Selecting a puppy- what to look for?

songlibah · 03-27-2010, 05:27 PM

Hi all!

I am new here and this weekend I will be acquiring my very first Basset.

Having grown up with an aunt who bred and showed Bernese Mountain Dogs, I am well versed in the benefits of going to a reputable breeder to obtain a puppy. I have found a breeder- they do not breed as a rule and this is only their second litter ever HOWEVER they are being mentored by an experienced breeder, both parents have had their health checks done prior to breeding, both are from proven and titled stock and the pups have already had their eyes checked.

As this is a litter of 10 I will have a good number of puppies to choose from. All are excellent quality but I was wondering if, since I am new to the breed, you all would be willing to chime in on some of the important things you look for when selecting a pup. Things that a newbie might not think, or know, to look for.

My interest, other than having a canine companion, is to try tracking. I have done conformation ring until I am bored to tears and would like to foray off into some of the performance events. So "show quality" (usually referring to conformation ring) is not necessarily a big factor.

If there are those of you here who have done tracking with your Bassets- are there any traits you look for when you are choosing a tracking prospect pup?

Any advice, tips or help you may have are greatly appreciated.

Marie

FloppyToby · 03-27-2010, 05:49 PM

get the one with the biggest nose. just kidding. i'm sure you'll make a great choice though good luck and congrats!

Betsy Iole · 03-27-2010, 09:46 PM

If possible, take the puppies you're considering and run them on starter tracks. Some will be awesome, and some maybe not so much. It's not 100% guaranteed, of course, but that's what I've done in the past when choosing among puppies.

Another consideration, based on my limited experience...if you plan to leave your pup intact for conformation, I find bitches to be more focused and less distractible trackers, as pups and young 'uns.

Mikey T · 03-28-2010, 02:05 AM

While not basset nor tracking specific the only proven trait to hold from puppy temperment testing to adulthood is an undesirable one, that is one to avoid, which is shyness

03-27-2010, 05:27 PM	#1 (permalink)
songlibah Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: NE Texas Posts: 8	Selecting a puppy- what to look for? Hi all! I am new here and this weekend I will be acquiring my very first Basset. Having grown up with an aunt who bred and showed Bernese Mountain Dogs, I am well versed in the benefits of going to a reputable breeder to obtain a puppy. I have found a breeder- they do not breed as a rule and this is only their second litter ever HOWEVER they are being mentored by an experienced breeder, both parents have had their health checks done prior to breeding, both are from proven and titled stock and the pups have already had their eyes checked. As this is a litter of 10 I will have a good number of puppies to choose from. All are excellent quality but I was wondering if, since I am new to the breed, you all would be willing to chime in on some of the important things you look for when selecting a pup. Things that a newbie might not think, or know, to look for. My interest, other than having a canine companion, is to try tracking. I have done conformation ring until I am bored to tears and would like to foray off into some of the performance events. So "show quality" (usually referring to conformation ring) is not necessarily a big factor. If there are those of you here who have done tracking with your Bassets- are there any traits you look for when you are choosing a tracking prospect pup? Any advice, tips or help you may have are greatly appreciated. Marie

03-27-2010, 09:46 PM	#3 (permalink)
Betsy Iole Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1969 Posts: 4,901	If possible, take the puppies you're considering and run them on starter tracks. Some will be awesome, and some maybe not so much. It's not 100% guaranteed, of course, but that's what I've done in the past when choosing among puppies. Another consideration, based on my limited experience...if you plan to leave your pup intact for conformation, I find bitches to be more focused and less distractible trackers, as pups and young 'uns. __________________ Betsy, Mom to CH Bugle Bay's Sin City Caper UD RE TD BHCA-VC CH Bugle Bay's Sin City Cuppa Joe TD CH Bugle Bay's AllUCanEat Buffet CDX RN TDX NA CGC BHCA-VCX, 1996-2008 "Bugsie" UDX NA NAJ CGC, 1991-2006

03-27-2010, 05:49 PM	#2 (permalink)
FloppyToby Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 186	get the one with the biggest nose. just kidding. i'm sure you'll make a great choice though good luck and congrats!

03-28-2010, 02:05 AM	#4 (permalink)
Mikey T Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: West Warrwick, RI Posts: 7,242	While not basset nor tracking specific the only proven trait to hold from puppy temperment testing to adulthood is an undesirable one, that is one to avoid, which is shyness

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