Any comments of a Basset Hound

[willspal]

Does anyone have any experience of a Basset Hound.

After a good deal of thought my husband and I have agreed to get a puppy and we have both settled on a Basset Hound. I have done some reading up on the breed but would love to hear from anybody who actually has first hand experience of owning a Basset Hound.

We have 3 children, the youngest being 3.

We were hoping to get a pup around late July time so we can have the summer hols training him and settling him in.

Thanks in advance.

WP

[Clanad]

We have friends that have a Bassett. They've had him since he was a puppy and he must be about 10 or 11 years old now. The positive things include being really good with the children and non-aggressiveness. On the down side, the dog has had lots of health problems associated with his conformation. The Bassetts tend to become heavier as they age and the short legs, long torso combination cause back and leg problems. They have a distinct odor and can be very hard headed. Check this site for some other views:
http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/bassethounds.html

Best of luck!

[maglet]

I had a Bassett Hound puppy many years ago they are very loyal and freindly dogs ideal with children, however I agree with Clanad because of their conformation they do tend to have problems later in life........however they are a very good companion, but remember they are a hound, and as such are used as a working dog within a pack, the same as foxhounds, and beagles. Bassetts also tend to be strong willed so patience is a virtue when it comes to training.

[SaxyJag]

We had a Bassett Hound some years ago. Unfortunately she developed a twisted gut, which led to liver damage and we had to have her put to sleep at seven years of age. Apparently it's something that deep-chested breeds are prone to, and you're advised not to feed them on dried food,

Flash was a fantastic dog. Great with the kids, loving, always ready to play. They can be idle if you let them, but will, when adult, take as much exercise as you're prepared to give. They're big dogs on little legs - big bark (fantastic guard dogs), big appetite and with huge personalities. Flash left a hole in my life that is still there two (very much loved) dogs later.

On the minus side, they can be stubborn, thieving hooligans, but translate that into ebullient, self-sufficient independence and you can forgive it.

If you think you can devote the time and energy, then go for it, and good luck.

[bobis]

hi please do not buy a basset hound as mine ate all my allsorts, ho ho only kiding, they are a wonderfull bread who are loyal trustworthy faithfull and very inteligent animals who will remain faithfull to you as long as they are teated with love and respect, i hop[e you have many years of enjoyment with your new companion, best regards gillian.

[noxlumos]

I had a basset that "found " me in a park. I was sitting minding my own business on some steps watching my kids on the swings when it came up to me with a really inscrutable look and then threw up all over my shoes.

We couldn't find his owners despite searching the park for hours,letting all local vets know, RSPCA, newspaper ads etc so we kept him. Steadfastly refused to answer to anything for weeks, then finally found the name of "Oi" suited him. One of the biggest characters I've ever "owned" and we all loved him dearly, stubbourn old sod. Gorgeous with kids, rampaged round the gardens and dozed on sofas and finally died peacefully and suddenly in "his" chair leaving us all utterly bereft.

Get one you'll love him, not another breed like em, I'm quite envious of you.

[willspal]

Thankyou so very much to everyone that has replied and told such wonderful tales of their Basset Hounds. If this has not convinced us to get one I don't know what would.

The only thing that slightly worries me is I read you are not meant to walk them for long until they are fully developed at around 18 months/2 years old. I intend to walk long distances every day and at weekend we plan to drive to the beach when its nice and stay the whole day with long walks. Maybe I should just scale down those plans a little as I am now so convinced this breed is right for this family.

Thanks again.

WP

[Pajama Girl]

WP: One downside of Bassets that no one has mentioned: they are difficult to house train. I don't know why. Maybe because they are remarkably stubborn ... and adorable. Maybe they smell the spot so acutely and go there again. They have remarkable noses.

This is the number one reason given for re-homing Bassets.

[ProperBoPeep]

Wills Pal

I am a vet - and would strongly suggest AGAINST getting a Basset Hound UNLESS they are more of the "old fashioned" conformation. Problems I see with almost every Bassett - are skin problems, ear problems, eye problems, joint problems and back problems (not all in each dog mind!)

The ones I have seen which have been better are those with less drooping eyes, longer legs, shorter backs and less loose skin.

One thing I would suggest is - GET IT INSURED from the day you have him!!

I am obviously a bit biased as I do get to see more sick ones, but seriously - they are on my list of breeds to avoid.

Good luck

[lankeela]

No puppy of any breed should be over exercised for the first few months, but certain breeds that have a very quick growth rate need to be very carefully restricted in their exercise. This also means things like not letting them go up and down stairs or jumping on furniture or into the car.

Make sure the pup has a good quality puppy food to help him grow at the right rate and let him have lots of rest periods without interference.

Find a breeder who you can visit regularly before you get the puppy and take notice of their advice - they should have experience of their breed and will want the best for their puppy.