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How To Choose The Right Basset Hound For You

So, you have chosen to get a basset hound as your family pet. But, you are wondering how to choose the right basset hound for you. There are many ways to get a basset hound. You have to know that there are many differences between buying a basset hound and adopting one.

I have been around basset hounds for over a decade. So far, I and my family have gotten our basset hounds from a reputable breeder. This is something that I personally recommend. But, I will give you all the differences between buying and adopting a basset hound and you can choose what works best for you.

How To Choose The Right Basset Hound For You

How To Choose The Right Basset Hound For You
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There are things to consider when trying to get a basset hound. For some people, buying will be the correct choice and adopting for others. I will do my best to give you all of the information that you need to know. With this information, you will be able to choose what option is best for you.

Buying vs. Adopting a Basset Hound

There are ads circulating on the internet that you should always adopt instead of buying. I am all about adopting, but that is not always the best option. There is nothing wrong with purchasing a dog if that is the best option for you. Here are the benefits of buying vs adopting a basset hound:

Benefits of Buying a Basset Hound

Benefits of Buying a Basset Hound
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When you buy a basset hound from a breeder, you can explain your home life, activities, and family members to him. With this information, the breeder will choose the right puppy for you. Meaning, if you have an active lifestyle, he will do his best to choose an energetic puppy that can participate in family activities.

Here are the benefits of buying a basset hound:

1. You will get the health history of your pup

Getting a basset hound from a reputable breeder will get you the health history of the parents and previous generations.

Knowing the health history of your basset hound can be very helpful. It’s better if you know to which health condition your basset hound is prone. The most common health conditions that basset hounds suffer from are Glaucoma and Hip/Back problems.

2. Do business with a reputable breeder

You should do a little research on your breeder. Basset Hounds can cost between $1700 and $10,000. Their price means that they are a temptation for greedy breeders. There are many websites that offer a list of reputable breeders. Another way to get in touch with a reputable breeder is by asking your veterinarian, dog trainers, or some basset hound owners.

Always check how long a particular breeder has been in business, their location, and reviews. You can join dog advocate groups and ask around. The breeder must be able to provide all the tests and paperwork from the puppy and his parents. A good breeder will be more than happy to show you the paperwork as well as the puppies.

3. You will get a health test and certifications

No matter if you are buying your basset hound for a show, or just to be your family pet, getting a guarantee in writing is a must. Although, no one can completely guarantee that your pup will be healthy, having a history of his family diseases is very helpful.

There is an organization called CHIC (Canine health information center) which is a database where all the information on medical conditions is kept. This organization helps ensure that common problems for a specific breed are addressed. For example, the basset hound parent group has determined the most common health problems for the basset hound and all basset hounds must be screened for those conditions. If your pup has a CHIC Certificate, that means the puppy has been screened for common health problems related to the breed. The information is public and you can view it.

This database is very important for the buyer as well as for the responsible breeders. Also, researchers use this information so they can study and find cures for the most common basset hound diseases.

4. Guarantees and contracts will be provided

When doing a business transaction that involves money, measures have to be taken to protect the buyer and the seller. Buying a basset hound should be captured in writing. Here is an online form that captures some key elements that will ensure you will not be cheated by the seller. All sales agreements should state who is buying the basset hound and who is selling it.

Here are all the information that the sales agreement for your basset hound should state:

  1. Health: The basset hound breeder has to disclose any known health conditions that the basset hound had, has, or might get. If the pup has been examined by medical personnel, the vet or the health clinic should be named. Some agreements can include that the dog can be brought back if serious health issues arise.
  2. History: All information about the basset hound parents should be provided. When adopting a rescue, the history documents will include any inhumane treatment.
  3. Vaccinations: A list of vaccinations, as well as dates and locations, need to be listed. You will need this information to get a dog license. Some professional breeders will also add all the vaccinations that the basset hound will need in the future.
  4. Training: If the puppy had some kind of training, that information has to be provided. Basset hounds can have training for hunting, obedience, or as therapy dogs. This information will be useful and you will know where the breeder stopped with the training so you can pick up from there.
  5. Quality: The quality of the basset hound should be specified in the sales agreement. Some basset hounds are purebred, but only meet ”pet quality” standards and cannot be used as show dogs.
  6. Pedigree: A copy of the parent’s pedigree should be printed out as well as the lineage spelled out in detail.
  7. Warranties: All of the warranties that the breeder or the agency is giving should be documented in writing.
  8. Price: The exact price of your basset hound needs to be included. All of the vaccination and neutering should be covered by the total price.

How To Pick The Right Basset Hound Puppy

Not all basset hound puppies are the same. So, it is important that you pick the right basset hound puppy for you. Breeders have long waiting lists, so go one day before you plan to take your puppy home. Picking the right basset hound puppy for you will include playing with the puppy. At least a good breeder will encourage you to do so. If the pup is not 12 weeks old, he will not be fully awake. But you can get a good glimpse of a puppy’s health and personality by 8 weeks of age. If you have another pet or children, take them with you.

Here is how to interact with your potential basset hound pup and what to do:

  1. Don’t rush: Take your time when picking your basset hound pup. Once you find the one that you are interested in, take your time before you make your final decision.
  2. Interact with the pup: Interacting with your basset hound puppy will tell you a lot about his socialization skills. Play with him and hold him. See how he reacts.
  3. Watch him play: See how the basset hound puppy plays. You will be able to tell if he is aggressive, shy, or playful. If other pups interact with him, even better.
  4. Observe the activity level: After observing how the puppy plays, give him an activity level rating. If the pup is energetic, it might have more energy than most basset hounds. Usually, people pick neutral pups because they are well-balanced.
  5. Hold the pup in your hands: This should be an easy test. Pick up the pup and hold it in your hands. Observe the reaction of the pup and how comfortable or uncomfortable it is. If he becomes defensive, then you got yourself an alpha-dog.
  6. Size things up: Walk around the puppy for a few minutes and then bend down and pet him. Is he afraid or happy? This will tell you if the pup is a subdued dog or ready to roll.
  7. Play with the pup: Get the pup’s attention and take a few steps back. Call him or take out a treat. See if he is going to come to you or stay back. This test will reveal if the pup is shy or likes to play.
  8. See how he reacts to sounds: If you have small children, your basset hound will hear all kinds of sounds during his stay in your house. You better test him now. Take two metal spoons or a set of keys and make some noises. See how he reacts to that noise.
  9. See if he is interested in you: Wait until the pup loses interest in you and then fall to the ground. Yell ”Ouch” and see if the puppy will come to you and lick your face.
  10. Visually inspect the pup: You will be getting all the paperwork from the pup before you pay for it. But, you should still do a visual inspection and see the overall health. Basset hounds tend to have issues with their joints and back. See how the puppy plays and see how he walks.

Benefits of Adopting a Basset Hound

When adopting a basset hound, you might be literally saving his life, especially if you adopt from a kill shelter. Plus, adopting a basset hound is a cheaper option. Many shelters only have fees for the shots and vet services.

Adopting a basset hound means that you can get an adult dog, whereas breeders only offer young puppies. Sure there are benefits of getting a young puppy, but your lifestyle might not allow you to do it, and getting an adult basset hound is a better option for you.

You should know that adopting older basset hounds might come with a lot of emotional baggage from abandonment or even abuse. But, all dogs deserve a second chance. And if you can give them a warm home, you should definitely go for adoption.

Don’t get overwhelmed with emotions and scan the dog for any health conditions such as hip dyslexia or some skin problems. Also, ask the shelter to provide any medical documentation if the pup has been treated badly by his previous owners. Make sure that this is the right basset hound for you.

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