Working together with the
KENNEL CLUB
for a better future
KENNEL CLUB
for a better future
Puppies- are the breeders part of our Health Certificate Scheme?
Official site of the Basset Hound Health Group
The Basset Hound Health Group - is run under the auspices of all 8 UK based Basset Hound Breed Clubs
The Basset Hound Health Group - is run under the auspices of all 8 UK based Basset Hound Breed Clubs
How do you choose the correct person to supply your puppy? Great care is sometimes needed and you should not act on impulse but do your homework. Please, Please do your homework!! It is so very important so you won't end up heartbroken by the unscrupulous!!
It's preferable to buy a puppy from a breeder who is part of the Basset Hound Health Group Health Scheme ot the Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme or both.
Check them out!
The Basset Hound Health Certificate Scheme Breeders: The Health Group have given their support the breeders who support their Health Certificate Scheme, they have embraced the concept of health tests and testing. They know how important it is for the future of the breed and they are investing in tomorrow. They are very mostly people who show their dogs. Thsi has produced a well used implement, a knowledge database made up from people who have lived with Basset Hound 24/7 and have a long term commitment to the breed which on some cases goes back five or more decades. Priceless!
THE Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme: Members of the Assured Breeder Scheme are all inspected to make sure that they comply with minimum standards set out by the Kennel Club. They are required to carry out various Health Tests and also to comply with other requirements such as providing documentation including important information about the rearing of your puppy and a contract of sale and also must have the puppies checked by a vet prior to sale. The Kennel Club provide a list of all Assured Breeders and will deal with any complaints in the event that a buyer should have an issue that cannot be resolved directly with the breeder.
Below we have listed and outlined some information you might find helpful in traffic light order:
Your Questions
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, a reputable breeder will be glad you care and happy to answer your questions.
1: Did the person selling you the puppy breed it themselves? Did you see the puppy interacting withits mum?
2: Is the breeder a member of a breed club? (In the UK there are 8 breed clubs all listed on this website), are
they actively involved in health testing? Are they members of the Kennel Club's Assured Breeder Scheme
and the Basset Hound Health Group's Health Certificate Scheme?
3: Is the breeder actively involved in any canine activities such as exhibiting at or organising or judging dogs’
shows etc. Reputable breeders are usually actively involved with dogs.
4: Is the breeder prepared to take the puppy/dog back if at any time you are unable to keep it. Reputable
breeders care about the puppies they produce and will always want to ensure the wellbeing of any dogs that
they have bred.
5: A reputable breeder won’t part with a puppy under 8 weeks minimum, possibly older. If you are offered a
puppy younger than 8 weeks look for another breeder.
6: Does the breeder give you detailed care instructions for your new puppy. You should have a diet sheet, and
details of when your puppy was last wormed as the bare minimum. Ideally you should receive
printed/written instructions on feeding, grooming, worming, day to day care, house training and exercise.
The breeder should also encourage you to keep in touch and ask for help.
7: Does the breeder ask you a lot of questions. Reputable breeders want to find homes for their puppies and
they will want to be sure you will look after their carefully reared puppy.
Reputable Breeders
Is more often than not a person, who shows their dogs, who is trying to breed the best puppies they possibly can. Not just puppies that look good but puppies that are sound, healthy and have good temperaments. They obviously love their dogs but they also love the breed. They have spent a considerable amount of time learning about their dogs, their dogs ancestry, the breed and dogs in general. They will be a member of one or more of the breed clubs. If you buy from a responsible breeder you will have the very best chance of buying a healthy carefully bred and reared puppy that will be a joy to own.
What to expect from a Reputable Breeder
1: They don't always have puppies available, so will more than likely have a waiting list so be prepared to wait.
2: Don't worry if you have not seen an advertisement, they usually sell there puppies by word of mouth.
3: They will be honest about health issues and health tests there dogs have. They will be involved with
tests/DNA tests for known conditions.
4: They are usually a member of one or more of the 8 UK Breed Club's and they will usually be involved in dog
showing, either by being on a committee, or judging or all of these. They will be aware of the Code of Ethics
every club has.
5: Their puppies will be reasonable priced, you may be asked for a deposit to secure the puppy after you have
seen it, some will, others won't there is no hard fast rule.
6: They will know all about the Breed Standard. They will explain honestly about the breed and its health.
7: They will expect you to visit to see the puppy at least once, where they will tell you what you should expect
from your puppy its behaviour and temperament, they will also consider your suitability to own one of their
pups. They won't let their puppies leave home under 8 weeks of age!
