Basset Hound Puppies for Sale in Florida
Key Takeaways
The laidback and lovable basset hound is a popular dog breed in Florida and across the United States. With their droopy eyes, long ears, and charming personalities, basset hound puppies make delightful additions to families in the Sunshine State. This article provides key information for those looking to purchase or adopt a basset hound puppy in Florida. We’ll cover where to find reputable breeders, typical costs, pros and cons of owning a basset, their characteristics, health, care, training, history, and rescues specific to Florida. Read on to learn all about finding your perfect basset hound puppy!
Where to Buy a Basset Hound in Florida
When looking for a basset hound puppy in Florida, it’s important to find responsible, ethical breeders who prioritize the health and welfare of their puppies. Avoid pet stores or online sellers offering basset hound puppies, as they are likely to come from puppy mills. The best way to locate reputable basset breeders in Florida is through breeder referrals from the Basset Hound Club of America or local basset hound breed clubs.
Reputable breeders will screen potential buyers to ensure the puppies are going to good homes. They should ask questions about your experience with dogs, family situation, lifestyle, and more to determine if a basset is the right fit. Responsible breeders also provide health clearances for conditions like hip dysplasia, have their breeding dogs tested for thyroid issues, and may require spay/neuter contracts.
When visiting a breeder, you should be allowed to see where puppies are raised. Look for clean conditions, healthy energetic puppies, and a focus on socialization. Some signs of a quality breeder include membership in local basset clubs, involvement in showing or sports, providing vet records, and offering support after you take a puppy home.
What is a Basset Hound?
The basset hound is a friendly, mellow and intelligent scent hound originally bred to hunt rabbits and hare. They are one of the most recognizable dog breeds with their long droopy ears, sad puppy dog eyes, and short stature. Bassets have smooth, short coats that shed moderately and come in a range of colors like black, tan, and tricolor.
A fully grown basset hound will stand 12-15 inches tall and weigh 40-65 pounds. They are long and low dogs with sturdy bone structure. Their short legs and loose skin give them a distinct appearance. While slow moving, bassets enjoy daily walks and can be spirited when following scents. They make excellent companion dogs renowned for their devoted and easygoing personalities.
Cost of a Basset Hound
The cost of a basset hound puppy from a responsible breeder in Florida ranges from $600-$1200, with most from champion bloodlines priced upwards of $1000. Factors impacting price include breeder reputation, bloodline, conformance to breed standards, puppy temperament, and availability of pups.
You can sometimes find basset puppies in the $600-$800 range from newer breeders just starting out. Well established breeders with championship lineages and proven dog show winners tend to charge $1200 or more per pup.
In addition to the initial puppy cost, buyers should budget for supplies like a crate, leash, toys, bedding and bowls which can run $150-$300. Initial vet expenses like deworming, shots, microchipping and check-ups will cost around $400-$600.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Basset Hound
Pros
- Gentle, mellow temperament
- Affectionate and loyal
- Good with children and other pets
- Minimal grooming needs
- Don’t require extensive exercise
- Playful and entertaining
Cons
- Can be stubborn during training
- Prone to weight gain
- Shed moderately year-round
- Potential for back problems
- Lots of drool
- Have a tendency to howl and bay
Basset hounds make wonderful family companions with their easygoing personalities and patience with kids. They generally get along well with other pets too. Basset owners do need to watch their diets as they gain weight easily. Their vocal tendencies and stubbornness during training are other potential drawbacks. Overall they make playful, devoted pets once provided with proper care.
Characteristics of the Basset Hound
Appearance
The most distinctive features of the basset hound are their long, low body shape, loose droopy skin, oversized paws, and extremely large ears that drape close to the ground. They have a domed skull, sad droopy eyes, and loose jowls that give them a mournful expression. Bassets come in a tricolor pattern of black, tan and white or red and white.
