IS A BASSET HOUND THE RIGHT DOG FOR
YOU AND YOUR FAMILY?

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
backyard breeders and puppy mills

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 and request names of breeders in your area.  Houston area - Basset Hound Club of Greater Houston - secretary@houstonbassetclub.com

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.

Please visit the Basset Hound Club of America - http://www.basset-bhca.org/Finding/Discover2.htm