I'm thinking of getting a Basset Hound, anyone have experience with this breed?

Question

I'd like a dog that is mellow. They seem mellow. Are they and are they as puppies as well? Any other breed suggestions for mellow dogs? Thanks!

Answer 1

All puppies of any breed are going to be fairly active and bouncy. The adult Bassets I've met are pretty mellow. Hounds are not the most obedient dogs, though. All hounds, once they pick up on a scent they like, pretty much do their own thing and it is pretty hard to get them to listen. Don't let them off leash in an unfenced area! Also, Bassets have a strong houndy odor. I love dogs (please don't take offense Basset lovers) but the odor can make the entire room smell. I find the smell nauseating. Spend some time with Bassets first to make sure you don't mind their natural odor.

Answer 2

As with any puppy, they aren't always mellow. Bassets need room-- we had one in basically a small apartment. The dog HOWLED when we went to work. Didn't matter if we kenneled it in it's cage or played music or what we did..... it just didn't want to be left alone. The neighbor who worked midnights and slept during the day, did NOT like hearing the dog howl or bark during the day. We tried putting on a lead outside, but that wasn't much better but did seem to help some. Don't know if it was just the nature of the dog we had or a trait through the breed. I'm thinking it was just the dog we had. We had gotten when 6 months old and don't think the dog had ever been left alone. Was always someone there. Unfortunatey, we couldn't afford to have a dog sitter there during the time we were gone.

I can say, the dog was beautiful and maybe if we had gotten some training for the pup, it would have helped. We ended up giving the dog away to another family and then we moved so didn't get updated on how things were working out.

Answer 3

Hi Grip, I haven't personally owned a basset hound,but i know they are very mellow dogs as puppies to.One of your answers, you have someone stating that their aunt or someone has a basset,and it's the dog from hell.Basset are very good natured,and a sweet heart to be around.It also depends on how they are raised.But Bassets are known for being a mellow dog.Another great and mellow family dog is the golden lad.They are very loving pets,and great with kids.If i had to choice from these 2 breeds,i would go with the golden lad. I hope i help you out. Dog lover before i was born.

Clowmy

Answer 4

Step one...go to the AKC site and read up on the breed. The site offers everything from breed standards, to temperment to health issues to space and activity levels. After that, look for a breeder and/or breed specific rescue group in your area and ask to visit with both pups and adults. If possible, go a few times. A good breeder will never sell a dog that you haven't taken time to get to know first. Ask lots of questions...anything you can think of, any story you've heard, any worries you have. If, after your research you find you aren't so sure, go back to AKC and start researching for other breeds.

Of course, you can also contact your local rescue groups and humane society. While most people like the idea of a pure bred, they forget that hundreds upon hundreds of dogs get surrendered or abandoned every year. Many of these dogs are purebreds and will have spent time in foster homes. YOu can get a dog with some basic obedience training, shots up to datem, spayed or neutered and ready to be your best friend for far less. AND you will have the advantage of being able to know the individual personality a bit better since the foster parent will be able to tell you more.

Answer 5

Well, my aunt got a basset hound once---and it was literally the dog from hell. It barked constantly, it ate a hole in the carpet, and it tore up some other stuff as well. She ended up having to give him away.

I don't know if all bassets are that way, but I have heard from other people that they can be kind of stubborn and unruly. However, my uncle has had pretty good luck in training them to mind and be mellow and calm.

Answer 6

I don't know anything really about basset hounds, but I've looked up other breeds on line and gotten a lot of info.. I've especially found interesting that many breeds have special rescue groups, and they usually tell you what causes a particular breed to end up in the pound, which tend to be clues as to why you would/wouldn't really like to have that breed.

Answer 7

We had a basset hound once and she smelled so incredibly bad that we sent her back to where we got her from!!!!!!!! She was a very nice, sweet dog but we couldn't stand coming to a house that made us want to vomit! I'm not sure if her problem was specific to her or if it's a problem with the breed in general. (BTW, she was nice but read up on bassets, they tend to get into things and be mishcevious!)

Answer 8

I have had 2 basset hounds. Daisy our first one was so loveable. She was with us for 16 years! My kids adored her. She would let them pull her tail and all the loose skin. We would have to tie back her ears when she ate, but she was always ready to love and play with each of the kids. Then later after Daisy passed, we tried again and got Maggie Mae. Maggie is also a laid back dog. Now my grandkids love her. They rode on her back all around the yard and ate ice cream with them and got into the blow up pool with them. She never knew she was a dog.
Today after 10 years, we will have to put her down. She has diabetes and last night, she finally gave up the will to live. We won't let her endure any pain, so this morning when the vet opens, she is going to be with Jesus. It will hurt us all to lose such an amazing pet, but our love for her is stronger than our desire to keep her alive at all costs. He don't want her to hurt anymore, so today we are going to do what is best for her.
My advice to you, get your child a basset hound. You and your child will remember all the love this special breed will give you all, the rest of your lives!

Answer 9

Basset Hounds can be wonderful family dogs.. My friend has had two of them, and couldn't be happier with them...Great with her kids, and she belives they are the ideal family pet.
.However, my nephew had one that no one would want..So, the most important thing would be to get from a repeutable breeder, where you can meet both parents, and if the parents are just as you would want for your family, your chance is excellent of getting a really niice one..

Answer 10

BASSET HOUNDS USUALLY HAVE A STINK TO THEM THAT SMELLS YOUR HOUSE OUT..AND THEY SEEM TO HAVE BAD FEET PROBLEMS AS WELL..THATS ALL I KNOW ON THEM...TRY LOOKING THEM UP ON A WEBSITE...YOULL GET LOADS OF INFO..MY FAVOURITE BREED IS A PEEK-A-POO...THERE SO MELLOW..AND SUPER DOGS..THEY DONT MALT EITHER(SHED HAIR)AND THERE VERY FAITHFULL BREED..WILL STAY BY YOUR SIDE FOREVER