Basset Questions

CORKEY BASSET HOUNDS - Home of European and American Champion Bloodline Basset Hounds

Basset Questions

Welcome to our Basset Information Page. There are many great web sites to find so much information. Here we plan to post information that answers many questions that are put to us from people who plan to purchase a basset. This page is still under construction and so we will be adding to it off and on.

FIRST OF ALL.....

Is a Basset Hound the dog for me?

Basset Hounds are pack dogs and LOVE to be with you. How much time can you give your hound?

Where will your hound spend his/her time when you are not around? How patient are you?

The Basset is a loyal dog but they can have their monents of making their own decisions on

matters, such as, "Should I really come now just cause my owner is calling me?" Do your research

on this breed first before buying.

Do basset hounds make good family pets?

Basset hounds make wonderful pets for the whole family. They are wonderful with children of all ages. However, as always, you should never leave any small child alone with any dog. They are very affectionate and just want to be loved all the time. They are loyal and will make good watch dogs without being aggressive.

Do basset hounds make good family pets?

Do bassets get along well with other pets?

Since basset hounds are gentle and were bred for hunting in packs, they get along well with other dogs. We have, in the past, brought in adult bassets and when slowly and gently introduced them to our other bassets, they adjusted just fine. They will get along well other pets, especially if brought in as a puppy and raised with them. The only times that we have seen aggression in our dogs, is , if there is a female in heat. The males are then, not very friendly towards eachother and need to be separated from one another during this time. The other time is during feeding time. Some bassets are fine with sharing their food with other dogs, but some like their dish to themselves. They are fine with you touching their food, but, when threatened by another dog stealing their food, they will give them a warning, but, typically , will not fight.

Do bassets bark a lot?

Bassets like to run and lead active lives. They are a pack dog and love to be with other dogs. The best place for a basset is in your home with a secured fenced in yard. But if your Basset must be in a kennel, you should see that he or she gets much socialization along with excerise and that another dog that is a suitable match is kenneled with your Basset. Bassets love to play with other dogs and this helps with companionship and getting some of their energy out. A frustrated dog, will lash out in barking, and howling, begging his owner to please notice him and spend time with him. Make sure you are not getting a dog because of your needs only, the dog's needs must be considered first. Getting a dog and then ignoring it's needs and not giving it the proper attention will only create an unwanted problem for yourself and the poor animal.

Are bassets easy to house train?

Bassets are just as easy or difficult to house train as any other dog. It really depends on consistency on the owner's part. It is wise to evaluate how much time you would have to spend with your new pup before getting him/her. It takes time and patience in house training a Basset. To start with I suggest you take the pup out the same door to do his duty. This is establishing a habit for the pup, of knowing where to go when he needs to go out. Praise him and bring him back in the same door. Be patient with your pup during this time. When a pup is small, he or she cannot control themselves until older. However, by keeping them on a routine and going in and out the same door, habits are being formed. If the pup has an accident in the house, it is good to put his nose near the mess and firmly say one word, "bad." Then proceed to take him to the door and out, even though he had already gone. While keeping your pup inside, it is best to either keep him in a crate or blocked off area with newspapers down along with a soft bed. Most pups will not wet the area they sleep in. Yelling at your pup or hitting your pup will only scare him or her and can lead to wetting everytime you try to touch your pup. Remember..."this too, shall pass" and eventually, the pup will grow older and will be able to control himself longer.

What should the size of a basset be?

Bassets are heavy boned dogs. They usually will weigh right around 50 - 80 lbs. They should stand any where from 12 inches to 15 inches tall from the feet to the shoulders. Females are usually a slight smaller, but not by much. Bassets may appear to be a small dog, but really are just a short, big dog. For details on the standard of the breed, check out the site www.akc.org and click on breeds to find the basset.

Do bassets drool?

Most bassets do drool. They are called " wet mouthed" while other bassets do not drool as much are called " dry mouthed". Bassets tend to drool most when eating, drinking and after a good run. If you are feeding your basset in the house, a feeding mat is very useful. It is good to have paper towels around as well. We have read that one of the common reasons why bassets end up in rescue homes is because they drool. Some of our bassets are more wet mouthed than our other bassets. But when you consider the wonderful temperment and loyality along with the love a basset gives the whole family, drooling can be a minor thing.

Does the color of a basset matter?

The color of a basset does not make any difference in the value of the dog, except, be cautious about buying a "blue" colored basset. We have heard and read that it is an undesirable color and can mean genetically inherited disorders.

What if my pup all of a sudden has a limp?

Once in awhile a young basset may develope a limp or lameness to one of his limbs. It can be due to stress. Activity makes it worse. This problem is called "Paneosteitis". The puppy will usually outgrow it by the age of two. Be aware of this problem. Most vets are not aware of this ailment in bassets and will give a wrong diagnosis such as "hip displasia" and "patellar luxation" and therefore will suggest surgery.

Do bassets shed?

Basset do shed some. It also depends on the coat. Some bassets have a real short, tight coat, while others may have a slightly longer, softer coat. However, they do not shed as bad as some other breeds. But with regular brushing, the shedding is not bad. Bassets don't require regular bathing. A bath every 2 or 3 months is sufficient due to the fact that their coats repel dirt and water well. Over all, the care of a basset's coat is low maintenance.