Trying to find the right pup for us.....

ChrissieG · 11-27-2006, 11:51 AM

Hello Everyone.
My husband and I are thinking about getting a new dog. We have done our research and decided that we would like a basset hound, beagle or a mix of the two. I want to insure that we choose the right dog and was hoping that someone out here would have more personal information/experience with these breeds. I have read everything I can on line about the two and think that with our life style (live in town, 50x50 ft back yard, we both work Mon-Fri with time to spare for the pup after work and on the weekends...) this breed will be perfect.

Any information that can be provided would be wonderful. I just want to insure that we pick the right breed of dog for us. I feel too many people rush into getting a dog which inturn can become an ugle situtation for the owner and dog.

Thanks.....

Chrissie Greene

LoveLilly · 11-27-2006, 02:25 PM

Our neighbors have a beagle/basset mix and he is a wonderful dog but has one very big downfall that would result in my never ever buying this particular breed. He howls very loudly non-stop at EVERYTHING. In the summer I have to sit with the windows shut or I cannot hear the t.v. I have to sit with the blinds pulled otherwise if he sees movement in our house he barks non-stop. We can never enjoy a BBQ unless they lock him up (which I feel bad about) otherwise he will howl non-stop. I would say this is a dog for country living where they would not disturb the neighbors.

Meghan&Pedro · 11-27-2006, 02:39 PM

The beagle and basset hounds are both scent hounds. They are working dogs that need lots of time spent with them, and lots of mental stimulation.

Beagles are quite high energy - more so than the bassets. I refer to the beagle as the 'terrier' of the scent hounds.

ChrissieG · 11-27-2006, 03:20 PM

Thanks for the input. I am a bit sad. I just cant seem to find a dog for us. I am terribly frustrated. I dont want to get a dog just to get a dog. I want both myself and the dog to be happy. And having one that will bark all of the time will not be good for either of us. I can handle some barking, that is what dogs do but to have to keep your windows closed, blinds shut and to have to lock up the dog is no good. How sad!!!

ChrissieG · 11-27-2006, 03:27 PM

Hello Everyone.
My husband and I are thinking about getting a dog. We have done our research and decided that we would like a basset hound, beagle or a mix of the two. Actually we are intreted in any dog that will be suitable with our lifestyle. I want to insure that we choose the right dog and was hoping that someone out here would have more personal information/experience with these breeds. I have read everything I can on line about the two and think that with our life style (live in town, 50x50 ft back yard, we both work Mon-Fri with time to spare for the pup after work and on the weekends...) this breed will be perfect.

Any information that can be provided would be wonderful. I just want to insure that we pick the right breed of dog for us. I feel too many people rush into getting a dog which inturn can become an ugly situtation for the owner and dog.

Your thoughts and suggestions are VERY welcome!

Chrissie Greene

Ibizan · 11-27-2006, 03:27 PM

How would you feel about a dog who cleans itself, doesn't bark, and has a pretty tolerable drive? A Basenji may suit you.

workingdog · 11-27-2006, 04:03 PM

i'm sorry i can't help you with the breeds you picked.(i no nothing of them) but just wanted to say, i wish more people took the time to make sure they have the right fit, with the dog they choose.Maybe less dogs would be dumped off at shelters.

ChrissieG · 11-27-2006, 04:09 PM

Well we have a cat. I shoul d have stated that. It looks as if these types of dogs do not get along with non canine types. But boy are they ever cute!!!

ChrissieG · 11-27-2006, 04:12 PM

Thanks!! I agree. It is so sad to see all of the homeless animals. If I could I would take as many as I could. ;o)

Do you have any suggestions of types of dogs that would be a good fit?

Thanks again!!!

blackrose · 11-27-2006, 04:15 PM

I'm glad you are doing your research!

Here is some stuff I found about a Beagle and Basset that lay out their cons quite nicely:
Cons for the Beagle:

Quote:

An extremely careful search to avoid all the neurotic Beagles
Slowness to learn and an independent "what's in it for me?" attitude toward training -- can be very stubborn
Running away, oblivious to your calls, when an interesting scent catches his attention
Slowness to housebreak
Baying and howling
Shedding
A distinctive houndy odor

Pros for the Beagle:

Quote:

Is conveniently small, yet sturdy and athletic
Is completely natural in appearance
Has a short easy-care coat
Loves exercise and outdoor activities
Is good-natured with people and other animals

General overview of the Beagle:

Quote:

The Beagle of good breeding is happy, good-natured, and playful.

