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<p class=MsoPlainText>We have been breeding bassets for over 20 years.
Breeding is not something to be undertaken lightly. There are some things
you should consider even before you do the breeding:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><b><i><u>First, you should try to be as objective as
possible in evaluating your bitch. <o:p></o:p></u></i></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span
style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span
style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
</span></span></span><![endif]>Is she truly of breeding quality? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span
style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span
style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
</span></span></span><![endif]>Is she free of the major hereditary health
problems found in bassets: glaucoma, bleeding disorders, hip and elbow
dysplasia? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span
style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span
style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
</span></span></span><![endif]>Has she been tested for these disorders?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span
style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span
style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
</span></span></span><![endif]>Are you familiar with the dogs in at least 3
generations behind her? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span
style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span
style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
</span></span></span><![endif]>Are they free of hereditary health
problems? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span
style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span
style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
</span></span></span><![endif]>Is she in good health herself? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span
style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span
style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
</span></span></span><![endif]>Is she free of parasites, skin disorders,
allergies, joint problems? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span
style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span
style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
</span></span></span><![endif]>Is she at least 2 years old but not more than 5
years old (for a first litter)? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span
style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span
style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
</span></span></span><![endif]>Is her temperament wonderful? No
shyness? No fearfulness? No aggression?? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span
style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span
style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
</span></span></span><![endif]>Has she been titled in conformation, obedience,
tracking, field work?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span
style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span
style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
</span></span></span><![endif]>Finally, is she a good representative of the
breed? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>There are many many homeless basset hounds in the
world. Those who reproduce should really be only of the best quality.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><b><i><u>Next, are you prepared for the potential expense
of producing a litter? <o:p></o:p></u></i></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span
style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span
style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
</span></span></span><![endif]><b>Pre-breeding testing:</b> for the bitch to be
sure she is healthy, sound and free of parasites. A brucellosis test will
likely be required by the owner of the stud. Some may also require
testing for bleeding disorders, glaucoma, x-rays, etc.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span
style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span
style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
</span></span></span><![endif]><b>Stud Fees:</b> Stud fees are typically
$1000 or more, with the owner of the bitch being responsible for all
transportation and medical costs. Stud fees are non-refundable.
Most reputable breeders will not allow their studs to be used with un-titled
bitches and require assessment of the quality of the bitch before agreeing to
breeding. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span
style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span
style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
</span></span></span><![endif]><b>Whelping supplies:</b> You will need to
equip your "delivery room" and "nursery". At a
minimum you will need a good sturdy whelping box (about $210 to buy. You
can build one for about $50), a heat source (heat lamp or better yet a whelp
nest [about $250] or heat pad [about $65 plus $25 for a rheostat]), scale
($30), miscellaneous scissors, clamps, sterile gloves, dental floss, betadine,
towels, etc., and later a puppy enclosure such as an exercise pen ($80 and
up). Don't forget you will need to have a place in the house for all of
this to occur.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span
style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span
style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
</span></span></span><![endif]><b>Vet bills:</b> At very least, you will
need to get mother and babies in for a check-up and clean-out shot within 24
hours of the birth. Then, the puppies will each need vaccinations about
every 3 weeks, beginning at about 6 weeks. They will probably need to be
wormed several times. Should problems occur (and they often do) the costs
go up dramatically. It is not unusual for bassets to require c-sections,
often in the middle of the night when emergency fees apply. Should
puppies become ill, there are costs of medication, oxygen, and vet
check-ups. I have had litters that were to the vet almost daily for over
a week because of problems. Mom can develop infections and require
additional vet care and medication. I have had vet bills approaching
$1,500 from a litter, not counting routine visits and vaccine! Moms often
do not have adequate milk and formula is needed (at $17 and up for a large can)
plus bottles and/or feeding tubes.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span
style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span
style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
</span></span></span><![endif]><b>Advertising:</b> A first-time breeder
will not have the reputation that brings buyers. Some form of advertising
will likely be necessary.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span
style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span
style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
</span></span></span><![endif]><b>Dog Food:</b> They start the weaning
process at about 3 weeks. By the time they go to their new homes at 14
weeks of age, puppies go through an astounding amount of Puppy Chow!! And
basset mothers are very finicky eaters. You will likely need to prepare
fancy special concoctions to get her to eat.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><b><i><u>Next comes the problem of actually accomplishing
the breeding.</u></i></b> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Bassets often require assistance and this is not always
easy. First, you need to know when to do the breeding. An
experienced male will be able to "tell" you most of the time.
