Is your personality conducive to responsible dog ownership? Are you patient? Flexible? Loving and nurturing? Are you a neat freak who wants everything in its place both inside and outside your home? Would dog hair or drool on the furniture be considered a major problem?
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*Are you physically, financially, and emotionally able to care for a dog on a day-to-day basis?
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*Is your home environment prepared to adequately accommodate a Basset? Or are you willing to make the investment of time and money necessary to ensure that it is? Is your yard, or a portion of it, securely fenced?
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*Will you or another family member be home during the day, at least for a while, to attend to your new pet's needs?
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*Do you have the time and inclination to train a new puppy? If the answer is "no" would you consider adopting an older dog as a companion, instead of a puppy?
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*Do you enjoy meeting new people? It's a given that taking a walk with your Basset Hound will bring attention to both you and your pet, and passers-by will inevitably stop you to chat about the "Basset they had as a child" or how they "always enjoyed hunting trips with their dad and family Basset Hound when they were growing up."
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*And, last but most important, are you ready to share your home with an ebullient clown who will find or create humor in any situation-one who will love you with an astounding devotion, no matter whether you deserve it or not, and fill a hole in your life that you weren't aware was even there?
If you answered yes to these questions, then you're undoubtedly going to make an excellent "Basset Hound person."
Remember, no breed has a single list of characteristics that are true for every single dog. Temperaments vary between litter mates, as well as within bloodlines. as a concerned breeder I will do my best to find the dog who best fits your family's lifestyle, your schedule, your home type (apartment, farm, house, etc,), your performance plans (obedience, agility, hunting, conformation exhibition, etc.) as will as your general expectations. I want you to be happy with your dog, so that your dog will be happy with you.
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