Basset Hounds are a relatively big breed. In fact they can be likened to a "Labrador on short legs". A male can weigh around 35 kg or more so when you consider that they are short legged they certainly are a solid breed with very heavy bone.
It is fortunate that such a large, solid hound should have a placid disposition. They should be outgoing but gentle and loving. They make excellent family pets especially as they adore the attention of children (although there is a limit to the amount of pushing and pulling they will tolerate from very young children). It should be noted that like most breeds, Basset Hounds take eighteen months to three years to fully mature. During this juvenile stage they are full of energy and tend to get up to some mischief! You can be sure though that with firm and consistent disciple he/she will make a well mannered, loved and enjoyed member of the family.
Basset Hounds can be any hound colour-- tricolour (black, white, tan), tan and white, red and white, lemon and white or even liver and white. Colour is really just a matter of personal preference.
FEEDING
Basset Hounds are excellent eaters! A puppy needs several feeds per day (breeders will give you a diet sheet). An average youngster, say from 12 to 13 months will eat roughly 750 gm.-1.25 kg of solid food daily. At about 3 years their food intake lessens. A well balanced quality diet should be fed (a combination of dry food, meat, vegetables and rice is a good example). Never feed chop, chicken or other similar bones as they tend to get stuck half way. A calcium supplement is most important. Breeders or your vet will advise you.
HOUSING
You must decide whether you want an inside or an outside dog. A Basset really calls for a happy medium here. They love to come inside but will manage quite well outside provided they have a cozy draught free kennel and a safe yard to romp in.
Your yard should be fully fenced with reliable gates. Bassets (being scent hounds) have very little road sense; they tend to put their nose to the ground and off they go on their merry way.
Another very important thing to realise is that Bassets drown in swimming pools. They can swim but could panic if they can't find their way out of the pool. Being inquisitive dogs they could fall in when trying to get a drink. Nobody wants that.
VACCINATIONS
All dogs should be vaccinated for Distemper/Hepatitis and Parvo Virus. A temporary shot should be given at 6 weeks followed by a permanent shot at 12 weeks and a follow up Parvo at 16 weeks. Your puppy should not come into contact with outside dogs until the full course has been given
After that your Basset should have an annual booster and check up. Heartworm is now prevalent in parts of Australia. Your Veterinary Surgeon will advise you on the necessary routine tests and follow up preventative treatment.
GROOMING
In comparison to many other breeds, Basset Hounds need relatively little grooming but love to be brushed and pampered somewhat! Toenails should be trimmed fortnightly. Ears need to be checked for excessive wax and possible ear mites. Bassets can be bathed in a mild shampoo (they do tend to have a real doggy odour if not bathed regularly) in fact there is not harm in bathing them weekly if you want. Fleas can be a problem but there are many preparations available to combat this. Teeth can be kept free of tartar by giving hard biscuits or dog 'chewies' regularly.
Bassets have a slight drooping of the lower eye. Occasionally dust accumulates there and could irritate the eye. Eyes should be checked regularly and any discharge or eye change should be reported to your veterinarian.
EXERCISE
Bassets love a daily walk on a lead or a romp in the park but they should be under supervision at all times. At home they should have room to play and gain plenty of natural exercise. Puppies should be discouraged from over rough play and should never be allowed to run down stairs. Continual exercise on grass tends to weaken their feet and pasterns. "Down on pastern" is a term you may have heard so exercise on bitumen roads and/or footpaths should be given.
TRAINING
You can teach your Basset the basics of obedience but they will benefit greatly from lessons at obedience school especially if it is your first dog. Bassets are quite intelligent and will respond to basic commands. For example teaching your Basset to "leave" could prevent the harmful ingestion of items such as super balls, chop bones etc. There is nothing worse than a totally unruly, uncontrollable spoilt Basset! Remember as they mature they need both firm and consistent training to learn acceptable manners. Don't let him rule the roost!
HOW DO I GO ABOUT GETTING A BASSET PUPPY?
It is wise to contact an affiliated Basset Hound Club for a list of reputable breeders who may have puppies at the time. If you are wanting a puppy to show it is wise to visit club shows and talk to exhibitors and breeders to learn as much about the breed as possible before making a decision on the type of puppy you want.
Most breeders are caring and concerned about the type of home their puppy is going to. They will probably ask lots of questions to make sure you understand the requirements of a Basset Hound puppy. Likewise you should ask questions and build up a good relationship with the breeder so that you can feel free to take advantage of the "after sales service" they usually offer. A lot of work and tender loving care will have gone into the making of your new puppy and it is comforting to know that the puppy's new owner is also responsible and caring.
A MALE OR FEMALE?
If you are just going to have one Basset then it is really just a matter of preference. Both males and females are extremely affectionate and make devoted pets. Bitches will come into season usually every six months.
The period of heat is 3 weeks and it is usually during the second week (this varies) when they will 'stand' for the male and allow a mating to occur. You must be prepared to keep her locked up inside or in a suitable dog proof run for the duration of her heat. Problems can occur if you have a male and female and do not intend to breed from them!
One simple and sensible solution to pet owners (if you do not intend to show or breed) is to have your male/ neutered. This is a simple safe operation and, in fact, prevents many hassles for you and often saves future related medical problems in your dog i.e. pyometra and mammary tumors in bitches and prostrate problems in dogs. If you do not intend to have your pet Basset neutered make sure you make this quite clear to the breeder when you purchase the puppy. However, if you intend to breed you should also inform the breeder so that you can be properly informed on the correct way to go about it.
HOW DO I GO ABOUT SHOWING?
When you buy your puppy you will be given an official pedigree registration form and an application form to join an Australian National Kennel council affiliate. If you want to show or breed in your name you must join the affiliate and transfer the puppy into your name filling out the appropriate forms. You will then be sent a "Gazette" each month which gives details of forthcoming Shows.
Other information pertaining to your exhibit should be found on your registration form. It is highly recommended that you come along to the Basset Hound Club member's competitions for valuable first hand experience in not so "formal" an atmosphere. Showing dogs is a great hobby; you'll find that out if you just happen to catch the "bug".
