talk to me about bassets!

[pinkjasminesky]

The good, the bad, and the ugly!

Looking for a very chilled out and relaxed breed basically - young children and other pets in the house. Bassets seem to tick most of the boxes!

I was thinking about a different breed but am basset hound broody after those gorgeous photos. The ones I have known have been so loving and gentle too.

I think with Bassetts they are definitely less biddable than say a gun dog type or a lab. They are also notoriously difficult to house train. That said I find them very rewarding. Ours is such a cuddle. She loves attention and has never shown any aggression to us or any other dogs/people/children/livestock. She's even had sheep attack her rather than the other way round without retaliating. (In field behind my house and yes she was on a lead). Although I had never had dogs before I had owned horses most of my life so that probably helped with training etc. We did the usual and socialised her very early and did a bit of dog training. I'm not sure ours is 'typical' but she's never really set a foot wrong. I can take her anywhere, she doesn't steal food, beg or harass. The only thing I do struggle with a bit is getting her out of bed in the mornings. She won't just leap up when you get up/call her like other dogs I've looked after. It doesn't take a bit of coercion- generally with food.

I k ow you're worried about prey drive, but seriously, quite a few greyhound types are in rescue as would've otherwise been shot due to totally lacking any prey drive! I know labs on other hand with very strong prey drives that will chase anything fluffy / feathered without thinking about it!

I just really don't like them, I'm sorry. My old dog was attacked by one and I know it's the owner not breed but I really don't want a greyhound.

There are so many more family / limited time available friendly breeds out there that aren't greyhounds or Bassetts, most important thing as pp says is be realistic about time / commitment.

I'd love a Mali too but also don't have the energy rather than time, to put into the training

What about a corgi - great with children, and don’t need as much walking as a lab

If it's your first dog, for the love of god don't go for a Bassett (or - worse - a Springer). You want a dog that it easy to train, hasn't been bred for aggression and that is people-orientated. Bassetts only fit 1 out of 3 of those (not aggressive). Labs can fit all three which is why they are so popular though they do vary. If you go for a lab, get one from parents who are trained as gun dogs, as working lines tend to be more chilled and biddable. But why go for a pure breed at all? Any reputable shelter will help you find a dog which is suitable for your family, and a mongrel may well be the best option.

Shelters won't adopt to young children. It isn't a first dog, but points still taken

Depends on the rescue, you'll find the smaller rescues are more likely to assess you as a family, rather than have a blanket 'no kids under 5' rules; and as their dogs are in foster not kennels, they have a better idea of how they are in the home and whether can be rehomed with kids and of what ages

I foster for a rescue which does offer dogs and puppies to homes with children, when it is the right home for that particular dog.

I wouldn't entirely discount a bassett OP. I know quite a few now I've got one myself (funny how that happens) and all of them have turned out to be good dogs with about the same number of 'issues' you may find in other dogs. I do think though you have to be quite a lot more consistent with training a bassett as their stubbornness can take over but they're generally so food motivated you get there in the end. I can make mine do party tricks just by opening the fridge door. And if you do get one be prepared for the inevitable sentence said by everyone 'is that a bassett hound? You don't see them anymore do you?".

Bassets, like daschunds, are notoriously cussed & difficult to train. Some owners are drawn to the challenge! But, if you've got DC under 5, do you really need that additional challenge? It's bad enough doing potty training for DC, without throwing in a dog that is hard to house-train.

Bassets are also very strong for their size, due to their low centre of gravity. An adult will struggle to control one that doesn't want to be controlled. Do you want your kids walking a strong dog that it is not interested in obeying commands?

I know I sound negative. I actually really love the breed, but I don't think they are a good fit for a young family.

if you want a bassett and think you could give it a good home, then dont be put off. They dont sound like the easiest breed, but every breed also has its devotees too

Just a couple more pics OP (!). Just to show how happily a bassett can integrate into family life..

blood your basset is just delicious! What is her name?? I love her!

Their gentleness with children is really the selling point. We had a bichon but they are quite dainty and little children think are toys

The bassets I know are gentle and docile, good natured and good for a giggle

Hi. I have a basset hound and he's nearly 8 now. Never had any health problems with him (yet) I have 3 children under 7 and he is amazing. Absolutely adores all children. I also have cats rabbits and chickens and again never chased or bothered them (cats actually rule him). He's very chilled out doesn't demand to be walked but happy to plod along. Took us about 2 weeks to toilet train him and never had an accident since. His downsides, they are stinky dogs, he's stubborn and his nose leads the way, he is incredibly greedy and will steel food out of your hand given half the chance. But that aside he's just amazing 😍😍😍

Aww he sounds like a perfect family dog!

I've also forgot how funny he is. He's the star of the show on the school run and knows how to behave around other children. He's my boy!!

Aww look at him resting his chin!

He's 'not allowed' on the sofa but he's spoilt.

Sweet! The are very funny characters aren't they? And so popular on walks/school runs etc

He's just so gentle with children, not once have I ever seen signs of aggression from him. He puts the children to bed at night and sleeps outside their door until they are asleep. He comes downstairs then.

That's what I find so amazing about ours even though we didn't have young children when we got her. She actively seeks out children on walks, in cafes etc. If the child is happy to stroke the Doggy she just goes over, sits down and calmly takes all the fuss.. it's quite amazing really.