Size
Male bassets grow 14-15 inches tall while females stand 12-14 inches tall. Height is measured at the shoulder. Basset hounds are medium dogs weighing 40-65 pounds at a healthy adult size. They are long in body length relative to their shorter legs.
Coat & Colors
The basset coat is smooth, dense, and short in length. Their water resistant double coat is easy to care for with weekly brushing. Coat colors can be black, tan and white or red and white. They can also be lemon and white or tricolor. Bassets shed a moderate amount year-round.
Temperament
The typical basset temperament is mellow, gentle, and sweet. They become very attached to their families and want to be close to their owners as much as possible. Bassets are loyal and devoted companions. They generally get along well with other household pets and children. With strangers, bassets are polite but shy.
Health of the Basset Hound
Basset hounds are predisposed to certain health conditions, some related to their unique physical traits. Reputable breeders screen for issues like:
- Joint Dysplasia: Common in bassets, can cause arthritis.
- Intervertebral Disk Disease: Back problems, weakness in rear legs.
- Ear Infections: Floppy basset ears are prone to infections.
- Glaucoma: Risk increases with age. Can lead to blindness.
- Gastric Dilatation Volvulus: Twists in stomach known as bloat.
- Obesity: Weight gain common, needs monitored diet.
With proper nutrition and vet care, bassets live 12-15 years on average.
Basset Hound Temperament
The basset hound has a very mellow, easygoing temperament. They become extremely devoted to their families and want to be close to their owners as much as possible. Bassets thrive on human companionship. They are polite and gentle dogs that get along well with children, other pets, and strangers.
Bassets do have a stubborn streak which can make training challenging at times. They also tend to be rather vocal with howling, yodeling, and baying. But their sweet, affectionate nature makes up for these small drawbacks. With plenty of affection and treats, they respond very well to reward-based training.
Caring for a Basset Hound
Exercise
Basset hounds need daily walks and time in a fenced yard to run around and play. But they shouldn’t be over-exercised, especially on hot days. Short 15-30 minute walks and indoor play sessions are ideal. Bassets also enjoy exploring new scents on walks.
Grooming
The basset’s short coat requires minimal grooming. Weekly brushing to remove dead hair is usually sufficient. Their ears, face and wrinkles should be wiped down more often to prevent infections. Bassets are average shedders.
Feeding
These dogs are prone to obesity, so feeding a high-quality dog food formulated for medium breeds in proper portions is important. Follow your vet’s guidelines for calories and nutritional recommendations. Do not free feed.
Training
Bassets can have a stubborn streak during training. Positive reinforcement like praise, play, and treats work best to motivate this breed. Be patient during training and keep sessions fun and rewarding. Crate training is also highly effective for bassets.
Health
Schedule annual vet exams, keep up with preventatives like flea/tick and heartworm medication. Get recommended health screens. Monitor for signs of ear infections, eye issues, lameness, or bloat. Keep your basset at a healthy weight.
Grooming the Basset Hound
Brushing
Use a hound mitt or bristle brush once a week to remove loose hair and distribute skin oils. Bassets are average shedders.
Bathing
Only bathe a basset when dirty or smelly. Use a mild dog shampoo and thoroughly dry their coat afterwards. Overbathing removes essential oils from their skin.
Nails
Trim nails as needed, usually every 2-3 weeks for an indoor basset. Use nail clippers designed for dogs and have styptic powder on hand.
Ears
Floppy basset ears need regular cleaning to prevent infections. Gently wipe inside ears with a damp cloth using an ear cleaner recommended by your vet. Never insert anything into the ear canal.
Wrinkles
Gently clean face wrinkles with a warm damp cloth to prevent buildup and irritation in the folds. Thoroughly dry afterwards.
Teeth
Brush teeth or use a pet-safe dental wipe 2-3 times a week. Schedule annual dental cleanings.
Training the Basset Hound
Basset hounds can be a bit stubborn when it comes to training, but positive reinforcement methods work very well with this breed. Here are some tips for successfully training your basset puppy or adult dog:
- Start training early and be consistent. Puppies can start learning basic commands like sit, stay, and come as young as 8 weeks.
