BASSET HOUND From Wikipedia Encyclopedia

The Basset Hound is a short-legged breed of dog of the hound family. They are scent hounds, bred to hunt rabbits by scent. Their sense of smell for tracking is second only to that of the Bloodhound.[1] The name Basset derives from the French word "bas" meaning "low;" "basset" (-et attenuating suffix) meaning, literally, "rather low."[2]

Male 12-15 inches tall with weight of 50-65 pounds
Female 11-14 inches tall with weight of 45-60 pounds

I have read a lot of info about Basset Hounds. Their size, weight, eating habits, sleeping, etc.  But what I have found to be true is that each of the Bassets that we have is just like a kid. Each has a different personality, different wants and needs.

Now I can get them to all take naps at the same time or eat together. But what I'm talking about is that each puppy will grow into the pet that you want it to be. Spend a lot of time with them and they want more. Teach one to play ball and you better be ready to play every day. Basset Hounds love to be loved and they love to do whatever you do.  They are definitely companion dogs.

Each day, I try to spend a little time with each of our Bassets one-on-one. This has become a routine with each Basset and they love it. The time spent with Sassy is playing ball.  Buddy likes his rubdown while Shelby wants to be hugged.  Whiskey likes to roughhouse and Rusty just wants attention. Although the bassets may change the concept is the same. Spend time with your basset...

If you have ever had kids you know what I am taking about. If not, just wait and see...

Our Huggable Bassets Tips
Just a few tips that we have found out the hard way.

Vet Visits with your new basset
Breeding Bassets is a lot of fun but it also come with great responsibility
We have worked hard to pick and breed the Highest Quality Bassets.  Our bassets visited the vet on a regular basis. Puppies do not leave our home unless they are 100% healthy. Each new puppy is cared for each and every day before he or she goes to a new home. Each puppy is wormed every two weeks and checked for worms every week. It is important that you find a Vet that you are comfortable with. Someone that will work with you during the puppies whole life.

Puppy Food
Our new puppies have been feed High Quality Puppy Food from their first bite.
We feel that the cost of better food is the best thing you can do for the long term growth of the puppies.  Our Bassets feel better, have more energy, and stay trimmer. We feed our puppies and mothers-to-be what we feel is the food for the money. So how do you decided what food to use.

First we wait a food that has NONE of the preservatives that are so harmful to our pets.
Next we want a food that has no corn or corn meal.
We want a food that is all natural.
And of course, a food that are pets like.

There are a lot of puppy and dog foods on the market. We chose a pet food that has NO BY-PRODUCTS or CORN MILL or WHEAT. You want your pet to live healthy and long. Choosing the right food can help do just that.

Shampoo
Our Bassets lounge around on the sofa at night but in the day,
Our Bassets lounge around on the sofa at night but in the day, they love to run and play outside. Now you may not know it but  Bassets will follow a smell until they are 2 blocks away.  So, unless you want to send a lot of time playing  “find the Basset”, a fence or dog run will make a big difference. After a week of outdoor playing, it’s time to wash the Basset. Now Bassets are like most animals, it takes a few baths before they accept it as part of their routine. Bassets are a “wash-n-wear” kind of dog. I have found .  A oatmeal shampoo works well with their skin. My favorite shampoo is made by Lambert Kay called Fresh & Clean "Oatmeal 'N Baking Soda" Most pet store carry the Fresh & Clean Brand Products. This is a very high in shampoo with great ingredients. The baking sofa keep them smelling fresh for a long time.

Ear Care
Bassets are know for their long ears and the more time they spend outside playing. The dirtier their ears get. Keeping them clean is important to the help of the dog. Bassets love to have their ears cleaned. I have found that just after bathing and drying is a good time to take care of the ears. All you need is a bag of cotton balls and a bottle of alcohol. Their ears catch mostly dust from the ground. Cleaning their ears is very easy and will not gross you out. Most bassets will let you clean their ears for days.

Toe Nail Care
Know, when it come to cutting the Basset's toe nails, good luck.
"Just kidding" At first we tried every dog nail chipper on the market. The biggest thing we found. Was that after about 6-8 months old. The Basset's toe nails become very wide and most clippers hurt the Bassets foot. The Bamboo large nail clippers (not Guillotine) is our favorite hand clipper. http://www.bamboopet.com But I have to say with a little work. The Pedicure is the perfect nail groom. At first the dogs are afraid of the motor noses. But if you follow the video on the web site. Soon your Basset will have the perfect nails. http://www.peticure.com/index.html

Are You a Basset Parent
Basset Hounds are the most wonderful dog and makes the perfect pets.
Take care in deciding if you are right for the Basset. Our basset all run and play together. So if you are looking for a pair of puppy's to keep each other company. Bassets are a great chose. The male and female get along great with each other. Make your next pet apart of your family. The Basset Hound is a lovable and friendly pet. They make great indoor pets as well as outdoor.