8: They will fully explain about vaccinations, dietary requirements, they will supply you with food to cover the
first few days in your puppy's new home.
9: When you are ready to take your puppy home your puppy should be micrchipped and vaccinated, you will be
given a "puppy pack" this usually contains a comprehensive booklet with training advice and do's and don'ts
to keep your puppy strong and healthy, KC Regisration Papers, free insurance cover, and a sales contract
10: They are always there for help and advise and usually insist you let them know if you cannot keep the
puppy (whatever the reason) and they will either take it back or help you find a new home. You are never
alone!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, a reputable breeder will be glad you care and happy to answer your questions.
1: Did the person selling you the puppy breed it themselves? Did you see the puppy interacting withits mum?
2: Is the breeder a member of a breed club? (In the UK there are 8 breed clubs all listed on this website), are
they actively involved in health testing? Are they members of the Kennel Club's Assured Breeder Scheme
and the Basset Hound Health Group's Health Certificate Scheme?
3: Is the breeder actively involved in any canine activities such as exhibiting at or organising or judging dogs’
shows etc. Reputable breeders are usually actively involved with dogs.
4: Is the breeder prepared to take the puppy/dog back if at any time you are unable to keep it. Reputable
breeders care about the puppies they produce and will always want to ensure the wellbeing of any dogs that
they have bred.
5: A reputable breeder won’t part with a puppy under 8 weeks minimum, possibly older. If you are offered a
puppy younger than 8 weeks look for another breeder.
6: Does the breeder give you detailed care instructions for your new puppy. You should have a diet sheet, and
details of when your puppy was last wormed as the bare minimum. Ideally you should receive
printed/written instructions on feeding, grooming, worming, day to day care, house training and exercise.
The breeder should also encourage you to keep in touch and ask for help.
7: Does the breeder ask you a lot of questions. Reputable breeders want to find homes for their puppies and
they will want to be sure you will look after their carefully reared puppy.
Reputable Breeders
Is more often than not a person, who shows their dogs, who is trying to breed the best puppies they possibly can. Not just puppies that look good but puppies that are sound, healthy and have good temperaments. They obviously love their dogs but they also love the breed. They have spent a considerable amount of time learning about their dogs, their dogs ancestry, the breed and dogs in general. They will be a member of one or more of the breed clubs. If you buy from a responsible breeder you will have the very best chance of buying a healthy carefully bred and reared puppy that will be a joy to own.
What to expect from a Reputable Breeder
1: They don't always have puppies available, so will more than likely have a waiting list so be prepared to wait.
2: Don't worry if you have not seen an advertisement, they usually sell there puppies by word of mouth.
3: They will be honest about health issues and health tests there dogs have. They will be involved with
tests/DNA tests for known conditions.
4: They are usually a member of one or more of the 8 UK Breed Club's and they will usually be involved in dog
showing, either by being on a committee, or judging or all of these. They will be aware of the Code of Ethics
every club has.
5: Their puppies will be reasonable priced, you may be asked for a deposit to secure the puppy after you have
seen it, some will, others won't there is no hard fast rule.
6: They will know all about the Breed Standard. They will explain honestly about the breed and its health.
7: They will expect you to visit to see the puppy at least once, where they will tell you what you should expect
from your puppy its behaviour and temperament, they will also consider your suitability to own one of their
pups. They won't let their puppies leave home under 8 weeks of age!
8: They will fully explain about vaccinations, dietary requirements, they will supply you with food to cover the
first few days in your puppy's new home.
9: When you are ready to take your puppy home your puppy should be micrchipped and vaccinated, you will be
given a "puppy pack" this usually contains a comprehensive booklet with training advice and do's and don'ts
to keep your puppy strong and healthy, KC Regisration Papers, free insurance cover, and a sales contract
10: They are always there for help and advise and usually insist you let them know if you cannot keep the
puppy (whatever the reason) and they will either take it back or help you find a new home. You are never
alone!
Questionable Breeder
This is the person who has an occasional litter from their pet bitch and it would appear to be a good place to purchase your new pet. Their dogs will be clean and well cared for as they obviously love them. But beware, these people lack knowledge of their dogs ancestry and any hereditary problems that could be behind their breeding stock. They know very little about the breed and won’t be able to offer help to a first time Basset Hound puppy owner. Their motivation for breeding a litter is usually money. If you decide to buy a puppy here - you take your chance - it may be a nice puppy, it may be a problem puppy and, if it IS a problem puppy you won’t get any help!
