Swimming-duck

Hi. I'm new here. I've been reading the forums, reading online, watching youtube videos, and trying to get a feel for this breed. We had to say goodbye to our last furry friend. That story is here if you want a LONG read - Long story - grab a cup of joe - Dog Forum - DiscussDogs.com

Anyways, I now have a four-legged shaped hole in my heart. As I continue to learn and read about this breed, I welcome your answers to this question.

I'm a work at home mom and run a full-time home daycare. I'm wondering how you feel a basset would do in a busy daycare environment. I have kiddos who have dogs and of course I would work to ensure that they are all treating doggie appropriately and basset would have space in a part of the house not occupied by kiddos when he/she needs a break. I realize this is an oversimplistic question as different bassets have different temperaments. We are hoping to get an adult basset from a rescue so that we can get a decent idea of temperament - plus we do not have time for the needs of a developing puppy. We would of course look for a basset that has been around children and would love the attention. But in being new to this breed, is there anything that you feel would make it a bad match and/or anything I should look for as we begin the journey to adding a basset to our family?

Wworm

Hi & Welcome!

Will take a look at your thread later as have only a few minutes right now. sorry about the 4-legged shaped hole in your heart

well... Bassets are the best!! just got my first one a year ago, and lovin' it (him).

What are the age ranges of the kids you care for, and how many kids are there?

Also, my first thought is that temperament matters. I like how you're thinking of getting a rescue w/a known temperament.

Worm has been more mellow than i ever imagined a puppy to be. he is relatively quiet and inactive at home (opposite of how he is in the park w/his dog friends). we are surrounded by kids in our apartment complex, and surprisingly, he does really well with them. I never worry that he'll hurt them or anything. which was different from my last dog, where i'd have to supervise closely the wiener dog's interactions w/children & babies, because he gets a bit wonky and snippy.

so yeah, i could see a dog like Worm be ok in an environment you're describing (and like all the attention, esp). he'd probably get tired & have to sleep a lot. others here will know more.

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see what the Worm is up to: http://bassetworm.blogspot.com/

Barney'spal

An older dog would probably be fine....these bassets do LOVE kids. Mine is only 8 months and at this time is not nearly mellow enough. He wants to sit on the kids and he's way too heavy. I never worry about him biting but his enthusiasm is way out of control. An older basset should fit right in....I think...I hope.

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Properly trained, a man can be a dog's best friend.

Kirska

An older basset in general would probably do well but every dog is different. If you can find a rescue that's been fostered in a home with children, that would be a good start.

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Mom to Anabelle and Lila, rescued ladies and Harley, Corgi/Beagle/Basset/?? mutt

"Saving just one dog won't change the world, but it surely will change the world for that one dog." - Richard C. Call

henry'smum

Which state do you live in? I would contact the basset rescue groups, explain what you are looking for and see if they either have someone that fits, or see if they can keep you in mind if a suitable hound becomes available. You could also spend a day working with them to get some bassety exposure to make sure they are the right fit for you. Whatever you decide good luck and keep us informed

Lucy&Millie

I agree, check with your rescue, and let them know your situation. I'm positive you can find a Basset Hound that will fit in perfectly.

Millie would love to spend her days with children. Sometimes, I feel bad that its just me and no children; Millie would love children. Lucy, though, she would prefer to do without, though that doesn't mean she is mean to children. Lucy just prefers to be without them. :-)

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Lucy - Age 6?
Millie - Age 2

Welshtyke

Bassets are not sededentary dogs as per common misconception, they are hounds that were bred for hunting namely flushing out small prey by scent. Hence like any other dog they need exercise. I love my two hounds and they have a good temperament. I don't think you would be disappointed with a Basset (two is better), but they do need exercise

My two are rescue see link.

http://i798.photobucket.com/albums/y...dicotGuard.jpg

Princess Buttercup

I really glad Princess Buttercup can't read because I'm pretty sure she would pack up & leave to come live with you!! She LOVES kids. We're talking sit down on the sidewalk & not move when we walk past the elementary school during recess. I think she believes someday, one of the kids will climb over the fence to say hello & she's going to sit & wait! I have always been amazed at how she knows infants & toddlers are different than the kids at the high school. She's much more gentle & even let's them pull her ears & tail. I do get "the look" though. It's funny how she knows she can rough house at the high school but not with the little ones she just rolls over & let's them pet her belly. Big hands small hands who cares just pet, pet, pet! . I think the right basset would be perfect! Good luck in the hunt & let us know when you hire your four legged assistant.