To see more photos of Sneakers and Trooper CLICK HERE!
To see Doby Click Here!
To see Abby Click Here!
To see Hobbes ( Our Angel at the Rainbow Bridge ) Click Here!
Basset Hound: An Owner's Guide to a Happy, Healthy Pet
Basset Hound Champions, 1952-1992
Basset Hound Owner's Survival Guide
Hound Dog's Life: Gospel, Half-Truths, Rumors, and Outrageous Lies
This page is dedicated to my two lovable Basset Hounds (Sneakers and Trooper) and to all the Basset Hound lovers surfing the web.
Sneakers was born on March 30, 1991, he is a Tri-Color Basset Hound, we got him at 6 months old. He was the first Basset Hound I have had, and I'm sure won't be the last. Trooper was born October 1, 1993, he is a Tri-Color Basset Hound who we adopted January of 1996. Both of my dogs are loved like Children and are spoiled rotten.
I am subscribed to the Daily Drool Mailing List and the Basset-L Mailing List.
You can send Sneakers, Trooper or I Email at: JoviGal@AOL.com
Originally from France, the "bas-set" ("low-set") was developed as a hunting hound that could be followed on foot. By the 1700's Basset Hounds were used extensively throughout France, differing somewhat in appearance from province to province. It is believed that around this time, George Washington received a pair of Bassets as a gift, and in the 1800's Bassets were exported to England and then to the United States.
THE BASSET is heavier in bone, size considered, than any other breed. His temperament is mild, his devotion extreme. His scenting ability, second only to the Bloodhound, has made him an exceptional hunting and trailing dog. His long ears, facial wrinkles, deep muzzle and dewlaps help trap and hold the scent. Sturdy legs and loose skin help him track through thorny branbles and difficult terrain. While these characteristics might make him amusing in appearance, these characteristics are functional.
BASSETS HAVE EASY-GOING TEMPERAMENTS, making males and females excellent pets. They are strong willed and intelligent, using these traits to their advantage. They are willing dogs as long as what you wish of them is what they intended to do in the first place. Otherwise, you may begin to think your dog has a hearing problem. Patience, lots of praise, tenderness and perseverance (plus a cookie!) work wonders.
TRAIN YOUR BASSET based on the premise that you are smarter than your dog. They do not take well to harsh treatment, and usually just the tone of your voice and a slight tap on the rump with a folded newspaper will do the trick. Most important, don't forget to PRAISE YOUR DOG when he pleases you!... we're all so good at screaming at our dogs when they're wrong, but forget to praise them when they're right. How would you like it?
BASSET HOUNDS LOVE TO BE LOVED, and need to be part of a family. If left alone for any length of time during the day, consider another dog or a cat to keep your dog company. Boredom can lead your Basset to your favorite rose bush, the sprinkler system, etc.. They do not need a huge yard or high fence, but their hunting instinct can get them into serious trouble unless they are confined to home or a fenced yard. They firmly believe that they have the right-of-way in any kind of traffic dispute. The best invention since popcorn..the dog door. It is a wonderful aid in house training, knowing that your dog can get into the house in bad weather or if you're delayed in getting home.
ARE BASSETS DIFFERENT?, Yes! Many people think of the Basset as a small dog..they are not. A "small" Basset might weigh 35 lbs., an average one 50 Lbs., and there are even Bassets weighing in at 65-70 Lbs. They are prone to obesity, particularly after age 4 or 5. Feed only a high quality food and watch those treats! The Basset does not need fussy coat care, but because they tend to shed year-rounc they should be brushed at least weekly. The inside of the ears need to be cleaned..their heavy ear leather traps moisture inside the ear. The outside of the ear will collect more dirt than other dogs because the ears fall into the water and food bowls and then drag along the ground. Nails are tough...like a Great Dane! They should be trimmed every two weeks. Trimming every two weeks is so much easier on both of you! AND DON'T FORGET THE YEARLY INOCULATIONS!! Have your vet do a fecal check twice a year, and talk to your vet about heartworm in your area.
Basset Rescue means giving a hound a second chance.
Perhaps he was found wandering as a stray. Maybe she was in a pound or a shelter because a baby was coming to the family and the young parents didn't know that Basset Hounds love children, or that a real family doesn't have to be one or the other...a dog or a child. Or maybe there was a divorce or a job transfer...or maybe he got lonely being chained to a doghouse, never getting any love or attention...and he asked for attention by barking.
At any rate, these are Basset Hounds found only hours from death. Some are too thin and weak to place right away. Some are healthy and ready to go right into a new home. However, they are all sweet and wonderful and deserve another opportunity to enjoy a full, rich life.
So, whatever the reason or whatever the circumstances, RESCUE is what we do when we take in a Basset in need of a home. And RESCUE is what you do when you give one a home.
Bassets have a life expectancy of 10 to 14 years. They are gentle, mellow, silly, very devoted hounds. They cannot be trained to stay in your yard. They find way too much pleasure in putting their noses to the ground and tuning out the rest of the world. They also find a great deal of pleasure in having their tummies scratched and sleeping on your bed pillows.
What a shame that everyone doesn't know how wonderful life can be with a long-eared, sad-eyed clown-hound.
Please help us make this a better world by saving the life of a Basset in trouble. Instead of buying that puppy in the pet store, which will only cause more to be produced and eventually end up as adults in trouble, open your heart and your home to one of many dogs already in need. You'll be glad you did, and your Basset Hound will be alive because of your kindness.
At Guardian Angel Basset Rescue adoption information and follow-up is always provided to help make each adoption enjoyable and successful.
Outside the Chicagoland area contact BHCAres:
(303)798-0942
(303)797-3801 - Fax
Or Visit the BHCAres Web Site
This is where we adopted Trooper from!!!
Animal Care, Inc.
Dog Owners Guide
Puttin' On The Dog
Dog Lovers Bookshop
The Pet Channel
Sherlock Bones (Lost and Found)
PetStation
Pro Dog Networks
Pure-Bred PuppyNet
Acme Pet
Vet Net
CyberPet
Iams Company
Martin Pet Foods
PetsMart
Sergeant's Pet Central
Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Dogs and Cats
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