- Use praise, treats, play, and other rewards to motivate your basset during training. They respond very well to positive reinforcement.
- Be patient and keep training sessions short, fun, and upbeat. End on a positive note before your basset gets bored or tired.
- Work on socialization early exposing your basset puppy to new people, places, and experiences.
- Practice commands and reinforce training daily through mini sessions to help commands stick.
- Use their amazing sense of smell during training. Bassets love scent work and tracking activities.
- Try lure training, shaping, and luring to teach new behaviors. Clicker training also works very well.
- Crate training helps with house training and provides a safe space for your basset when left alone.
History of the Basset Hound
The basset hound originated in France, with ancestors that likely included the St. Hubert’s Hound. They were bred to have a tracking body type optimal for hunting rabbits and hare. Short legs allowed bassets to enter thick brush other dogs could not. Their keen sense of smell also aided hunters.
In 1863, French breeder Le Couteulx de Canteleu established the first basset standard. The Marquis d’Estrées founded the Societe de Venerie Basse in 1909 to continue promoting the breed. The Kennel Club UK first registered bassets in 1882.
Bassets came to America in the 1920s-1930s imported by breeders like George W. Putnam. The Basset Hound Club of America formed in 1935. The breed earned AKC recognition in 1936. Today, the friendly basset remains popular in the U.S. and abroad as both a pet and hunting dog.
Basset Hound Rescues in Florida
If you are interested in adopting a basset hound in need of a new home, consider contacting a local basset rescue organization. Here are some recommended rescues operating in Florida:
- Mid Florida Basset Rescue: Non-profit covering Central Florida south to Melbourne.
- Gulf South Basset Rescue: Dedicated to rescuing bassets across the Gulf south region.
- Basset Hound Rescue of Florida: Statewide rescue group placing adoptable bassets in forever homes.
- Southeast Basset Rescue: Georgia-based group that adopts to northern Florida.
- Sunshine Basset Rescue South: Rescues bassets across South Florida.
Adopting can cost $200-$500, covering vetting expenses. The upside is giving an adult basset a loving second chance while avoiding puppy challenges!
5 FAQs About Basset Hounds
1. How much exercise does a basset hound need?
Bassets require a moderate amount of exercise daily, about 30-60 minutes of walking or playtime. Due to their size and build, bassets should not participate in extensive running or high-impact exercise. Shorter, daily walks suit their needs.
2. Do basset hounds bark a lot?
Bassets are not excessive barkers, but they do enjoy baying and howling. They may howl or bay when bored, wanting attention, or having FOMO seeing you leave. Some bassets are more vocal than others.
3. Are basset hounds easy to train?
Bassets can be somewhat stubborn during training, but positive reinforcement works well. Be patient, use praise, play, and treats to motivate them. Keep training fun and consistent. Their sense of smell can be utilized in scent training activities too.
4. How much do basset hound puppies cost?
For a well-bred basset hound puppy from a reputable breeder, expect to pay $600-$1200 or more depending on factors like bloodline and breeder reputation. Be prepared for supplies and vet care to cost an additional $500-$1000 initially as well.
5. What health problems do basset hounds have?
Bassets are prone to orthopedic issues, back problems, bloat, eye conditions, ear infections, obesity, and allergies. Buying from health-focused breeders and maintaining vet care can help minimize risks.
Conclusion
With their droopy eyes, long ears, and charming demeanors, the basset hound makes an ideal family companion for those living in Florida and beyond. They thrive when provided with affection, playtime, proper exercise and care. For those seeking a mellow, fun-loving basset puppy, be sure to do your homework researching breeders and understanding the breed’s unique needs. Whether purchasing or adopting, a basset hound will quickly become a beloved member of your household!
Resources
- Basset Hound Club of America
- American Kennel Club – Basset Hound
- Basset Hound Health Foundation