<div><font size="2"><font face="verdana,sans-serif">Bassets are mutants. Sometimes in more ways than one.</font></font></div>
<div><font size="2"><font face="verdana,sans-serif">They are no more or less healthy than any other breed, almost each of which has its own weakness.</font></font></div>
<div><font size="2"><font face="verdana,sans-serif">Because a breed is prone to certain illnesses doesn't mean yours will develop that problem.</font></font></div>
<div><font size="2"><font face="verdana,sans-serif">Once, many many years ago when the earth was green, I did a rather extensive study of breed specific problems. I handed out questionnaires at dog shows to breeders and handlers asking about the health of their breed. Many were very reluctant to return them, but many did, and I was stunned at the number of problems certain breeds had as a matter of course.</font></font></div>
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<div><font size="2"><font face="verdana,sans-serif">If you are worried about the health of your dog get regular check-ups, vaccinate according to the protocol your Vet recommends (see? I can be fair.)</font></font></div>
<div><font size="2"><font face="verdana,sans-serif">Keep his nails cut, his ears clean and feed good food. It doesn't have to be raw, or the most expensive, you don't have to cook for your dogs if that isn't your thing, any good quality food will work. Take the dog to the Vet when you think something is wrong. If you aren't sure whether something is wrong, take your dog to the Vet: that's what they're there for. I would rather pay to find out that once again I am out of my mind imagining things than take a chance by waiting.</font></font></div>
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<div><font size="2"><font face="verdana,sans-serif">Chances are excellent that aside from an occasional pukeage on the Heirloom Oriental rug or diarhhea during the dinner party, your Basset will lead a long and healthy life.</font></font></div>
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<div><font size="2"><font face="verdana,sans-serif">PS If you have a puppy remember that rocks and electrical cords are not good chew toys.</font></font></div>
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<div><font size="2"><font face="verdana,sans-serif">MomPerson to Nigel, Llewis, Conley and Cooper</font></font></div>