It can be hard to differentiate between a questionable breeder and a reputable breeder. The responsible breeder will have spent many hours and much effort learning about the breed. The casual breeder will lack in-depth knowledge. Ask as many questions as you can, find out why they are breeding, what their goals are and how much they support they will give you. Ask if they are a member of a breed club and if they are actively involved in any canine activities such as showing. Don’t be afraid to ask.
Beware of being asked to take a pet bitch on breeding terms. It usually ends in tears. Resposible breeders will usually want to ensure that only the best are bred from and pet puppies often have their Kennel Club registration documents endorsed “progeny not to be registered” & “not for export”
What to expect from a questionable Breeder
1: Have puppies available most of the time, and don't have a waiting list.
2: They usually advertise in local papers and online.
3: They usually say their dogs have no health issues and have limited breed knowledge.
4: Probably won't have any knowledge or very little about the KC, Breed Clubs or their Codes of Ethics, or any
of the health testing schemes available.
5: Likely to charge far more than a reputable breeder because its a way making money and price their puppies
in line with the "going rate" on the internet.
6: Probably won't know anything about the breed standard or Breed Health Schemes, and will let their puppies
go at 6 weeks. They may not want you to visit before picking the pup is ready to leave for its new home.
7: Probably won't be able to outline the behaviour of the breed or your suitabliity. Only interested in a home.
8: Probably will ask for a non-refundable deposit. They may not have the KC regisration papers when you
collect the puppy and promise to send them on, nor are they likely to provide insurance cover.
9: They will probably explain vaccinations, they will give you a list of meal times and quanitiies with a few days
supply of food, but it is very unlikely that they will issue a comprehensive advice booklet. In fact if they
supply any informationit may be totally unsuitable
10: They are unlikely to provide on-going advice, nor will they be willing to take the puppy back.
This is the person who has an occasional litter from their pet bitch and it would appear to be a good place to purchase your new pet. Their dogs will be clean and well cared for as they obviously love them. But beware, these people lack knowledge of their dogs ancestry and any hereditary problems that could be behind their breeding stock. They know very little about the breed and won’t be able to offer help to a first time Basset Hound puppy owner. Their motivation for breeding a litter is usually money. If you decide to buy a puppy here - you take your chance - it may be a nice puppy, it may be a problem puppy and, if it IS a problem puppy you won’t get any help!
It can be hard to differentiate between a questionable breeder and a reputable breeder. The responsible breeder will have spent many hours and much effort learning about the breed. The casual breeder will lack in-depth knowledge. Ask as many questions as you can, find out why they are breeding, what their goals are and how much they support they will give you. Ask if they are a member of a breed club and if they are actively involved in any canine activities such as showing. Don’t be afraid to ask.
Beware of being asked to take a pet bitch on breeding terms. It usually ends in tears. Resposible breeders will usually want to ensure that only the best are bred from and pet puppies often have their Kennel Club registration documents endorsed “progeny not to be registered” & “not for export”
What to expect from a questionable Breeder
1: Have puppies available most of the time, and don't have a waiting list.
2: They usually advertise in local papers and online.
3: They usually say their dogs have no health issues and have limited breed knowledge.
4: Probably won't have any knowledge or very little about the KC, Breed Clubs or their Codes of Ethics, or any
of the health testing schemes available.
5: Likely to charge far more than a reputable breeder because its a way making money and price their puppies
in line with the "going rate" on the internet.
6: Probably won't know anything about the breed standard or Breed Health Schemes, and will let their puppies
go at 6 weeks. They may not want you to visit before picking the pup is ready to leave for its new home.
7: Probably won't be able to outline the behaviour of the breed or your suitabliity. Only interested in a home.
8: Probably will ask for a non-refundable deposit. They may not have the KC regisration papers when you
collect the puppy and promise to send them on, nor are they likely to provide insurance cover.
9: They will probably explain vaccinations, they will give you a list of meal times and quanitiies with a few days
supply of food, but it is very unlikely that they will issue a comprehensive advice booklet. In fact if they
supply any informationit may be totally unsuitable
10: They are unlikely to provide on-going advice, nor will they be willing to take the puppy back.
Puppy Farmers/ Pet Shops
THANKFULLY: The Abolition of Third Party Sale of Puppies and Kittens in England (Lucy’s Law)
The Government’s decision to pass this law was in 2018 and came into force in April 2020.
The law states that no-one other than the breeder is allowed to sell puppies to the public. No third parties or dealers are allowed to advertise or carry out such a trade. The law comes with the advice to the public to see the puppies with their mother and to visit the breeder more than once. If properly enforced this law should bring about the end of ‘puppy farming.’ That is the hope and not before time!!
