basset hound search

[BIG TOM]

After losing our beloved beagle last week ,Taters and I have decided to look for a basset hound...the house is not the same without our beloved Casey...It is way to calm and quiet.. No begging at supper time..no asking for a roooool, no tat,tat,tat of her nails on the ceramic tile floor, and no chew toys to step on. Taters and I have to talk to each other way too much now. She told me to get with it and tear down the old dog pen and build a new one with a tile floor and and big enough for a stuffed chair so our new pup won't have to stay in a crate when were at work and until she is house broken....So you know why I haven't been here for the last couple of days...new pens about half done...found a women in AUBURN, NY whos dog will be having a litter in a couple of weeks..talked to her on the phone and waiting for an e mail with her addy to send a deposit...she didn't want one but I insisted as a show of our intent to buy...haven't heard from her today, but sure she was just busy...I and taters have raised and bred beagles for many years...why a basset...we dont know !... If anyone has one I would be very interested to know what you think of the breed....I know like other hounds about watching the ears and their weight (THE LITTLE MOOCHERS) and about the howling and the elongated spine...Trying to learn everything about the breed....If you have or had one ,I would sure like to hear from you and any advise is welcome...PLEASE... Taters is way, way to talkative and expect me to actually listen and answer her when she speaks...

Edited January 24, 2010 by BIG TOM

[mini-muffin]

OMG that's so scary the two of you having to talk to each other. :crackup:Good luck on the dog, I've never had one of that breed. I have had friends that had them seem to be nice dogs. Of course it's all how ya raise em. Sounds like this one is gonna have you pre-trained before it gets there. A stuffed chair in the dog pen? Wow must be really nice to be a dog at your place.

 

Margaret

[vic venture]

We have had two. Everyone said they would be lazy old porch dogs but ours were never still. We lost the first to the meter reader, he slipped out the door and in front of the truck before we could catch him. he was very loving but protective of us and our property. The second one, Mollie, was as funny as any clown but loved to roam. She was an escape artist. We finally put wire mesh underground and tied it off to a 4 ft. chain link fence. She was very near ready to deliver a new batch of pups but still managed to CLIMB the four foot fence and ran when she dropped to the other side. It was months before we found her but she had become the favorite pet of a couple of kids that did not understand us owning her. We let her stay with them and she seemed happy. Great slobbering pets but we keep dachshunds now.

[BIG TOM]

Great ....both my indoor pen and outdoor runs are both 4 foot high........on the other hand, there both on concrete...let them try digging under that.....

[Lilsis]

I have one and she is the most stubborn big dog on short legs. If she doesn't want to get off the couch she will just look at you and won't move, like how dare you disturb me. She is very sneaky too, getting into anything she can reach. She may be short but she can get things off the kitchen counter or dryer or table or..... It took 6 months to get her to not take anything off the coffee table. She still has a hard time leaving paper towels alone. She has a brother (a mastiff) whom she will pick a fight with anytime. Her ears get wet every time she drinks. She likes to burrow under blankets and sleep. I had one before her and I'll have one after her. Love the breed.

[Gary N.]

My granddog Elwood.

[Zfrebird4]

... is not waiting for us on the other side. He was the most loving pound dog we ever rescued. He loved to sit on the drive shaft bump on the back floor of my 68 Pont Bonnie Convert with the top down (which I STILL wish I had) ... paws on the center back rest down with his huge ears blowing in the wind. Gentle, loving and kind, and you could never miss hi Baaying bark when you didin't give him enough attention.

 

Single now, I will be looking for another one or a snouzer (yup, had one, went with the Xwife!!!) once my 18+ year old cat, Scratch is transferred to the other side with Murphy to wait for me there.

 

I will never be without pets. And if I were you I would go to the litter and pick out a pet, or better yet, ... let the dog pick you out! They do you know. Best of luck.

 

JackZ

[slick97spirit]

I've had one and he loved to roam. Otherwise, loved that dog. He was one of the funniest puppies I've ever seen.

