CHOOSING A BREEDER
WHY IT REALLY MATTERS WHERE YOU GET YOUR NEW PUPPY.

If you want a Basset puppy for show, you probably already know some reputable breeders (if not, read on). While show dogs can also be much-beloved family pets (ours certainly are), what's important is conformance to the AKC Breed Standard. If the puppy's parents are AKC champions, you can be confident that puppies which the breeder deems "show quality" will almost certainly conform to that Standard. If you're seeking a pet Basset, the most important factor in getting a quality pup is to avoid "Puppy Mills" and Pet Shops! The difference in the personality, temperament and intelligence of puppies from indiscriminate breeders vs. those from serious breeders who breed for show is dramatic (to say the least). We've had many Bassets since 1963, and have had all the extremes. Here's how serious breeders go about it: They breed only adult parents who are typically finished AKC champions (ie, they have "CH" ahead of their name), hence helping ensure that the puppies get the best possible genes. In any such litter, there will typically be puppies which will be deemed "show puppies" and others which will be "pet puppies." It's very difficult to tell which they are until about 10 weeks of age (be suspicious of anyone willing to turn loose of a pup earlier than that). "Pet Puppies" can be those with almost invisible imperfections (and certainly nothing that affects the pup's health or temperament) which may cause them to not be show winners; such imperfections can include slight under- or overbites, slight turn-in or out of the front paws, a less-than-straight walk on lead, etc. Breeders usually sell pet pups for about half the price of their (hoped-for) show pups. Finding a good Basset puppy isn't always easy, but here are a few tips: DON'T look in the newspaper -- if a litter of pups is listed for sale in the newspaper classifieds, they're probably not the puppies you want. Reputable breeders usually have their pups spoken for before they're born. If you're tempted by ads, check the parents very carefully. DON'T hesitate to ask questions. Serious breeders are happy to answer them. If we can answer questions or otherwise offer help, just Email us. DO go to AKC "All-Breed" or "Specialty" Dog Shows -- you can find upcoming shows listed at Onofrio Dog Shows (choose "Upcoming Shows -- Complete Listing") or Jack Bradshaw Dog Show Superintendents. Go to the designated ring at the time Basset Hounds are showing and simply ask people you see with Bassets if they know of any puppies. It works. DO check the "Breeder Directory" on the Basset Hound Club of America web site. They're listed by state, and then by city. Most all serious breeders belong to the BHCA. Finally, pups from serious breeders will be painstakingly well-socialized; pups from mills will almost never be...and may never become well socialized. Insist on seeing the Mom Dog (and Dad if available) -- be suspicious is she's not around; we always let the Mom Dog accept any potential buyers (if she doesn't, something's wrong with the people). Puppy Mill and Pet Shop puppies can have more behavioral problems than anyone would want. Good luck!