I think many know we've been long considering adding a new pup to the household. The wait has been so long for several reasons including wanting to make sure we get a dog the kids would enjoy and bond with as well as making sure the timing is as close to "right" as it will ever be.
Basically, I want a Boerboel. It will fit better in our family over a Fila, mainly due to my hubby just not feeling comfortable with a Fila (I think he has issues that Jazz, our previous rescued Fila, had issues with men and would bark at him like he was the enemy).
However, this has to be the boys' dog first and foremost. And while they like big/bigger dogs, it's quite obvious that Cole bonds better to small/smaller dogs. I don't know they "why" behind it, as he loves every dog he sees, but he definitely shows a preference. Whether it's driven by his sensory processing disorder or his own confidence, I'm not sure, but he'll get down on the floor/ground and allow a small/smaller dog to climb all over him or for him to love on it, but he seems to try and "love from a distance" on all other dogs.
But....I do NOT do small dogs. The only small breeds I really like are Cairn Terriers and Patterdales, and even so, a small dog is not ideal for this family. The boys are still young, and while they are being dog how to properly pet and handle a dog, they're still young children. Plus they're used to the most patient APBT ever, who actually seems to enjoy the occasional ear or tail pull (he's truly an attention ***** when it comes to the boys).
So, hubby and I brought up the one breed we've always "fantasized" about for many, many years, but never really thought more about other than to just love and laugh at: the Basset Hound. I've handled several at the clinic, so I know they aren't small dogs in the least. Heck, they weigh more than any of the APBTs ever did. Yet they are still shorter. And when we introduced Cole to one, he took to it like an otter to water. It was fun to watch.
Now we're having to go back to the beginning and start searching for reputable breeders of Basset Hounds. These dogs aren't exactly uncommon where we live, but they are of the backyard bred variety. There used to be a client who still hunted with them, but after a talk with a friend/vet at the clinic, he had a stroke and now lives in a nursing home. Even the "reputable" show breeder located just 15 minutes from me turns out dogs with extremely malformed legs (the elbows made me :yikes: ). I came across a breeder online who had some really beautiful dogs, with straight legs might I add, but I haven't heard back from them.
Does anyone on here have experience with this breed? Could anyone point me in the right direction of a reputable owner/breeder with whom I could contact?
We're looking for a breeding occurring later in the year, as bringing home pup as close to Christmastime would be wonderful (yes, we want to do the whole "puppy for Christmas" thing.opcorn: ). It looks like TB will still be around, as his condition isn't deteriorating like we expected it to (I'm doing lots of massage on the paralyzed side of his face and neck to help delay the tightening of the atrophied muscles), and I'm sure it helps that the boys are still keeping him on his toes with lots of playtime (I've had to stop the long walks, though, as he just can't handle more than a mile anymore).
Anyway, I would love some opinions and guidance, and anyone with Basset pictures to post would be an awesome person.
Basically, I want a Boerboel. It will fit better in our family over a Fila, mainly due to my hubby just not feeling comfortable with a Fila (I think he has issues that Jazz, our previous rescued Fila, had issues with men and would bark at him like he was the enemy).
However, this has to be the boys' dog first and foremost. And while they like big/bigger dogs, it's quite obvious that Cole bonds better to small/smaller dogs. I don't know they "why" behind it, as he loves every dog he sees, but he definitely shows a preference. Whether it's driven by his sensory processing disorder or his own confidence, I'm not sure, but he'll get down on the floor/ground and allow a small/smaller dog to climb all over him or for him to love on it, but he seems to try and "love from a distance" on all other dogs.
But....I do NOT do small dogs. The only small breeds I really like are Cairn Terriers and Patterdales, and even so, a small dog is not ideal for this family. The boys are still young, and while they are being dog how to properly pet and handle a dog, they're still young children. Plus they're used to the most patient APBT ever, who actually seems to enjoy the occasional ear or tail pull (he's truly an attention ***** when it comes to the boys).
So, hubby and I brought up the one breed we've always "fantasized" about for many, many years, but never really thought more about other than to just love and laugh at: the Basset Hound. I've handled several at the clinic, so I know they aren't small dogs in the least. Heck, they weigh more than any of the APBTs ever did. Yet they are still shorter. And when we introduced Cole to one, he took to it like an otter to water. It was fun to watch.
Now we're having to go back to the beginning and start searching for reputable breeders of Basset Hounds. These dogs aren't exactly uncommon where we live, but they are of the backyard bred variety. There used to be a client who still hunted with them, but after a talk with a friend/vet at the clinic, he had a stroke and now lives in a nursing home. Even the "reputable" show breeder located just 15 minutes from me turns out dogs with extremely malformed legs (the elbows made me :yikes: ). I came across a breeder online who had some really beautiful dogs, with straight legs might I add, but I haven't heard back from them.
Does anyone on here have experience with this breed? Could anyone point me in the right direction of a reputable owner/breeder with whom I could contact?
We're looking for a breeding occurring later in the year, as bringing home pup as close to Christmastime would be wonderful (yes, we want to do the whole "puppy for Christmas" thing.
opcorn: ). It looks like TB will still be around, as his condition isn't deteriorating like we expected it to (I'm doing lots of massage on the paralyzed side of his face and neck to help delay the tightening of the atrophied muscles), and I'm sure it helps that the boys are still keeping him on his toes with lots of playtime (I've had to stop the long walks, though, as he just can't handle more than a mile anymore).Anyway, I would love some opinions and guidance, and anyone with Basset pictures to post would be an awesome person.
