jeffrey's mom

Hi all,

Jeffrey is now a sweet 9-month-old Basset and my husband and I are thinking about getting him a little sister. We found an adorable little girl that we would love to have (she would come home around Thanksgiving when Jeffrey will be just over 10 months old). Jeffrey is neutered and very good with other dogs, but we're wondering if he's old enough to know not to play too hard with a puppy. He had some contact with an 8-week old kitten about 3 months ago and definitely played too hard with him. He wasn't aggressive at all, he just wanted to play.

So I'm wondering what those of you with multiple Bassets think about this situation. Also, will a boy and girl basset (she will be spayed when appropriate age) get along well, or should we go with another boy?

Thank you so much!

Wilsonsmom

Hi there

Just throwing in my 2 cents. I own a basset (Wilson 6 years old Boy), a chihuahua (3 yrs old (girl) and two cats (one 3 (girl) and one 9 years old (grumpy old deaf man). The chihuahua and the 9 year old cat were the last to arrive after Wilson came to live with us. Except for the 9 year old cat which is deaf (so easily surprised) all play very gently together (this is through minimal intervention now from people) They were closely supervised at first introductions and for the first several days until I was comfortable that they could all be left loose in my home together. Usually larger animals just seem to know that they can't just be so rough and tumble with smaller animals. The most aggressive is the play between the chihuahua and the 3 year old cat (because their size and age is similar they seem to play together the best). Wilson and the chihuahua sleep together all the time and run and chase each other in the back yard. Very occasionally Wilson roles over onto Tiger, however Tiger is really quick so has never really been hurt by Wilson. Best of luck to you and what could be better than one basset.

Two bassets of course.

Susan and Wilson

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Susan and Wilson

AmyB

Spencer joined our family as a puppy when Sadie was 1 1/2 years old. I took her to the breeders to meet him, and she did very well. When Spencer came home, she played with him, but was gentle. She seemed to know how far she could go. She was also very motherly towards him. The only thing I had to be careful of was sleeping time. She liked to snuggle with him & he was quite small. I was afraid she would lay on him & accidentally smother him. So, until he was big enough, they slept in the same room, but Spencer slept in his crate (Sadie had never been crated). Good luck. I doubt you would ever regret getting another Basset.

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Amy, mom to
Sadie (ATB, 6/9/06) & Spencer (ATB, 8/19/10) - always in my heart
and Clifford (gotcha date 7/2/11).

Aruuuu

First, a boy and a girl should be a good combo. Second, play will have to be very closely supervised because of the size differences. The little one will be easily overwhelmed by the bigger dog. And not all dogs are quick to know they need to be gently with a baby. I would install baby gates in the house, and, at least initially, only allow them outside together with the bigger dog on lead. If he starts to get too rowdy, you'll need to have immediate control over the situation......

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If stress were exercise, I'd be in great shape!

Mikey T

Ah I a bitch you say, I would be more concerned for Jeffery's well being rather than the new puppy. In basset as with most scent hounds bitches rule.