Do basset Hounds Cause Allergies?

[Guest Anonymous]

Hello all--we are considering a basset hound puppy as a Christmas present for our young son. I am familiar with the breed, but have one concern--my husband has terrible allergies (mostly to cat, rabbits and horses) and we will be unable to keep the dog in the house if they are likely to cause allergies. Being a scent-chaser, we would not want to keep the pup outside all the time in our neighborhood. Could someone advise? Thank you so much!

Nicole

[Guest Anonymous]

Alergies are not held in any specific breed. They are caused by dander (dry Skin) in the air, comming off the dog. Best way to prevent this is a good diet (Hazel's on the BARF diet, and since she's been started on it, I never sneeze or cough (etc.) when brushing her!), and a good shampoo. I've been told that most Oatmeal dog shampoos are very mild and work good.

[Guest Anonymous]

Nicole,

First off, most reputable breeders will not sell their pups for Christmas presents...so be wary of anyone who will. This is just not the best time to bring a new pup into your home. Too many people buy dogs as presents and then forget about them after the holidays have passed. Next, for the puppy's sake why not have your husband tested for his allergy to dogs before considering which breed to purchase....because if he has such severe allergies to other animals....chances are pretty good he is going to be allergic to dogs as well, then if you have brought a dog into your home, there will be one more unlucky pup in the world. A more hypoallergenic choice would be a chinese crested, poodle, etc. But again, test your husband's reactions before you buy and seriously consider the ramification of purchase before you choose to give a life as a present.

Later,
Trinity
See my girls at [url]www.geocities.com/trinityess[/url]

[bk_blue]

Nicole, can I also say, in addition to the great advice already given, that Bassets (indeed, most dogs) [i]cannot [/i]be left outside all the time. They are very people-orientated animals and must have lots of time with their family or they will get upset and howl and bay incessantly. They also like the good life (well ours did) and will not go on the grass if it is too long (irritates their belly), will pull the washing off the line if they DO wish to sit on the grass, will not leave the fireside until their bladder bursts, and will not leave YOUR side if you are eating!! They also have a very strong "doggy" odour, like most hounds, and even if you bathe them and their bedding every week the smell will still return. They also slobber HEAPS which you must be prepared to put up with both inside and out, every time you eat something they will be there looking sad and dribbling on your foot. :wink: Good luck and just be sure to do ALL your homework before letting one of these delightful creatures into your life.

[Guest Anonymous]

Thanks to all for the comments and advice. We have been very carefully considering a dog for a long time, including several breeds. This was my last remaining question. My mother-in-law used to breed miniatrues schnauzers (sorry for the spelling, I never raised the breed-LOL) and Jack Russell terriers. We have ruled out the JR right now due to our son's age, living arrangement and their general disposition. My husband has shown signs in the past of allergy to his mom's schnauzers, despite the fact that they are clean and well-groomed. She and I have also discussed a few behavioral things that lead us away from that breed for now.

We have both always had numerous animals, especially dogs and would like to include one in our family. The timing is only coincidental with Christmas. I will have a month off from work (part-time job) in which to settle in the new puppy and get my son acquainted with how to treat and care for a dog. The breeder has an excellent reputation and is aware of our lifestyle and concerns and has pups ready at this time.

Rest assured, we would NEVER take on an animal we were not 100% sure about or that we did not absolutely want to make a part of our family. This will not be our "son's dog," but a new family member--which is why we are so concerned. On the up side, I talked to the breeder tonight and she has agreed to have a "meet and greet," which should give my hubby the needed time to see if he is instantly allergic. Of course, allergies may develop over time and that is why I posted.

I am so pleased to have founda forum where everyone is concerned with the health and happiness of their dogs! I know that new puppies are not always easy and bassets in particular require special care to stay healthy. Hopefully we can set up the meeting with the breeder and pup and let you know what we decide. THANKS AGAIN, EVERYONE!

[Aroura]

I would suggest finding a good breeder and visiting, not just on one occasion, but on several and for your husband to be as cuddly with as many of the dogs as possible. I say on several days as many allergys are worse on some days than others, other factors such as stress may worsen the allergys too.
Let me suggest, if your husband does show signs of allergys with a Basset that you seriously think about a poodle. They are not prone to causing allergys as much as many other breeds. Also, they are very intellegent, quick learners which is great for young children as they learn their limits quickly and are not likely to cause too many problems. Also, its a good idea to teach your son responsibility by encouraging him to take his dog to obedience classes, Poodles are also good for this as he can even take it to trials etc as well as doing agility etc with it. We have a little poodle cross, and although I'm a 'big dog' person, our little poodle is a perfect model of a dog that would suit life with a young child.
Happy dog hunting! :wink:

[Guest Anonymous]

Good luck and I hope you find a great dog and keep him!!

[Guest Anonymous]

I don't mean to put a cloud over things, but as Trinity stated (and it is a very important thing). No reputable breeder will let any pup or adult dog go to a new home during the holiday PERIOD. Coincidental doesn't enter into it. Even the shelter have adopted this policy and their adopted dogs will not be released to their new homes until after the holiday season, so it seems to me that perhaps the person you are getting the Bassett from may not be so reputable. Please read up on all the breed specif disorders on Bassetts and ask the person to show proof that her dogs have had the necessary testing for breed specific disease.

The other thing is that if your husband was raised around Schnauzers and has allergic reactions to them (they are also considered one of the lesser ones to produce allergy symptoms in owners), I would think that perhaps the poodle (and they are very nice dogs) may be your only choice. I, personally, do not believe any family pet should be raised outdoors, and you cannot expect to have the dog outdoors, bring in occasionally, and your husband will not be allergic. I wish you well in your search, but do be sure that you've also found a "reputable" breeder. Backyard breeders can be oh so nice and oh so deceiving.

[tiberiu]

The only thing that wasn't mentioned here is psychological help because some allergies have a psychological cause and going to a therapist can solve your problem in no time. I recommend hypnotic therapy.