Responsible Ownership

A Dog is a BIG Responsibility

Before applying to adopt one of our baby Bassets you must understand the a Basset Hound is just a CRAZY BIG responsibility. A Basset Hound is maybe the best breed to have, especially if you have children, since they are intensely loyal and always happy (unless abused). They are warm, cuddly, fairly clean, and overall a happy breed. Some drool and shedding is to be expected. This being said, Basset Hounds can be a real problem for those who have no experience with hounds.

Basset Hounds are very social animals. They require time and human contact. They can be destructive if feeling lonely or neglected, and can beg attention either through vocal or physical behaviors. So getting a Basset Hound is a good idea, but not if you plan to keep the dog outdoors and away from family. Your Basset Baby will become a tyrant, or worse, if they feel neglected or left out. And we have seen Bassets hurt so badly from "crating" or isolation that they have become psychologically damaged. We offer to take your Basset Baby back, free of charge, in the first year after purchase or according to our Retail Sales Contract terms if you decide it isn't working out.

One way to avoid problems permanently is to have two dogs. Our experience with the breed is that two Basset Hounds of around the same age will make your experience much, much, easier (but not cleaner). As puppies they cuddle each other, as adolescents they play together constantly, as adults they live very well together. In the best of circumstances they clean each other's ears and keep one another occupied. We highly recommend that you have two dogs and we will give a discount to anyone who wishes to adopt two of our puppies (so long as they are of the same sex).

Basset Hounds Require Maintenance.
Ears need cleaning regularly, Nails need cutting at least monthly. And bathing is a must if you want your Basset Baby to have healthy skin because Basset Hounds have skin folds throughout their lives. Bassets may love water, and hate baths. They may crave attention, and dislike having their ears swabbed. And I have never seen a Basset Hound that likes having its nail trimmed, so this is a two person job or they need to be professionally groomed by someone who knows how.

Basset Hounds can have TUMMY TROUBLE.
It is easy to overfeed a Basset because they can sleep for up to twenty hours a day as adults. We recommend feeding around two cups of food, divided into two feedings to avoid a hungry Basset Hound. Most of this will come out the other end, so pick a place for you dog to go and keep it clean. We have had very good luck with switching brands of dog food every time we buy food, it keeps them interested and avoids tummy trouble. As Puppies you can add milk, just as you might add it to your own breakfast cereal. Bassets can handle human food, but keep this to a minimum because human food is very rich, salty, and usually full of pepper. Never feed them pork, it simply doesn't work. Never give a Basset high sugar foods, such as candy or grapes; but occasionally a jelly bean won't kill your dog.

You need a Veterinarian!
Basset Hounds can be very easy on the purse or wallet, but a good vet is a good idea. We try to breed a good blood line, but things can slip through between generations. Hip problems, bone problems, and skin problems are just a few of the things your dog might experience. A Basset can live for a long time, but most are experiencing joint trouble and perhaps eye trouble, after eight to ten years. This is because a Basset Hound is a Dwarf breed, specifically bred for short and thick bones and heavy bodies. Your Vet can help prolong the life of your dog. We offer a one year guarantee for genetic defects of any puppy. Of course: Spay or Neuter your Basset Baby as soon as you decide that you do not wish to have a sexually active dog or if it is required of by our sales contract.