From 6 April 2020 it is illegal for pet shops to sell puppies under six months old. However, puppy farmers are not affected by this law only the requirement to see the puppy with its mother. There are some who are very active and will try to pull the wool over unsuspecting eyes so please be warned!
The puppies will probably have been bred on a puppy farmand will certainly have been bred by uncaring breeders but are placed in a convenient "home" just for the purpose of selling the puppy,. They are very well versed in the art of making things look very normal, but if you buy one of these pups because you feel sorry for it, another one will be bred to take its place, very quickly!!
What to expect from a Puppy Farmer
1: They will have puppies available all of the time, wnd most unlikely to have a waiting list.
2: They always have advertisement in weekly papers such as the local traders and free ads as well as online
puppy sites.
3: Won't be able to give information and the breed, or be aware of health testing or its importance.
4: They will charge far more than a reputable breeder, they will also comment that the puppy is unusual or rare
colour.
5: They are unlikely to supply any experience of the breed, or supply a valid pedigree an if they do it will be a
waste of pen, ink and paper as it will not contain the correct information!
6: They Will not know or have very little knowledge of the Breed Standard, and are only interested in the puppy
as a piece of merchandise to sell at any cost, with no interest in if its going to a suitable home.
7: They will ask for a non refundable deposit or even full payment as soon as you show interest!
8: Are not members of any Breed Club and no knowledge of any Code of Ethics the Club's or KC have.
9: Won't offer advice on Vaccinations, no dietary information or anything sprcific to rearing your puppy, it is
highly unlkely they will give you any puppy food. They will let the puppy go as young as 6 weeks and
sometimes even younger to secure the sale. They will not let you visit prior to when yoyu collect your
puppy!
10: The will NOT provide you with support of any kind after the sale, or take the puppy back if you have a
problem. You are very unlikely to receive KC regisration papers or insurance cover when you collect the
puppy and promise to send them on to you which may never happen!
Buyer BEWARE!!
THANKFULLY: The Abolition of Third Party Sale of Puppies and Kittens in England (Lucy’s Law)
The Government’s decision to pass this law was in 2018 and came into force in April 2020.
The law states that no-one other than the breeder is allowed to sell puppies to the public. No third parties or dealers are allowed to advertise or carry out such a trade. The law comes with the advice to the public to see the puppies with their mother and to visit the breeder more than once. If properly enforced this law should bring about the end of ‘puppy farming.’ That is the hope and not before time!!
From 6 April 2020 it is illegal for pet shops to sell puppies under six months old. However, puppy farmers are not affected by this law only the requirement to see the puppy with its mother. There are some who are very active and will try to pull the wool over unsuspecting eyes so please be warned!
The puppies will probably have been bred on a puppy farmand will certainly have been bred by uncaring breeders but are placed in a convenient "home" just for the purpose of selling the puppy,. They are very well versed in the art of making things look very normal, but if you buy one of these pups because you feel sorry for it, another one will be bred to take its place, very quickly!!
What to expect from a Puppy Farmer
1: They will have puppies available all of the time, wnd most unlikely to have a waiting list.
2: They always have advertisement in weekly papers such as the local traders and free ads as well as online
puppy sites.
3: Won't be able to give information and the breed, or be aware of health testing or its importance.
4: They will charge far more than a reputable breeder, they will also comment that the puppy is unusual or rare
colour.
5: They are unlikely to supply any experience of the breed, or supply a valid pedigree an if they do it will be a
waste of pen, ink and paper as it will not contain the correct information!
6: They Will not know or have very little knowledge of the Breed Standard, and are only interested in the puppy
as a piece of merchandise to sell at any cost, with no interest in if its going to a suitable home.
7: They will ask for a non refundable deposit or even full payment as soon as you show interest!
8: Are not members of any Breed Club and no knowledge of any Code of Ethics the Club's or KC have.
9: Won't offer advice on Vaccinations, no dietary information or anything sprcific to rearing your puppy, it is
highly unlkely they will give you any puppy food. They will let the puppy go as young as 6 weeks and
sometimes even younger to secure the sale. They will not let you visit prior to when yoyu collect your
puppy!
10: The will NOT provide you with support of any kind after the sale, or take the puppy back if you have a
problem. You are very unlikely to receive KC regisration papers or insurance cover when you collect the
puppy and promise to send them on to you which may never happen!
Buyer BEWARE!!
Not couch potatoes!
Contrary to popular belief Basset Hounds are not couch potatoes, they enjoy nothing better than a good walk or to be involved in activites such as agility - a slideshow will be coming soon.......