Page 32 - ShowSight Presents The Basset Hound
P. 32
The ever So SurpriSing BaSSeT hound
If you believe the Basset is best pretending to be a lap rug, you might be surprised to find them well suited for many activities. True to its lineage, the Basset is an avid and capable hunter
succeeding in field trials and hunting performance tests. Many are good track- ers and with their great temperament, wonderful therapy dogs. They are often good at obedience, rally and agility—a few are even lure coursing.
Basset breeders’ or owners’ comments below describe their experience. Tales vary, but they all love their hounds.
The breeders and/or owners that responded to the questions are: Marge Cook, Bugle Bay; JoAnn Hilliker, Wes- twind; Ellen Johnson, Alexander; Sha- ron Nance, Bobac; Terri Ralenkotter and Anne Testoni, Spectrum.
How did you become involved with Bassets and in what events do you participate?
Marge: “Our first Basset headed to obedience school and we were hooked. The Basset was thought to be a tough breed to do obedience, but she proved them wrong. She earned her UDT by being consistent, reliable and full of charm, throwing gooey looks to well wishers as she worked. She went High In Trial at an all-breed show in Utility. That cutie led us to the conformation ring.”
JoAnn: “My husband, an avid reader of Fred Basset cartoons, wanted a Basset. We bought a pet and soon decided obe- dience training would be a good idea. Unfortunately we chose a trainer who was excellent with working dogs. Her advice was to get a ‘good dog’. Luckily we had joined BHCA and had contact with other
Basset people. We learned the trick was to make training fun and let the hound think it was his idea with rewards for cor- rect behavior. We entered an obedience and conformation match. The tray he won for Best of Breed was the start of almost 40 years of Bassets. We have competed in many venues—conformation, obedi- ence, rally, agility, tracking, field trial and hunting performance. Individual Bassets ‘chose’ venues for participation depend- ing on personality, likes and dislikes. I like the first activity to be basic tracking, a team sport with handler and hound. Bas- sets like to be in charge and they develop their natural scenting ability. It’s a great activity for puppies.”
Ellen: “I had Bassets and wanted to breed better dogs. I got my first show pup and started from there. I participate in Field Trials, where I enjoy watching
