Swimming-duck

Okay. So I'm pretty darn after reading posts and lurking and reading other sources that a basset is going to be a great fit for our family. But I'd love to confirm my decision. I can tell from the posts here that you are all seriously infatuated with your bassets. But please tell me the bad and the ugly, the reasons you think bassets are turned into shelters, what families don't make a good match with a basset, etc...

So please, fill in the blank - A basset is NOT the dog for you if ___________

Barney'spal

you want a 100% obedient dog. (there's a chance though with extra-good treats he'll make an effort)

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

CatherineM

If you are always gone. They like to be with their families.

If you are fastidiously neat.

henry'smum

So please, fill in the blank - A basset is NOT the dog for you if ___________

You like constant quiet
You do not have the time to teach one
You dont want to clean ears weekly
You want a dog that is easy to train
You want a dog that doesnt hve an aroma - even the cleanest basset smells sometimes
You think they are a Lazy breed
You value your sanity
You dont have a hound sense of humour


I think the case is really that a person isnt right for the breed not the breed for the person. You are owned by a hound, you dont own them!

Swimming-duck

I am getting such great feedback already. Thank you!

Barney's pal - I do plan to clicker train with yummy treats to get as much obedience as I can out of our new family member, but from my reading it seems that some things are just not going to happen for some bassets - and as long as they're not unsafe issues (aggression, guarding, etc...) I'm okay with that.

CatherineM - I am a work at home mom. I run a licensed daycare, so our new family member will have a family to be with all day. I will be very specific when speaking with the rescue worker who matches us to the right basset. We want a furry family member who doesn't tolerate children - we want one who LOVES children and will enjoy the attention of kiddos.

Henry'smum - Constant quiet - haha - I'd have to kick out my four year old...lol! I do have questions about cleaning the ears. I don't have a problem doing it, but will have to learn how. I know they are not a lazy breed, but my understanding is that they're active vs. hyper (exception being puppyhood maybe?). Would you say that's correct? What type of physical stimulation do you guys feel a basset needs in order to be happy? I definitely plan on doing a daily walk. While I'd love to do this first thing in the morning, I probably won't be able to do that. It will probably be more of an early evening walk. So the majority of physical exercise and play during the daytime will be inside with the kiddos. I do a mid-morning walk with the kiddos and would be happy to bring basset along if I feel I can safely manage our basset and the kiddos. But it is a very SLOW pace with preschool-aged walkers! In the evenings we like to relax (aka couch potato style). Occasionally we go out in the evening during the week, but not usually. So we are a bit homebodyish, but we do intend to play with our basset, walk our basset, and provide basset the freedom to romp with the kiddos.

Soundtrack

A Basset is not for you if:

You do not have a lot of patience
You are a neat freak
You don't like doggie smell
You don't like dogs that shed
You want a dog that enjoys chasing frisbees and sticks
You want a jogging companion
You don't like drool - on your walls, furniture, clothes, ceiling....(ok, maybe not the ceiling)
You want a dog that is instantly obedient. Bassets are very smart, but they are not really motivated to please you.
You want a couch potato - remember that Bassets are hunting dogs and they although they are not bouncing of the walls like some breeds, they are more active than most people think.
You want a small dog - a well-bred Basset can run 45-70 lbs or more - and they believe they are lap dogs.
You want a dog that will just hang around the yard. Bassets wander and require a secure fenced yard.
Basset are intelligent and easily bored. They are also scroungers. They WILL think of ways to get into trouble/food/garbage/things. If this sort of thing annoys you, a Basset is not for you.

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Rosie-Ch Soundtrack Cracklin' Rose CGN AGN RA Am RN TT
Melody-Ch Soundtrack Unchained Melody TT
Sailor-Ch Soundtrack Expedition Sailor RN TT
Chili-Ch Soundtrack Spice Up Your Life
Curry-Ch Soundtrack Canadian Brass
Pepper-Ch Pennieslogon Living La Vida Loca CGN
Vina-Ch Soundtrack Grand Illusion
Leila-Ch Soundtrack Almost Paradise
Deela-Ch Soundtrack Wink Of An Eye
Hermione - Soundtrack Spellbound
Eowyn - Soundtrack Rain Dance

Lightning&Stomps

...you don't like having 60+ lbs of love in your lap for hours at a time. Yes, they are lap dogs.

eclairs mom

Absolutely awesome responses....a couple more to add
if you are looking for a faster than normal doggie to housebreak
if you are not willing to give up a good portion of your bed

Annie714

I can't think of anything to add to the above lists...most traits seems to be listed.

Bassets are wonderful. They drool, smell odd, love food and attention...doesn't this sound like a human toddler??

As for loving children, I can only speak for my own basset and she LOVES kids. They are the perfect height for kisses and belly rubs. She finds a child and at first will sit at their feet, when they acknowledge her she rolls over ON their feet for a belly rub

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Blog about the antics of Annie and I. http://thechickandthehound.blogspot.com

eclairs mom

yup I agree on the loving Children. I have owned 3 so far, I have no kids so they were never around them growing up, however, all of them are great with all of our neigbours kids ranging in age from 2-12.