[93 venture]

This is Fred, he is the 3rd basset we have had over the years , They are good dogs , but they do have some details not everone will like. Very hard to train, and if they get away from ya you wont believe how fast them little legs will go. I have to give him a bath once a week or the stink will run you out of the house. and ever one of them i have had stink after a week. Have to keep their ears clean they get ear infections real easy, them big ears dont get any air out time. Keep them on dry dog food, we use Iams , dont get them started on people food, they gain weight very easy and it is hard on thier back and legs. We have Fred crate trained and he knows that is his house, and thats where he go's went he gets in trouble. They are very funny, will hide their bones all over the house and are very good around people and other animals. Good luck with your pup and dont forget pictures of your new baby when you get him or her.

[DarkMeister]

+1 on the wandering. We had one, a male (repaired). (OK: fixed). So it wasn't lust that made him wander but that darn nose. They get on a scent....and adios. But you seem to have that covered. Many a stranger pulled into the yard dropping him off.

Otherwise, quite a character.

[Who Dey]

We have one that we took in as a stray thats about 5 years old and i would pay you to take him if the wife would let me give him to you. You got to keep him on a leash or he will run off, especially if he sees a rabbit or something, he is nosy and into everything, chews up everything, paper, cell phones, you name it. Bassett Hounds have a very bad odor to them that you cant do anything about, he can be very very aggressive at times especially toward our cats but even worse he is aggressive toward us and the grandkids at times also. He's never bit anyone yet but he growls and wants to sometimes. He's aggressive toward other dogs also, he dont care how big they are. He doesn't get mean real often but even once in awhile is too much in my book. He is also though very lovable, wants to lay all over you all the time etc......i think he has a split personality or something.

 

He's a really good dog over all but we have a Black lab (another stray lol) and she is one million times a better dog. I don't know if you ever had a Lab or not but you really should consider one i think because they are the best dogs in the world in my opinion. I would re think the Bassett if i were you. I would actually encourage you to look into rescuing a dog at the pound, it's a really good feeling knowing you saved an animals life and there are plenty of great dogs at the pound to choose from. Me and my wife have already made up our mind that we are going to rescue an adult female (Female dogs are way better than male dogs) black lab once our Lab dies that we have now. Adult dogs are also a plus in my opinion because you don't have to go through the puppy stage. There are probably lots of Beagles that need a good home sitting in your local pound right now.....might be the perfect dog to replace your buddy that you just lost!

Edited January 24, 2010 by Who Dey

[BIG TOM]

We have one that we took in as a stray thats about 5 years old and i would pay you to take him if the wife would let me give him to you. You got to keep him on a leash or he will run off, especially if he sees a rabbit or something, he is nosy and into everything, chews up everything, paper, cell phones, you name it. Bassett Hounds have a very bad odor to them that you cant do anything about, he can be very very aggressive at times especially toward our cats but even worse he is aggressive toward us and the grandkids at times also. He's never bit anyone yet but he growls and wants to sometimes. He's aggressive toward other dogs also, he dont care how big they are. He doesn't get mean real often but even once in awhile is too much in my book. He is also though very lovable, wants to lay all over you all the time etc......i think he has a split personality or something.

 

He's a really good dog over all but we have a Black lab (another stray lol) and she is one million times a better dog. I don't know if you ever had a Lab or not but you really should consider one i think because they are the best dogs in the world in my opinion. I would re think the Bassett if i were you. I would actually encourage you to look into rescuing a dog at the pound, it's a really good feeling knowing you saved an animals life and there are plenty of great dogs at the pound to choose from. Me and my wife have already made up our mind that we are going to rescue an adult female (Female dogs are way better than male dogs) black lab once our Lab dies that we have now. Adult dogs are also a plus in my opinion because you don't have to go through the puppy stage. There are probably lots of Beagles that need a good home sitting in your local pound right now.....might be the perfect dog to replace your buddy that you just lost!

