There seems to be an "Ah - ha" moment in the basset owner's life when it hits us - that bassets are not like other dogs & we all come to terms with that at some point. Only then can you find true peace!
José a loveable, gentle little(okay, "big) clown, who sheds and drools, and feels entitled to jump on anyone sitting on the couch. He won't stop anyone from breaking into the house (unless licking someone to death counts), he scratches to go outside, then in, then out... just to keep you on your toes. He must sleep covered up in his comforter & if forced out of bed in the morning he will do his business then go right back to bed until about noon. He would gladly let any stranger take him anywhere. He loves all other dogs & cats but sadly looks so confused if he gets barked at or if a cat runs away from his wet nose. In short, bassets are love machines, put on this earth to teach us the virtue of patience.
They aren't like other dogs. In comparison to "normal" dogs:
*Fetch is played only if they feel like it. Sometimes José will run after the ball I throw. Once in a while he might even bring it back near me (never giving it to me). Sometimes he just watches me throw it & looks at me like he is trying to figure out what is wrong with me.
*He can't catch a treat if you throw it. Poor guy gets bonked on the nose or backs away to avoid it. Exceptions can be made with carrots, as he watches me cut them after a while I can just throw a piece to him & he will catch it.
* He needs a leash constantly & acts as if the name you're screaming out to him is something he has never heard in his 5 1/2 years on this planet.
*He will jump up on the nightstand & get the wrappers/dishes/leftover coffee that my husband left there. He gets yelled at to get "Down", leaves the room, then walks back in & jumps up again. It's not like he doesn't know, he just doesn't care.
Wouldn't trade José for the world!