Though adaptable to a city lifestyle of daily walks, he is fast and athletic and really needs regular running.

However, unless trained for hunting, he should not be allowed off-leash, for he is an obsessive explorer who will follow his nose right across the freeway if that's where that fascinating smell went.

Your fences need to be secure, for he is prone to wanderlust and can be a adept climber.

Friendly with people and other pets, the Beagle does better in a home with another dog, for he is a sociable pack animal.

His stubbornness and tendency to gaze around at all the interesting sights and sounds call for early, consistent obedience training. Use food rewards to motivate him, but don't indulge too much or you'll end up with a portly Beagle. He is often found with his head buried in the garbage and he will cheerfully steal whatever morsels you leave within reach."
10-15 inches and 16-30 lbs

Cons for the Basset:

Quote:

Slowness to learn and an independent "what's in it for me?" attitude toward training -- can be very stubborn
Running away, oblivious to your calls, when an interesting scent catches his attention
Slowness to housebreak
Baying and howling
Slobbering and drooling
Heavy shedding
A distinctive houndy odor
Gassiness (flatulence)

Pros for the Basset:

Quote:

Looks unusual, with a long, low, but very HEAVY build
Is one of the mildest-mannered of all breeds
Needs only moderate exercise
Is sociable with people and usually with other animals, too

General overview of the Basset:

Quote:

"Basset Hounds are among the most easygoing of all breeds.

Some are dignified. Most are clownish. Almost all are reliably good-natured and peaceful. At a dog show, one can count on seeing cheerfully wagging tails in the Basset Hound ring.

Stronger and heavier than you might think, the Basset Hound needs daily exercise to stay fit, even if he appears to be content snoring in front of the fireplace. Lazy owners have fat Bassets with concurrent health problems.

Outdoors, keep him on-leash or in a fenced area, for if he finds an interesting scent and launches himself, your shouting and arm waving will fall on deaf ears.

His reaction to strangers varies from friendly to polite. He is usually sociable with other animals.

Stubborn and slow to obey (expect thoughtful, deliberate responses), he can exhibit an amusing sense of humor while doing his own thing. Yet he responds amiably to patient obedience training that includes praise and especially food rewards.

Basset Hounds live for food, are champion beggers, and will steal any tidbit within reach - which includes countertops when they stand up on their hind legs."
11-15 inches and 45-75 lbs

I got this off of www.yourpurebredpuppy.com. I hope that helped!

blackrose · 11-27-2006, 04:18 PM

Oh, I'd also like to add that Bassets need less exercise than a Beagle, allthough they are both happy to get out and go for a walk. I'd also like to say that when you first get your pup, it would be best for you to be home with it all day for a week or two, to help with it settling in and with housebreaking. After that, if no one will be around for the pup during the day, you still need to make sure it gets outside every hour or so it can be housebroken. It isn't fair for a pup to be kept away from his family 8 hours a day. An older dog or older pup can handle it, but not a baby pup.
EDIT: And I'm adding something yet again! Both Bassets and Beagles LOVE to bark. This may be a problem if you live in town, but it shouldn't be if you train your dogs to not bark and keep the occupied!

LoveLilly · 11-27-2006, 05:21 PM

I truly believe that there are some broad characteristics when it comes to breeds but in the end each animal has its own personality just like people. All our animals (3 cats and 1 puppy) do not fit any of their breed profiles to a tee.

ChrissieG · 11-27-2006, 05:43 PM

Thanks guys. All of your comments are such a help. I am so torn in my desicion and it is just so important that I make the right choice.

Anyhow thanks A LOT!!!!!

Chrissie

Snowshoe · 11-27-2006, 05:55 PM

Uh...they're both extremely cute!!!!!!

Hounds are notorious for being difficult to train. Most Blood Hound rescues won't allow dogs to go if they're only going to be pets. Like any of the sporting/herding/working dogs, they do better with a job.

If you want an easy, laid back dog I suggest going to a shelter and adopting an older dog.

My boyfriend and I did the both-working-getting-a-10 week-old-puppy-thing, and I kind of wished that we hadn't. Not that I regret my pup- I love her lots- it was just really more difficult then I had ever imagined.

It's honestly like having a baby- probably worse then having a baby at certain points.

