DOG FAQ - How much does a Basset Hound cost?

A purebred, pet quality Basset Hound puppy from a reputable breeder may cost between $350-$700, depending on the part of the country. The price for a puppy with show (or breeding) potential will start appreciably higher. Prices of individual puppies vary according to quality (show or field potential), age, geographic region, and availability. The puppy should have been checked by a veterinarian and given appropriate inoculations based on its age. Inoculations for rabies, distemper, leptospirosis, hepatitis, kennel cough, and parvovirus are all necessary.

A conscientious breeder will have a complete record of all puppy illnesses, tretements, and inoculations. Beware of a breeder who sells a puppy without all the necessary shots or proper AKC registration information. Also beware of the breeder that wants to sell a puppy prior to 8 weeks. In many areas it is against the law to sell or transport a puppy younger than this age. Pet stores tend to change the highest prices for puppies. The source of these puppies is usually a puppy mill, whose sole motive is breeding for profit, not temperament, type, or health. Buyer Beware!

Basset Hound - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Are Basset Hounds healthy dogs?

The Basset Hound claims excellent health. He is not prone to many hereditary weaknesses that are present in some other breeds. Many of the Basset Hound's health problems can be attributed to his owner because he allowed his dog to become overweight, possibly resulting in aggravated arthritis, back problems, or heart trouble. Physical fitness is as important to the Basset Hound as it is to humans. The Basset Hound enjoys running and leading an active life. Dogs raised in areas of the country where they can participate in the popular sport of field trialing can enjoy particularly good health. The Basset Hound is an endurance dog.

DOG FAQ - Do Basset Hounds have any strange habits?

Some Basset Hounds have a tendency to howl when left alone for long periods of time. They will also wander away from home if not kept in a (securely locked) fenced area. The Basset Hound is so good with kids, and often found in homes with children, great care MUST be taken to assure that gates cannot accidentally be left open when the kids enter and leave the fenced area. When a good scent reaches their nose, there is no telling where they will end up, and unfortunately, the Basset Hound is not good at finding the way home. A responsible owner keeps his Basset Hound as safe from harm as he would any other cherished pet.

Basset Hound - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - How big is the adult Basset Hound ?

The male Basset Hound at maturity usually weighs between 55 and 75 pounds, and stands 12-, to not more than 15-inches tall at the shoulder. They are a big dog on short legs. The female is usually about 10 pounds lighter and 1-inch or so shorter than the male.

Basset Hound - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Does the Basset Hound make a good pet?

YES! The Basset Hound is one of the best dogs available for a family to love. They are extremely tolerant and love everyone in the family equally. They are a very gentle, sweet, loyal and affectionate breed, although they are quite stubborn at times. They get along well with other pets of various species. They are not an aggressive watchdog but will learn to give a deep bark as a warning if praised when sounding off. Otherwise, they will accept visitors with a sniff and return to a favorite corner. The Basset Hound is a versatile pet who will play with children, make a skilled hunter, and sit by their owner's side during quiet times.

Basset Hound - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Are basset hounds stupid?

Because basset hounds typically do not excel in obedience, they are sometimes considered less intelligent than other breeds. basset hounds are actually highly intelligent, but they possess an independent nature and low desire to please their owners. In other words, basset hounds are very stubborn. This can be frustrating, but they are also quite a challenge for a dog trainer! They do tend to respond well to food rewards, so if you decide to attend obedience classes with your basset hound, seek out a trainer that believes in training with positive food reinforcement. They are also fairly hard to housetrain. This can sometimes take up to several months to accomplish. The easiest method of housetraining is to buy a doggie door.

Basset Hound - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Do basset hounds drool?

Yes. Basset hounds can fling their drool everywhere. It has not been unknown to find drool on the ceiling! Males tend to drool more than females, and both sexes drool more when excited or upset (and especially while riding in the car). A drool towel is a recommended accessory wherever you take your Basset hound.

Basset Hound - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Do basset hounds shed?

Yes. Although basset hounds have short hair, they can shed a lot. Regular brushings with a "hound mitt" can help, but their owners still need a good vacuum cleaner. It is a good idea to get into a regular routine of brushing your dog, clipping his nails, and cleaning his ears at least once a week.

Basset Hound - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Are basset hound "couch potatoes"?

Some basset hounds like nothing more than to snooze on the couch all day. basset hounds are definitely the exception. basset hounds are usually very active dogs that get into trouble regularly. They love to play, and will have toys stashed all over their house and yard. Many chew, and some are very destructive. Food, paper, and garbage cans are all particular temptations to the basset hound. One favorite activity of many basset hounds is counter cruising, which is checking the kitchen for any food left within reach. basset hounds love to go for regular walks with their owners. Be forewarned, however, that basset hounds are not good dogs to take "off lead." They will follow their noses, and can and often will wander off, sometimes never to be seen again.

Basset Hound - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - All the basset hounds I've seen are very short. Are bassets a small breed?

No! Basset hounds are technically considered a medium-sized breed, with the average weight between forty-five and sixty-five pounds. Some Basset hounds, however, can weigh up to one hundred pounds and are definitely in the large-sized breed category. Most males weigh between fifty and seventy pounds, with the females weighing between forty and fifty pounds. Basset hounds are generally not taller than fourteen to fifteen inches in height, which leads to the mistaken idea that they are small dogs.

Basset Hound - Dog Lover

BASSET HOUND AND CHILDREN

Basset hound is generally very even-tempered and most of them love children. The basset hound may not be the right pet for a home with small children, however, because sometimes the children will attempt to "ride" the dog, which can cause serious harm to the basset hound 's long back. Some basset hounds require as much care as a small child, so one child in the house may be enough! They are great companions and playmates for older children. They also get along with most other dogs, particularly other hounds. They are bred to be a "pack" animal when used for hunting. Many homes that have one basset hound decide that two or three is even better.

Basset Hound - Dog Lover

TRAINING

When it comes to Basset Hound training, especially obedience training, a Basset hound is less likely to be chosen by most dog owners and trainers because of its characteristics towards training. However, it is not impossible to train a Basset hound if you really want to. Some have been successful in training their Basset hounds but only a few of them. Patience, together with your great love for your Basset hound is essential in order to have a well behaved dog.

Training tips are just few clicks away when searching a web and you can also learn through seminars from dog experts. But the best method in Basset Hound training is to know and listen to your dog. Discover what exercise or activity your dog enjoys and start your way from there. Let him understand that training is fun! Be artistic and create fun and exciting training methods and as much as possible, vary it from time to time so as not to bore them. Limit the training session to only 10-20 minutes. Slowing down and showing resistance to work is an indication that he has become bored or he doesn't like your training method.

It is also important to know the right time to start training. Making mistakes in the beginning of the training may delay the process and may not guarantee better results. Begin the training with something he enjoys so that he will be convinced to do it. Avoid being harsh and force your Basset Hound to do something which you think he doesn't like. Consistency and determination is much more helpful.



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FEEDING

Recommended daily feed amount: 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dog food a day, divided into two meals.

Basset Hounds like to eat and are prone to obesity. Keep your Basset Hound in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time.

If you're unsure whether he's overweight, give him the eye test and the hands-on test. First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. If you can't, he needs less food and more exercise.

Basset Hound - Dog Lover