Good idea to "do your homework" before deciding on the breed. I found this board before I decided to finalize my "basset arrangements" and had actually been looking up things online, talking to local people here ... digging up info for about a year.
I can tell you that even with all the "warnings" and advice and things I found out or had been told .... I STILL was not fully prepared for the 'stuff' that comes with having a basset.
They are so completely unlike any other dog I have ever owned! (good ways definately but not so good ways too).
I don't want to discourage you from deciding on a basset IF that's what you truly want and make up your mind to do. But ...
I would hope that you are fully commited to it in spite of the cons that come with the pros.
Bassets seem almost like having a perpetual 2 year old in the house.
They are stubborn, demanding, they seem to take forever to house train, they drool, they shed, they have a distinct odor ...
In spite of popular belief they are not meant as "couch patatoes" they need lots of excercise to be healthy, they can become overweight easily and all the health problems that go along with it.
Some have been known to have joint trouble, back problems, skin issues, allergies ... etc.
They need their nails clipped, their ears cleaned, their glands excreted ...
They are definately a High Maintenance dog.
All that aside - I personally believe my bassets are the best dogs I have ever owned.
They have brought me countless moments of joy during a very rough time in my life. Love is truly a basset hound.
Good luck with your decision
