I understand your dilemma. When you're selecting bassets for the field do you ever consider their conformation based on the AKC Standard?
As for show dogs suddenly losing their conformation after they turn two, I have found that to be quite rare. Hopefully those aren't the basset hounds a breeder had decided to breed for their next generation of bassets. Sure dome do lose their conformation as they mature, but that has nothing to do with the argument that dogs in the field shouldn’t be closer to the AKC Standard than many are today.
As for culling dogs, I’m not one who believes in doing that, but I do feel that bassets with major “defects” should be sold or given away with a limited registration. That’s why AKC came up with that form of registration. When a reputable breeder does have major defects they have to regroup and make major changes in their line. A truly reputable breeder, if they are following the BHCA Code of Ethics, wouldn’t keep producing bassets with major problems.
As for when and why BHCA was founded that is not relevant in today’s world. Their mission statement is:
The Basset Hound Club of America was founded to encourage and promote quality in the breeding of pure-bred Basset Hounds and to do all possible to bring their natural qualities to perfection, to encourage the organization of local Basset Hound clubs in those areas where there are sufficient fanciers of the breed to meet the requirements of the American Kennel Club, and to assist them in their activities, to urge members and breeders to accept the Standard of the breed as approved by the American Kennel Club as the only standard of excellence by which Basset Hounds should be judged, to do all in its power to protect the interests of the breed by encouraging sportsmanlike competition at dog shows, field trials, obedience trials, and tracking tests, etc. and to conduct such events under the rules of the American Kennel Club. [/b]
I'd love to be able to get my hounds out in the field. As I stated before, it's just not safe for them here in Southern California. The areas that have abundant quantities of bunnies have even more rattle snakes. In our mild climate their dormant period is quite short. After I retire in a couple of years, I'd like to chack into tracking. We do have some local bassets with tracking titles. That can be done is a safe location.
No, I don’t think anyone will be jumping at the chance to sell you that BIS/BIB basset to add to your line. I'd love to have one myself. Like all the rest of us, you’ll have to work for it yourself. BTW – I’m also a tri-color fan. <_<