First timer what do you think of a basste hound

[slushy06]

I have done alot of research and plan to do alot more and we would like a basset hound my dp has alot of experience with dogs. I have a 3 year old son do you think a basset will be suitable.

Sorry about the spelling in the tittle typing error

WE have a cross basset cocker and he is brilliant. A basset is extremely stubborn so you need to bare that in mind. But go for it. Ours is incredibly tolerable of our boys. They ride rough shod all over him. Just be aware that potty training a dog takes alot of patience and I would reccomend getting using training classes.

not sure where getting came from

Thanks I don't want a big dog want to make sure I can handle him I was badly bitten as a child by a German Shepperd but I love dogs so it must be a non aggressive breed. I am very patient and thought I would try the treat training method. I don't work so he would have lots of attention.

I wouldn't reccomend them for a first dog. They are so independent and can be strong, noisy and difficult to have off lead (well, difficult to get back!). Please have a look at Choosing the Right Dog for You by Gwen Bailey. You might find another breed more satisfying to own in terms of the realationship you will have with it. Also bear in mind, x-breeds are (generally) MUCH healthier than pedigrees.

Basset hounds are quite big dogs though, if you look at them - its just their legs are dwarfed really. If I imagine my dachs scaled up, that would be a pretty strong dog.

But handling any dog should not primarily be a matter of strength - its temperament and training that matter most. I don't have any experience of bassets beyond mutual long-dog appreciation!

My dp has had a staff and a Lurcher x Dalmation which he trained he said the staff was stubborn. I would not be adverse to a x but would like it to be a basset x. I did study all of the breeds I could find info on and found the basset hound the best choice. When I say big dog I mean Rottweiler or Boxer sized I am okay with a medium.
But as I said my dp has lots of experience with dogs.

Can I ask what it is about the Basset Hound that makes it top of your list? (genuine question - if we know what you like/need, we can advise better!).

yep they may look small but ours is big and all muscle he does also have a tendancy to pheasant, pigeon, rabbit , dog basically anything chase. Its surprisinging how fast they are.

Well firstly he is voted a Very good dog for children.

He doesn't look aggressive. Which as I was badly bitten there are not many dogs I am not afraid of.

I don't like terriers as a lot of information I have read has said they can sometimes be quite vicious.

I don't want a big dog. But a toy dog would not be right really as I live in a rural area.

I don't mind if he is difficult to train I will employ someone to come and help if needed.

I don't really mind cleaning up pee or mess that is fine it won't bother me. But it is mostly I want one of those dogs who is daft as a brush and the thought of them growling or biting is laughable. Though I am aware they can as a pup while being trained.

I also liked a Cocker Spaniel and a Labrador but the Labrador was too big. I do alot of walking at least two hours a day and have a medium sized house. If that helps.

Although Bassets aren't tall they are still pretty hefty dogs. Can be up to 29kg the same weight as a lab. Being sight hounds (I don't like classfying by breed but ....)there instinct is usually pretty strong so will need constant training and a times can be strongwilled. They need loads of exercise which is a shock to some.

You could have easier dogs for a first dog.

Re your comment getting someone in to help with training I think with a basset they tend to "forget" training when they are on a scent so it is not really a matter of getting them trained and then that is it. It will be ongoing with a Bassett for most of their lives. Some can not be walked off lead but I hope with excellent training and commitment from you that would not happen.

I do love their faces and ears though!

I've worked with them - I love dogs - but I wouldn't have one. They're big, heavy, shuffly things that waddle along the ground and their ears get mucky in puddles.

If you're even remotely considering a lab (excellent choice, btw) what about a rescue one? Have a little peek here:

here

Well could Ibe trained if there turned out to be a problem

Hi we had two bassets growing up. My parents bought females as they believed them to be gentler. They were both wonderful with me and my little brother when he was a baby and we never had any trouble. However, I am not sure if that is because they are gentle by nature or luck. They are incredibly comical and like the others said stubborn. They are noisy and can sound just like the Hound of the Baskervilles until you catch sight.

Healthwise, Basset Hounds suffer a lot of ear problems and I remember having to hold our dogs' ears back to allow air to them. Personally I love them to bits and would love to get one at a time when I can devote the time needed for a dog. There should be a basset breeders club which can give you some good information and it may be worth asking vets and any dog trainers/handlers you know. They should all be able to give sound advice.
I hope that helps and I will be veyr jealous if/when you do get one.

BTW I have heard that the same coloured cocker spaniels are more temperamental than the spaniels with more colours.

Go Labrador, ideal for rural setting, some working strains can be quite slight and small (especially females). CS and Bassetts are not a great idea for you.

FWIW I would be worried by all the repetitions of the word "stubborn" and look at breeds that have a reputation for being more biddable. Any one of the gundog types would be what I'd go for if I couldn't find a suitable rescue dog (which should be thoroughly tested for temperament before ot is allowed anywhere near a family with kids)

Bassets are incredibly cute looking though.....

I might look at a Labrador again do you know how much walking a Labrador would require I am at home with kids most of the day so have alot of time but I don't want to walk for more than 3 hours a day with the kids.

Thanks for the link btw I wont be buying one yet as I still have more research to do before I will purchase one but I will try there when we are ready.

That's more than ample - I'd say an hour is enough really

Right well that is a start I saw some breeds were terrible for walking and I walk round fields a lot and let the kids play on the neighbors farms and I certainly could not walk them enough. I cant think of anyone who could.

And there are a lot of breeds which shouldn't really be owned by pet owners (as opposed to working homes) but they have to adapt. Hence behaviourists make a living (albeit a poor one!). I second Tizzyjacko, gun dogs are a good bet, spaniels very active though and cockers also quite strong willed.

When my lab was young and unruly I walked him twice a day, half an hour to an hour each time, I often did longer sociable walks with friends too. Now (aged 8) he will keep going as long as you want him too but is equally happy with a quick half hour round the fields with longer walks at weekends or on the days DS1 is home from college.

However badly behaved he was in the first year at home (and he was an out of control adolescent who had had a terrible start in life) he always came back which with older boys at school was a great relief! Oh and he was alway fantastically gentle with the baby even when he was still accidentally knocking me over....

Thanks will look into a Labrador in more detail as I haven't looked into him nearly enough.