 

 

 

Sounds like a typical hound to me...never owned a hound that I could let run around the yard...if the breeding is true, they want to hunt...its breed into them, they cant help it....as with any other pup,they will get into trouble ....chewing on things and such, our house was always full of rawhides and such to keep them busy...any pup we have ever had chewed....its them darn baby teeth...then they chew out of being bored..I am a firm believer that any dog needs a JOB to keep them happy.....even if a simple task like searching fot their treats.... as far as rescue dogs...and I'm sure I will get flack from this....been there ,done that....most older dogs are there because they have behavior problems and are messed up because the previous owner didn't know anything about the breed they owned, were cruel or abusive to them or were neglectful in careing for their pets..some of these dogs will never be right....don't get me wrong, there are a lot of great dogs that came from rescue shelters...I think getting a PUP from a shelter is a great idea, and dont have any problem doing that....I just feel better knowing the genetic history of a dog and knowing the faults of a specific breed that I'm one step ahead of the game..As a past breeder of beagles, I could guarantee you of the temperment of my pups and any faults they may have down the line.....I ONLY BRED MY DOGS RARELY....Always had a waiting list for my pups...I was not and will not buy from a puppy mill.. Someone that breeds just for profit.. thank you for being honest with your accesment of your hound...this is what I'm looking for...I am finding a pattern to what basset owners are telling me....this is what I wanted....

Edited January 24, 2010 by BIG TOM

[Who Dey]

Sounds like a typical hound to me...never owned a hound that I could let run around the yard...if the breeding is true, they want to hunt...its breed into them, they cant help it....as with any other pup,they will get into trouble ....chewing on things and such, our house was always full of rawhides and such to keep them busy...any pup we have ever had chewed....its them darn baby teeth...then they chew out of being bored..I am a firm believer that any dog needs a JOB to keep them happy.....even if a simple task like searching fot their treats.... as far as rescue dogs...and I'm sure I will get flack from this....been there ,done that....most older dogs are there because they have behavior problems and are messed up because the previous owner didn't know anything about the breed they owned, were cruel or abusive to them or were neglectful in careing for their pets..some of these dogs will never be right....don't get me wrong, there are a lot of great dogs that came from rescue shelters...I think getting a PUP from a shelter is a great idea, and dont have any problem doing that....I just feel better knowing the genetc history of a dog and knowing the faults of a specific breed that I'm one step ahead of the game..As a past breeder of beagles, I could guarantee you of the temperment of my pups and any faults they may have down the line.....I ONLY BRED MY DOGS RARELY....Always had a waiting list for my pups...I was not and will not buy from a puppy mill.. Someone that breeds just for profit.. thank you for being honest with your accesment of your hound...this is what I'm looking for...I am finding a pattern to what basset owners are telling me....this is what I wanted....

 

 

I'm no dog expert by any means and i dont know my Bassette Hounds history at all. He showed up at our house and he couldn't hardly walk and i felt sorry for him and took him to the Vet figuring his leg was injured, turned out it was his neck. He's a great dog 99.9% of the time but he does have an aggressive side to him on rare occasions for really no reason at all, it's kinda strange actually. We love him anyway though but we just have to keep an eye on him a little bit around kids and cats. It's rare though that he acts up but one bite to a kid or another animal is just too much. Our Lab ran the neighborhood for like 5 months and wouldn't let anyone get close to her, she was eating out of trash cans and we finally trapped her and she has been the best dog in the world. She is the first dog i have ever had and has turned out to be one of the best things that has ever happened to me in my life. I'm pretty confident that she was an abused dog by some of her actions, but we earned her trust and she has turned out to be the best dog ever, she loves us and we love her. You can just tell that she really appreciates her new home. You wont be dissapointed in a Bassette Hound i don't think but they definitely do have a different personality then a Beagle does. Beagles seem to be a little more easy going from what i can tell from my limited experience with dogs. He does stink though and that's one of my biggest complaints with him being in the house.

[BIG TOM]

I've noticed over the years that hounds are prone to ear infections... they need their ears cleaned out every week..have you checked its ears.?...this might be the odor you mention..its really foul smelling...and might be the reason she may be aggresive at times....there are a lot of skin folds that may be harboring bacteria also...I'M being told that bassets need fequent bathing to reduce this bacteria... bassets ,I understand can be very stubborn I'm told, and I'm learning that BAIT TRAINING IS A MUST..I never like baiting a dog to learn new habits, but realize with this breed we will have to...thanks for your response, I really do appreciate your comments...

