SPAYING AND NEUTERING

If you purchase a companion pet puppy from a reputable breeder it is usually with the requirement that females will be spayed and males neutered.  This prevents adding to the huge over-population of unwanted dogs in today’s society. Spaying and neutering is a win/win situation for both you and your Basset. You will eliminate the mess of twice-yearly seasons in your bitch as well as helping prevent unwanted pregnancies, tumors and other female disorders.  Neutered males also become more settled and are not tempted by bitches in season.  Spaying and neutering do not change the “personality” of your pet.

THE PURCHASE OF AN ADULT VERSUS A PUPPY 

For some prospective new owners the selection of an adult Basset may be an  appropriate choice. Reputable breeders often have adult Bassets available who have been retired from the show ring or from the breeding program.  In some cases, breeders will place in pet homes males that are still being used in their breeding program with the understanding that the male will remain in the breeder’s name, cannot be neutered and will need to go to the breeder’s kennel from time to time to be bred.  Former brood bitches who are now spayed may also be placed permanently in pet homes.  In both cases, this type of arrangement can work well for the person looking for a good pet Basset Hound.

PURCHASING A COMPANION PET BASSET

After you have decided that the Basset Hound is the breed for you it will be necessary for you to decide if you want a pet or show quality Basset. The majority of prospective new owners want a companion pet Basset Hound.  Breeders usually sell as pets those Bassets that do not come as close to the official breed Standard as other puppies in the litter. Pets may have cosmetic flaws which are not desirable in the show ring.  In the eyes of the pet owner these features are rarely seen as flaws.  It is also important to understand that pet quality does not mean that a dog is in any way less healthy than a show prospect.

THE BASSET IN OBEDIENCE, AGILITY,
TRACKING OR FIELD TRIALING

Bassets in Obedience and Agility

Although the Basset Hound has never topped the list as one of the best breeds to use for obedience and agility, there are many Bassets who have done well in these areas. The Basset Hound does not lack for intelligence but rather is characterized by a “hound” mentality which translates into an attitude of independence of thought and action.

Tracking and Field Trialing

In addition to obedience and agility, the talented Basset Hound also participates in tracking (following human scent) and field trialing (following rabbit scent).  If you are interested in tracking or field trialing, it is advisable to seek out those who participate in these activities.  Information can be obtained from the Basset Hound Club of America

PURCHASING A SHOW  PROSPECT

Good Basset Hound breeders strive to produce dogs that meet the description of the Basset Hound in the official breed Standard. When “show quality” Basset Hounds compete against other Bassets at a dog show, a judge compares each Basset against what the Standard defines as the ideal Basset.  The Basset that comes closest to this ideal is the one that wins.

Show  prospects are usually sold for a higher price than a pet quality dog.  Some breeders will sell a show prospect outright with no strings attached.  Other breeders may sell one for less money but with certain requirements.  It is not  uncommon for a breeder to want lifetime breeding rights to a particularly outstanding male or to want  a puppy out of a good quality bitch, in addition to choosing the sire for her first breeding.  If the new owners are novices, the breeder may wish to co-own the  show prospect so that he or she has “control” over which bitches a male is bred to or which sire a bitch is bred to. It is not uncommon for a breeder who sells a show prospect to require that the dog be shown to its championship.

Details relative to the purchase of a show prospect should be clearly spelled out and written down in contract form in order to avoid problems down the line.  It is important to specify expenses that the new owners will assume and those that the breeder will assume as well as how puppies will be chosen in a future litter, who will cover whelping costs, veterinary fees, etc., if these are part of the sales agreement.

A couple of points concerning your search for a show puppy:

(1)    The availability of Basset show puppies is usually low, averaging one or two really good puppies in a litter. 

(2)    The Basset Hound is a particularly changeable breed in its physical development from puppy to adult. It is safer to purchase an animal that is older (around 6 months) or has already been started to be shown and has a number of solid wins and points under its belt.

THE DECISION TO PURCHASE A BASSET HOUND

Once you have decided that the Basset Hound is the right breed for you and you have located a reputable breeder who has puppies available, the next step may be receiving a set of polaroid photos in the mail or an invitation to come and see the puppies. Although buyers may sometimes be able to choose between 2 or 3 puppies, it is not unusual for many breeders to select  a puppy for each buyer based on what they feel is the best match for what the buyer is looking for and the unique personality of a particular puppy.

MAKING YOUR HOME SAFE
FOR YOUR PUPPY

Puppies are curious and will get into anything and everything! Safeguard your new puppy as you would a toddler.

1.   Block off access to all stairs, balconies and decks from which a puppy could fall. Swimming pools should be fenced. For the first year, don’t let your Basset puppy climb stairs or jump off sofas, beds, etc.  His joints are still forming and may become injured.

2.  Keep anything toxic such as household cleaners, detergents, etc. away from your puppy.  In a garage area, clean up any gasoline spills and be especially careful of spilled antifreeze, which can kill. Dogs seem to love its smell and taste.

3.   Keep phone cords, electrical cords and outlets away from your puppy and block access to spaces behind TV’s, refrigerators, etc. Remove sharp objects and things that could fall on your puppy.

4.  Don’t allow access to poisonous plants such as azaleas, poison ivy, mistletoe, holly and philodendron, among others.

5.  Never leave small objects or children’s toys, which a puppy could swallow, lying on the floor.  A puppy will pick almost anything up in its mouth. Even a coin which falls to the floor can be potentially harmful if your puppy swallows it.

6.  Eliminate the possibility of your puppy getting its head caught in any type of tight spot which could lead to strangulation.  These could be things like railings, trellises or fences. Don’t chain your puppy outside unattended.

7.   Eliminate exposure to toxic fumes, lead-based paints and rat poisons.

8.   Be sure all doors in your house close securely and that visitors are aware of the importance of closing doors.  Many a puppy has been killed by a car when someone forgot to close a door securely.    

"Discover the Basset Hound!" - Table of Contents