Interview with a Breeder

There is no more important conversation to have when discussing the purchase of a Basset Hound than a full, open and honest discussion with the breeder.  The BHCA provides a list of questions to help you have that conversation with the breeder you may choose to work with.  If the answers you receive do not give you confidence, continue in your search for a breeder to work with.

It is just as important that the breeder you choose to work with have a series of questions they will wish to  discuss with you.   They should be able to gain a clear understanding about why you chose a Basset, the type of home you will provide, and the ability to take care of it properly and provide it a safe, secure home.

Questions Breeders Should Ask Buyers

Familiarity with owning dogs ensures a higher success rate in placing a puppy in a new home. It is a particular “plus” if a perspective buyer has had the experience of owning a unique breed like the Basset Hound.  Breeders that ask these questions show that they have an interest is making sure that their Bassets are going to a good, responsible and appropriate home.

Why do you want a Basset Hound?

It is important to determine if the relaxed, low-slung Basset Hound will be the right choice for a buyer. This short-legged breed, for example, is not the best choice for an avid jogger or person who wants to play a game of catch with their dog.

Being a scent hound, Bassets tend to roam and may become injured or lost. Chaining a Basset (or any breed) to an outdoor dog house or tree is considered inhumane as well as dangerous. Invisible fences are not appropriate for the Basset Hound.

The friendly, affectionate Basset Hound craves the companionship of other animals or people, It will be happiest in the house where it can be cared for by a loving family (continually available to address its needs).

Breeders are reluctant to place a Basset puppy in a home where it will be alone for excessively long periods. The companionship of another dog or cat will go a long way in providing companionship for a new dog.

Spaying or neutering is usually required by responsible breeders who wish to protect their valuable bloodlines.

New owners need to be aware of how much it costs to keep their pet healthy and well taken care of. Keep in mind the cost of vet care, shots, monthly heartworm preventative (such as Heartgard), monthly flea/tick medication (such as Frontline) and nail trims.

Bassets that go into a family situation where not everyone wanted this unique breed may start out with a couple strikes against them.

Basset Hounds generally get along well with other dogs.  However, if you have large adult dogs, you will need to supervise a puppy well so they do not injure themselves in play.

It is important for a breeder to understand your past history with dogs.  It will help them to pick an appropriate puppy for you.

With children in the house, it is imperative that you make the right choice for a companion.

Knowing what you would like to do with your dog, and what activities you might like to pursue will aid in selecting the right Basset for you.

It is best to wait for the right puppy or dog to become available.  This Basset will be a long time family member, and it is worth waiting for the right one to come along.

Questions Buyers Should Ask Breeders

Prepare your own list of questions for the breeder.  Some suggested questions could include:

  • How long have you been breeding dogs?
  • Why did you breed this litter?
  • How were the sire and dam selected?
  • What health and behavioral checks have been done on the sire and dam?
  • Where were puppies born and raised?
  • What kind of training have the puppies had so far?
  • How do you match puppies with their new homes?
  • What vaccination protocols do you follow?

If for any reason you are not satisfied with the answers to all of your questions, consider carefully whether this is the person from whom your next lifetime companion should be acquired.