[Who Dey]

I've noticed over the years that hounds are prone to ear infections... they need their ears cleaned out every week..have you checked its ears.?...this might be the odor you mention..its really foul smelling...and might be the reason she may be aggresive at times....there are a lot of skin folds that may be harboring bacteria also...I'M being told that bassets need fequent bathing to reduce this bacteria... bassets ,I understand can be very stubborn I'm told, and I'm learning that BAIT TRAINING IS A MUST..I never like baiting a dog to learn new habits, but realize with this breed we will have to...thanks for your response, I really do appreciate your comments...

 

 

When we first got him and took him to the Vet he also had a double ear infection, Vet said he hadn't been cared for very well. He is fine now and my wife cleans his ears every day or two. They do supposedly get alot of ear infections. It's no wonder because when he eats or drinks his ears are laying in the food and water bowl.....he cant help it because they are so dang big lol.

[hig4s]

We just lost our Basset of 10 years,, plan on getting another, maybe two come summer.

 

Basset stuff to know:

Ears need to be cleaned every week

They are short but big, really need large breed food for muscle and bone growth.

They are short but LONG,, when they stand up on their hind legs they can easily reach up on the kitchen counter.

Because of their short legs they should be kept off furniture until they are big enough to get up and down easily, and they should never be allowed to jump down from more than about a foot and a half.

They should not be allowed to go up and down stairs until they are one year old.

Because they are long, they can have serious back problems if the are allowed to get over weight.

They are very smart, but unlike most breeds, they are not driven to please their masters, so you need to train them before they train you.

Even though they are not driven to please humans, they almost always have a very pleasant and loving disposition.

They only need a fair amount of exercise.

They will often seem like they have only two speeds, wide open and sleep.

They are very social and will usually get along with anyone and most other animals.

Their hunt instinct is more of a sniff and follow instinct.

They have great noses, and terrible sense of direction. If they get loose, they will follow their nose and probably not find their way home.

One of their favorite games is Flat Basset, they usually decide to play this at bath time. It consists of laying flat on the floor and some how making themselves weight 20 to 50 times their normal weight while having the fluidity of a sack of potatoes. But they may play this anytime you want them to go somewhere they do not want to go.

 

 

General dog stuff

Most dog foods sold in the US contain lots of stuff unfit for human consumption, so it is really not good for dogs either.

Dog food should be 70% meat and proteins, 30% veggies. With no corn, dogs cannot process corn.

Best dog food fillers for dogs systems are potatos and brown rice.

If the first two or three ingredients llisted are not meat or protein, it probably does not have enough.

Meat by-products do not count.

Some bad foods are Science Diet, IAMS, Purina.

Some good foods are Wellness, and Blue Buffalo, both are very expensive.

Some middle of the road foods are Eukanuba, and Kirkland (Costco brand) My sister is a champion lab breeder in VA, she uses Kirkland.

www.dogfoodanalysis.com/ here is a dog food review site. They rate Science diet, IAMS and Purina 1 star, Welness and Blue Buffalo 6 stars, and Eukanuba and Kirkland 3 stars.. They generally do not recommend anything less than 4 stars.

Most Milkbones are now made in China, lots of things come from China that are not good for people or dogs.

Grapes, chocolate and onions are bad for dogs. Too much garlic is bad for dogs.

 

Here are some good basset breeders

www.longearedhounds.com/

www.huckleberrymtnbassets.com/index.html

http://sperrysbassets-n-corgis.yolasite.com/

www.kennyacresbassets.com/

www.hydenshounds.com/index.html

 

When we are ready we will probably get pups from one of the first two, the first one is the closest to us, and the second is in the same town where my sister lives.

 

here is a basset forum

www.bassetsunlimited.com/forum/

 

 

Our basset died of complications from surgery for a tumor, cost us $3,000, wish we would have had pet health insurance.

here are a couple of pet insurance sites.

www.petinsurance.com/Plans-And-Coverage/Dogs/Plans-for-Dogs.aspx

www.petsbest.com/

Edited January 25, 2010 by hig4s