IS A BASSET HOUND THE RIGHT DOG FOR
Before making the decision to purchase a Basset Hound, ask yourself the
following questions.
1.
If you have been accustomed to dogs with high energy levels, will
you be happy with the calm, even temperament of the Basset Hound?
2.
Bassets do not make good jogging companions and are not the best
dog with which to have a game of catch.
Will the Basset fit your lifestyle expectations?
3.
Because of their long ears, low-slung structure and hefty size,
Bassets have special needs, including needing their ears cleaned 3 or 4
times a month. Will you enjoy meeting these needs?
4.
Because they possess a hunting instinct, Bassets tend to roam and
should be kept in a secure, fenced area.
Are you able to provide this type of environment for your Basset?
5.
A single Basset may not do well when left alone for long periods.
Will you have the time to give your Basset a great deal of
attention and affection?
6.
The friendly, easy-going personality of the Basset makes him a poor
guard dog. Is this acceptable to you?
If
you have answered yes to the above questions then a Basset Hound may be
the right dog for you.
HOW TO FIND A GOOD BASSET HOUND
The
best place to obtain a well-bred Basset Hound is from a reputable breeder.
The key here is “reputable”. At
all costs, avoid backyard breeders and puppy mills, who work with poor
quality bloodlines which may be genetically prone to a host of health
problems. Backyard breeders
and puppy mills are only interested in making a quick buck, frequently
advertising in local newspapers or selling entire litters to pet stores
for resale.
How to distinguish reputable breeders from
Reputable breeders:
-
Are usually members of The Basset Hound Club of America, Inc. (BHCA) or a regional Basset Hound breed club (refer to the Directory of Basset Hound Breed Clubs at: (http://www.basset-bhca.org/About/BHCA/Member_Clubs.htm), and believe in working towards improving the conformation and performance of the Basset Hound. BHCA members are guided by a Code of Ethical Conduct (http://www.basset-bhca.org/About/BHCA/ethics.htm).
-
Ask many questions of prospective owners in order to ensure their puppy is going to a good home.
-
Unless other arrangements are made, usually require that the pets they sell be spayed or neutered.
-
Often compete with their Bassets in conformation, obedience, agility, field trialing or tracking.
-
Stand behind the health of their puppies.
-
May wish to be contacted if a puppy they bred must be placed in a new home.
FINDING
A REPUTABLE BREEDER
1.
Contact the Basset Hound
Club of America, Inc., the American Kennel Club or a local
Basset Hound breed club (refer
to the useful addresses listed below) and request names of breeders in
your area.
2.
Attend dog shows and
talk to breeders, handlers and other owners who may be able to give you
referrals on obtaining a puppy.
3.
Ask your veterinarian
or people in your local dog club or training center if they know of
reputable AKC Basset Hound breeders in your area.
PEOPLE TO CALL TO FIND A BASSET HOUND
To
locate a basset hound you may contact the following people who are
Public Education Committee
Chair
Ms.
Corey Rigoni
email:
MICHBASSET@aol.com
Ellen
Rowe Ferguson
email:
KaleidoscopeEllen@yahoo.com
Lynne
Tatarowicz
email:leko2@aol.com
USEFUL ADDRESSES
BUGLER
(A monthly Basset Hound Publication - $15.00 per
year)
Riche
Churchill, Editor
5972
Francis Ferry Road
McMinnville,
TN 37110-4162
1-931-686-2012
E-mail:
buglr@Infoave.net
The Babler (A subscription publication aimed mainly at the field
trial Basset Hound)
410-867-3182
The
American Kennel Club (AKC)
Suite
200
Raleigh,
NC 27605-3390
1-919-233-9767
or 1-800-252-5545
"Discover the Basset Hound!" - Table of Contents
