Basset Hound Puppies – A Hound Dog Breed Suitable for Children Aged 12 and Above

The saying ‘Train them while they’re young’ not only applies to kids but to puppies as well. But, first you have to take an important step, that is to pick out the right puppy for you and your family. It's important to understand the breed you're interested in.

We have some resources here that will help you decide if the Basset Hound Dog is the right breed for you and, regardless of the breed you choose, give you some tips to help you get your puppy from a reputable breeder.

Having decided to purchase a Basset Hound puppy, you should try to find the best representative available to you. Many sources recommend purebred Basset Hound puppies, but finding the best source takes time and study.

Acquiring a puppy is a commitment that cannot be taken lightly. Hopefully by choosing the right puppy, you will be taking on a responsibility that will result in a healthy, well-adjusted dog that will give you joy and happiness for many years to come.

Puppies in pet stores are mostly from puppy mills or the occasional backyard breeder who's main objective is producing puppies for profit. Please be careful here as health problems may be common as the "for-profit" breeder does not select the best possible bloodlines that will be compatible for good health, longevity and good temperament.

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What Should You Look for in a Basset Hound Puppy?

What should you look for in a Basset Hound puppy? This is a bit of a tricky question.

First, you should agree if you want a male or female puppy. Basset Hound males and females are alike in many respects but there are distinct differences between the sexes that you should be aware of.

You have to ensure that you are aware of what you expect from your new addition so you can advise the breeder. Let him/her know if you want a companion, show dog, or a competitive performance dog. No matter what the function you desire in your puppy, all puppies in the litter will have the same bloodlines. 

Most well-bred litters from ethical breeders are bred to emphasize the health, character, and trainability of every puppy in the litter. In the pursuit for your puppy, you want to examine the puppies together at first.

A Basset Hound puppy should have, first and foremost, a good temperament. They should be inquisitive, outgoing, and unafraid in his advances towards everything and everybody. They will also demand and display affection without inhibition. Many times puppies will choose one of the litter to pick on. This does not mean this puppy is defective in any way. Take this puppy aside and he will usually contend himself when he is away from his littermates.

The Basset Hound 

The Basset Hound is a short-legged breed of dog of the hound family, as well as one of six recognized Basset breeds in France; furthermore, Bassets are scent hounds that were originally bred for the purpose of hunting rabbits and hare. Their sense of smell for tracking is second only to that of the Bloodhound. 

Appearance 

Bassets are large, short, solid and long, with curved sabre tails held high over their long backs. Everett Millais, founder of the modern Basset Hound, is quoted as saying "Oh, he's about 4 feet long and 12 inches high." in reference to his French basset. An adult dog weighs between 20 and 35 kilograms (44 and 77 lb).

This breed, like its ancestor the Bloodhound, is known for its hanging skin structure, which causes the face to occasionally look sad; this, for many people, adds to the breed's charm. The dewlap, seen as the loose, elastic skin around the neck, and the trailing ears which along with the Bloodhound are the longest of any breed, help trap the scent of what they are tracking.

Its neck is wider than its head. The short-haired coat of a Basset is long, smooth and soft, and sheds constantly.

Any hound coloration is acceptable, but this varies from country to country. They are usually Black, Tan and White tricolors or Tan and White bicolors. Tan can vary from reddish-brown and Red to Lemon. Lemon and White is less common color. Some Bassets are also classified as gray or blue - this color is considered rare and some consider it undesirable.

Temperament 

The Basset Hound is a friendly, outgoing, playful dog. He is an excellent companion for children because of his patient nature and tolerance. He can be extremely tolerant of children and other pets but like all dogs (and people too), he will require space and time to relax in privacy, away from screaming children and ear tugs.

Commonly misconceived as "stubborn", in actuality basset hounds are extremely food driven and easy to train. Bassets are quick to shut down if trained using punishment-based training methods and therefore are given the description of "stubborn". The fastest way to a Basset's heart is through his stomach. Keep training fun and interesting and offer delicious treats to keep them focused on the task at hand since that nose can distract them very easily.

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Introducing a New Puppy or Dog to your Household

Introducing a new Basset Hound puppy or dog to your household is like bringing a new kid to your home. Both parties will have to go through some important and big change.

Anyway, whether you choose to get a puppy from a responsible breeder or adopt a Basset Hound dog from a rescue group, the first two weeks for you and your new dog are a significant period of adjustment. If your dog had a previous owner, this time could be particularly stressful for him or her.

Here are some tips for a smoother transition for new dog owners. 

• Bring together kids and other pets separately. It may be too overwhelming if you present your new dog to your home, children and other pets all at once.

• Look at the diet. To avoid stomach upset, keep him on the same food his previous caretaker was using and slowly transition him to the food you want to use. If you can’t get the same food, mix rice into his new food for the first few days.

• Keep a close eye on him or her. Do not be surprised if there are accidents. Housebroken dogs can still have mishaps in a new home due to stress and confusion. Help them learn where to go by taking them outside often and watching them when they are inside to avoid accidents or other unwanted behaviors.

• Permanently identify your dog with a microchip. If your dog came with a microchip, you must apprise the owner information with the microchip registry. It will take time for the new dog to distinguish his new surroundings as his home and you as his new best friend. If he gets loose during this vital time, capture may be very difficult.

• Enroll in training classes and have fun! After about two weeks, your new dog’s personality will really start to sparkle and it’s a good time to start experiencing new activities that you and your dog can take pleasure together. Training classes are helpful and useful not only for teaching dogs basic manners and problem solving, but they will teach you how to communicate with your dog and help you bond.

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