One of us always had to be there to let her out to pottyt. She had to eat several times a day to avoid bloat, plus she was a fire ball and always into things you could not even begin to imagine. There was no escape from my bundle of teddy bear fluff with sharp needle teeth!

Maybe you had more dog experience then I did when we first got her, but honestly I was overwhelmed, and more then once wondered what I had gotten myself into.

Plus, its not like you can leave a baby puppy all alone in the yard all day. I could not imagine what my pup would have eaten, gotten into, been chased by, been stung by, etc if we had left her alone. Not that you would do that- just make sure you crate train early, if you do the puppy thing. It really will save your carpet and your sanity.

Keno's Mom · 11-27-2006, 07:44 PM

Keep in mind that if you both work M-F both of those breeds are HOWLERS. Might want to reconsider if the pup is alone. Bassets tend to pick up weight and have back problems cause of the body to leg ratio. So watch their food intake. Beagles are one of the most stubborn (to train) dogs.

skelaki · 11-27-2006, 11:40 PM

As part of your research you might want to fill out the breed selector at k9 country. IMO it's the best one on the web as long as you answer the questions honestly. It may give you some ideas about possible breeds that you hadn't thought of.

georgygirl · 11-28-2006, 12:02 AM

My family has a beagle. Her name is Greta and she's a wonderful family dog. She loves everyone and pretty much any dog. Beagles have a great happy-go-lucky attitude. The downside is that they're not the easiest breed to train. They shed a lot, and they bay. Oh man do they bay. They're supposed to, they're hounds. But it can be irritating sometimes. Some bay more than others. Greta's in the middle. She'll bay if she hears other dogs barking and she'll bay if she's trying to get our attention. Some beagles will bay at anything that moves and some will hardly ever bay. It all depends on the dog. They also need plenty of exercise. She gets a two mile walk everyday plus playtime in the yard. She could probably even use more than that. Some people say hounds have an odor, but I guess I've never noticed it. Here's some pics of my Greta Girl playing with her toys.

poofywoof · 11-28-2006, 04:13 PM

It is good to know there are some out there willing to research breeds, and ask other pet owners for insight. Have you tried going to Purina's website? They have a breed selector where you are asked a series of questions about what you want in a dog and then they rank several breeds in how closely they match your answers. Of course, anyone who asks me what dog breed I prefer, I must say Poodle! There are three different sizes and many colors, and all are exceptionally trainable, do not shed all over the house nor do they have a doggy odor. Bred mostly for companionship over the past several decades, they are often referred to as, "people in dog suits". But, they've been stereo-typed almost as much as the pitbull, and I find that often people don't know the truth about them until they meet mine.

Laurenj223 · 11-28-2006, 10:40 PM

I wanted to comment because I do have a beagle... his name is Duke and he will be 4 in March. I would post a pic but dont know how. Anyway.... first and for most... each dog is different... you cant say that just because a dog is known for something means they will be like that. In fact there are many things that can be in your control. Duke has his good and bad things.. just like everyone... but I would never say he is the "normal" beagle... it just isnt fair to mark him that way.... Your future Beagle can be perfect for you. Duke rarely barks or bays.. unless I command him to speak or someone is coming to the door... he does not stink at all... except he does pass gas... which i have to control based on his treat intake... He can be stubborn and is a little selfish when it comes to food... he would do anything for it... he can trained if there are rewards invovled... i taught him to shake in one day.... his nose will get away from him, but if we call his name he immediately comes... he never strays from us and we take him to the park off leash all the time.... All in all what you put into the dog will determine what you get... off course there might be that trait that just wont budge.... but in the long run you will love that little guy/girl no matter what.... if you have more questions feel free to ask... Duke was my first beagle and now I couldnt imagine not having him and i know i would have more in the future....

Good Luck

Nelka · 01-27-2007, 06:07 PM

Hi,

I realize this is an older post, but I did a search on basset hounds and found the overview very interesting.

I've had mine for a few hours and now. I've already noticed that once he finds an interesting scent, he is hooked. And no amount of yelling and calling will deter him.

I am really nervous that he is going to start howling when he is left alone. I realize he'll do this initially, which is fine. But I worry he'll do it all day.

We also have 2 cats. The cats are not fond of him, but he is very respectful. He hasn't chased or growled at them once. So I am very pleased about that.

Obviously it's a good idea to find a breed that will work best for you. But I also believe that every dog has it's own personality. So whatever you get, there will pros and cons you'll have to adjust to.

I am finding this out already.