NEVER BUY A BASSET FROM A PET STORE!

•     Pet store Basset Hounds come from backyard breeders and puppy mills.  Most likely, you will not know who bred your dog or have anyone to contact if you have questions or a problem.
  

• The health of pet store Bassets is always at risk because they were not bred by knowledgeable breeders devoted to improving the health and appearance of the Basset Hound.  Pet store puppies are separated from their mothers at too early an age and usually do not have the chance to develop healthy bodies and temperaments.  In fact, pet store Bassets  often become seriously ill and end up costing their owners hundreds and even thousands of dollars in veterinary expenses.  Pet stores do not guarantee the long term health of a puppy.
  

• Most pet store Basset Hounds are smaller than those from reputable kennels and often lack the majestic wrinkled head and expression that define the Basset Hound. In fact, they may look more like Beagles than Basset Hounds.

• Despite the inferiority of the dogs they sell, pet stores usually charge as much, if not more, the reputable breeders of quality Basset Hounds.

• No matter how impatient you or your children are to get a Basset Hound, it is always better to wait, even a few months, and get one from a good breeder!!

   ADOPTING A BASSET RESCUE DOG

Basset Rescue groups are devoted to finding homes for  Basset Hounds that have been abandoned or given up by their owners.  Many of these Bassets end up in local humane shelters and unless suitable homes are found for these animals, they are destroyed.  For this reason, Basset rescue groups have been formed in many parts of the country and local Basset breed clubs may support a Basset Rescue group which tries to find new families for these abandoned Bassets.

Advantages of Adopting a Basset Rescue Dog

1.  Many people find joy and pleasure in giving a “new home” to a dog that was deserted by its former owners.

2.  Most Basset rescue dogs are adults and many are already housebroken as well as spayed and neutered.

3.  Rescue dogs are often an alternative for a loving family who truly wants a Basset Hound but may not be able to afford the price of a new puppy from a breeder.

Disadvantages of Adopting a Rescue Dog

1.  In some cases rescue Bassets have been abused and severely mistreated by their former owners.  The adoptive family may therefore need to be especially understanding and spend more time helping their new friend fit into its new home.  Many rescue Bassets may be timid or shy until they have had a chance to adapt to their new surroundings. With love and patience, most of these Bassets blossom into endearing pets.

SHOULD YOU CHOOSE A MALE OR A FEMALE?

Unlike more aggressive breeds like Rottwellers or German Shepherds, there is relatively little difference in temperament, activity or trainability between a male and female Basset Hound.  Both make excellent companion pets. Females (bitches) which are not spayed go into season (or heat) approximately every 6 months. Bitches also tend to weigh on average about 10 pounds less than males.