An inexperienced male will be too excited from almost day one and useless as an
indicator. You will be best off having your vet do a series of vaginal
swabs and slides to check for signs of nearing ovulation. Or your vet can
do progesterone testing to pinpoint the best day to breed. This is
usually on about day 11 - 15, but there is a great deal of variation. Once you
know the correct day, you need to get them to "do the deed". I
have been breeding bassets for over 20 years. I have had ONE male who
could breed a bitch unassisted. Don't count on it. We have used AI
for ALL our breedings for the last 20 or so years. Most of my friends
with bassets do the same.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>However, you might be lucky, so here's what to try.
This works best with 2 people but can be done alone. One method is to sit
on the floor with your legs straight out with the female standing across your
lap, head to the left, tail to the right. You can then use your legs to
support her and to raise or lower her rear as needed. Have an assistant
hold the girl's head and steady her. Encourage the male to come over and
investigate. If you are lucky, he will do so, and even locate the right
end of the girl. as he mounts her, use your left hand to cup the girls
vulva, providing a guide for the male. You may need to assist him in
finding the target. Bear in mind that he's not going to like you messing
with his equipment, so if he hasn't been trained to allow this, he might get
argumentative. If you can manage to get him to hit the target, you might
need to give his butt a shove towards the girl to assist in full
penetration. He will likely climb up on your leg to get better leverage.
If you are fortunate to get a tie, the two will become stuck together for 5 -
60 minutes. If not, you will need to hold him inside her - this is very hard
and very tiring. If they do get a tie, don't let them struggle. Calmly
assist the male in lifting his rear leg over the girl so they are standing butt
to butt and keep them quiet for the duration of the tie.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>If you are unsuccessful in getting the deed done, you
will need to do artificial insemination. For this, at least the first few
times, you should get professional assistance from a reproduction expert or
your veterinarian.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Now, you repeat this process every 2 days for as long as
they will allow it. You should be able to get 3 breedings this way.
Gestation period averages 63 days. I have had puppies born on day 59 from
the first breeding, day 67 from the last breeding, and everything in between.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><b><i><u><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'> </span></o:p></u></i></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><b><i><u>Then you must be prepared for hundreds of hours
of work.</u></i></b> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Basset hounds are not easy to raise. The mothers
are usually clumsy and can easily lie on and smother puppies. It is
customary for the moms and puppies to require CONSTANT supervision for the
first 2 weeks. This is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is time
off from work. At our house, someone sleeps next to the whelping box at
night. .During the day we take turns staying home with the babies.
If supplemental feedings are needed, it means getting up at least twice a night
to bottle or tube feed puppies. If puppies are colicky it means holding
them for hours and rubbing tummies. After about 3 weeks when mom decides
she has had enough of cleaning up after them you will feel like all you do is
change poopy puppy papers. Once weaned, puppies need to be fed 3-4 times
a day. They get filthy and need to be cleaned up. They need bedding
laundered. They need to be played with and socialized.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><b><i><u>Finally you must be prepared for unfathomable
heartbreak.</u></i></b> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>There are few things worse than watching a puppy die,
gasping and crying. And puppies do die. At a seminar for breeders,
we were told that on an average, 30% of puppies die. In 20 years of
breeding, I have seen many puppies die. I have seen puppies born dead who
cannot be revived. I have seen monster puppies born. I have seen puppies
smothered by their mothers. I have seen a whole litter die over a ten day
period. I have poured hundreds of dollars and countless hours into saving
a puppy, only to have it die anyway. I have had to have a puppy with a
defect put to sleep. We have had a mother die three days after whelping,
leaving us with eight hungry mouths to feed and huge hole in our hearts.
Whenever we expect a litter, I am sick to my stomach for weeks before
they are due and usually for weeks after they are born, because of worry and
fear over what might happen.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><b><i><u>Then there is the matter of homes</u></i></b>.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Do you have enough homes?? I believe that
statistically, basset litters average 6.8 puppies. In my experience, I
have had litters ranging from 1 puppy to 13. I know a woman whose basset
had 18 puppies and all of them lived. (Mom had no milk so all 18 had to
be hand-raised!!) If you have 10 or 12 puppies, are you prepared to keep
and nurture each and every one of them until you find them appropriate homes??<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Please give this all some serious thought. If you
then feel you want to go through with having a litter, get some good books on
breeding and puppy rearing. I would especially recommend CARE OF THE
BROOD BITCH AND WHELPING (available from the BHCA Country Store on the BHCA web
site), and Successful Dog Breeding by Walkowic & Wilcox.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>If you feel you are really ready to get into this, visit
the Basset Hound Club of America website for a listing of breeders in your area
you can contact. Be aware they will want to be able to evaluate your girl
- be leery of anyone who says yes without asking questions. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
color:black'>Sandi Wittenberg & The Red Bay Gang<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
color:black'>Grady, Hoagie, Johnny, Norm & Opie<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
color:black'>sandi@redbaybassets.com<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
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