What is a Basset Hound?

 Ancient in lineage and aristocratic in appearance, the basset Hound is a long, low scenting hound of French ancestry. The Basset's admirers consider him to be among the most beautiful and unusual of all hounds. His dignified look is owed in great part to a large, majestic head adorned with long, velvety ears, a wrinkled brow, and dark, soulful eyes. Resembling a short-legged version of his cousin the Bloodhound (which we LOOOVVE), the Basset Hound is one of the most easily recognizable breeds. Whether trailing rabbits through dense cover or finding the loaf of bread on the kitchen counter, the Basset hound captures it's owners heart.

Am I Right for You?

Don't adopt me if you don't plan to keep me FOREVER!

Before making the decision to make me part of your family, please, read about me, talk it over with all family members and take this decision very serious. Here are some questions to help you make the decision:

1. If you are use to high energy dogs, will you be happy with my calm, even temperment? 

2. I'm sorry but I don't do jogging! Frisbee is not for me either. So, will I still fit in your lifestyle?

3. Don't you just love my ears? Well, these bad boys need cleaning every week. It gets smelly in there since air doesn't get under my big ears and I can't clean them. Will you clean my big ears every week?

4. Okay so I'm short, I admit it! I can't be jumping down from everywhere I want to jump from. Arthritis is a serious disease that can develope in me if you allow me to jump out of the car, from the bed, or all the other places I like to climb. Are you going to keep me from jumping down and help me get up, so I don't hurt my short legs?

5. "I smell a rabbit!" I have a strong instinct to get on any small prey's trail. Roaming is part of my nature and I get myself into trouble when left alone to roam around. Are you able to provide me with a safe place to roam, like a fenced in yard, a big ole farm or something in between?

6.   ALONE! NO, NO! I can't take you being gone for long periods and me by myself! I prefer other basset hounds around or at least other animals. Am I going to have to be alone a long time? Will you have time to give me attention and affection every day?

7. Yep, they call me a push-over. I call them all sorts of names that gets me in trouble. :D Don't confuse me with a guard dog. Is my friendly, easy-going nature to strangers that pull up a turn off for you?

8. My eyes get droopy and I get gunk in and around them. Will you clean them for me?

9. Pedicures are not always my favorite, but you have to do it for me. Will you trim my nails twice a month?

10. They say I will live for 12-14 years. Will you love me forever? Will you keep me forever?

 

 

Pamper Your Pooch With Dog Supplies

Although the rewards far outweigh the costs, dogs take a lot of hard work and patience. The perfect dog toy, an effective training method, or a low-cost solution to a flea problem can help bring harmony to your home.

Dog toys

Consider the size of your dog when choosing a dog toy that will be safe for him or her. You want to find a dog toy that’s big enough so that your dog can’t swallow it, but small enough so that your dog can really get a good grip on it.

Dog toys come in a variety of durable materials. Hard rubber dog toys and nylon dog toys are great for serious chewers. Latex dog toys and vinyl dog toys are a better choice for lighter chewers. Use plush toys only if your dog is looking for a toy to carry around and snuggle up with. If you see signs of heavy chewing or tears, however, replace the toy.

Some popular brands of hard rubber or nylon dog toys are Nylabone dog toys, Kong dog toys, and Happy Dog Tennis Toys.

Dog collars and dog leashes

Select a dog collar that is appropriate for the size and weight of your dog. A thin dog collar on a huge dog will hurt if you need to give your dog a strong tug, and a huge dog collar on a small dog will be heavy and unwieldy.

Nylon dog collars are durable, light, and great for dogs that love the water. Leather dog collars are durable, long lasting, and if you want the tough look, can come with spikes.

Dog leashes come in nylon, cloth, leather, and retractable styles. Retractable dog leashes allow for a very wide roaming area. A spring inside the leash rewinds the slack as your dog comes closer. You can also lock a retractable dog leash at the length you desire.

Dog-training guides

Dog-training guides can range from dog harnesses and dog whistles to bitter-tasting sprays that keep dogs from chewing. A dog bark collar or electric fence may help address more serious issues. When training your dog, however, make sure you use a consistent and humane method. Of course, there are also numerous books on dog training available on eBay.

Dog food and dog treats

When choosing dog food and dog treats, make sure you take into account your dog’s needs. Growing puppies need food with the right balance of vitamins and minerals. Working dog and sporting dog breeds need dog food that will sustain their high-energy lifestyle. Older dogs need reduced-calorie dog food to keep from gaining weight.

Your dog’s health care

Your dog’s health is a primary concern. Be sure to take measures to prevent flea and tick infestation. Many of today’s flea and tick medications make it easier than ever to prevent and stop your pet from suffering. Just put a drop of the flea and tick medication on the back of your dog’s neck and it will do the rest. Popular brands of flea and tick medicines are Advantage, Advantix, and Frontline.

Dental care is another important part of keeping your dog healthy. There are many dental products for dogs, such as dog toothbrushes and dog toothpastes. Many dog toys have the additional benefit of being good for your dog’s teeth. Some rope toys work like floss, and some rubber toys are designed with ridges that remove food particles and massage the gums.

Dog crates

Dog crates are essential to safely transporting your dog. They can be made of many different materials. Wire dog crates and plastic dog crates are popular. There are also collapsible dog crates made of a mesh-screen material.

Celebrity style

Outfit your dog to rule the catwalk—or the dogwalk! eBay offers a wide range of high-end pet couture, plus high-end totes and carriers popular with celebrity dog lovers including Paris Hilton, Jessica Simpson, and Liv Tyler.