Buying or Adopting a Basset Hound

Should You Even Get a Dog? Are You Sure?
Important – I've been helping people choose and find dogs for nearly 40 years, and honestly, some people who decide to get a dog are making a big mistake... [read more]

The Truth About Purebred Dogs
Pros and cons... (most people don't know about the cons)

The Truth About Crossbred Dogs
Pros and cons... (don't get taken by breeder hype)

The Truth About Mixed Breed Dogs
Pros and cons... (are mixes inferior to purebreds and crosses?)

Is a Basset Hound the right breed for you?

Basset Hound Review
I'll tell you what's good about 'em, and what's bad about 'em... most honest review you'll ever find

Dog Breed Traits – Which Traits Are Right For You? In this brand new series, I'll help you decide which dog breed traits would best suit you and your family, your home and yard, and your lifestyle, so you can choose the best dog breed for your family.

Are YOU the right owner for a Basset Hound?

Can you provide what this breed needs?

• Someone home most of the day
• Fenced yard (not an electronic/underground fence)
• Restricted exercise when young – until maturity (at least 18 months old), exercise restricted to multiple short (20 minute) walks, fetch games, and playing with other dogs – no forced running, no long-distance treks, minimal jumping
• Ample exercise after maturity – enough ongoing exercise that your Basset Hound stays slim and is tired enough to sleep contentedly and not get into mischief
• "Mental exercise" – interesting activities that keep the mind stimulated, such as challenging dog toys, or tricks and games such as Hide 'n Seek; instructions in my training book, Teach Your Dog 100 English Words
• An indoor lifestyle, except for exercise and bathroom breaks
• A meat-heavy diet, either homemade or commercial – meat is expensive, so people with less money should opt for a smaller dog
• An owner with enough money to treat the health problems Basset Hounds are prone to (pet health insurance can really help here!)
• An owner who is okay with drooling, nearly constant shedding, and housebreaking perhaps taking a long time
• Commitment to establish the right Leader-Follower relationship with your Basset Hound, teaching him to listen to you and do what you say

Which sex? What age?

Male Dogs vs. Female Dogs
Which one makes a better pet?

Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
Should you get a young puppy, an older puppy, or an adult dog?

Where can you buy or adopt a Basset Hound?

Basset Hounds are a very common breed in the United States. Out of 189 breeds in the American Kennel Club, where 1 is most popular and 189 is least popular, Basset Hounds rank 39th. It's easy to find a Basset Hound.

Adopting From Dog Rescue Organizations
Basset Hounds are often available from Dog Rescue groups. Owners often give up their Basset Hound when they discover that their hound has health issues, or is stubborn and independent, or bays a lot, sheds a lot, and has a houndy odor. Other Basset Hounds are given up simply because of changed family circumstances, and these dogs may have no behavior problems at all.

Adopting From Public Animal Shelters and Humane Societies
Basset Hounds are sometimes found here. Basset Rescue groups do keep their eyes peeled on shelters and humane societies across the country, and if a Basset Hound turns up at a shelter, the rescue group does try to move the dog into their rescue network.

Buying From a Dog Breeder
You can buy a Basset Hound from a show breeder, who breeds Basset Hounds to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring. You can also buy a Basset Hound from people who "just breed pets" or "just had one litter." But should you? Be sure to read the article to learn more about these people.

Here's one difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible breeder – BOTH PARENTS of a Basset Hound puppy should have:

• a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America's CAER (Companion Animal Eye Registry) – dated within the past year – certifying the dog to be free of eye diseases

If a seller can't show you those certificates, the puppies are higher risk for health problems. You might choose to accept that risk. But then you need to be willing (and able) to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your Basset Hound ends up blind from cataracts or glaucoma.

Which puppy?

Choosing the Right Basset Hound Puppy
How to test the temperament and personality of Basset Hound puppies and pick the best puppy in a litter.

AKC Registered Puppies: Are AKC Papers Important?
Should you buy only an AKC registered Basset Hound puppy? Do AKC papers and pedigrees really matter?