Andie: When do female Basset Hounds go into their first and second heats?
I have a 6-month-old female Basset Hound. I am going to breed her and I know I should wait until the second heat. When will she go into her first and second heats?
Photo Credit: gilmorec/Flickr CC
Answers and Views:
Answer by Shanna
Who told you that you can breed your Basset Hound on her second heat? Whoever told you that is dumber than a whole big sack of stupid. It is not okay to breed a dog until a dog is physically and mentally mature and that is a minimum of two years old.
Every dog is different and will go into heat when their body is ready. You can't predict it.
Answer by Vicki J
The first heat comes between 6 and 9 months old, and every six months after.
Getting the litter on the ground is only half the battle. Although many litters are born without trouble and puppies trot off to new homes with nary a glance backward, responsible breeders do everything they can to make sure the pup not only gets a good start in life but has a lifetime commitment to keep it healthy and safe. Although the best plans can go awry, they do not leave the fate of their pups to chance.
Backyard breeders have a different perspective. Whether they are producing pups for money or to give Sassy or the kids the experience of birth, they usually approach puppy production with a carefree attitude. If a pup dies, it’s too bad, but that’s life. If it has worms or fleas or mange, that’s life, too. And if that last pup or two doesn’t sell by three months, well, it’s off to the shelter.
- Is Jack Russell and Basset hound mix a good dog breed?
- Are basset hounds high maintenance dogs?
- How much to charge for breeding my male golden retriever with a female?
Responsible breeders consider every aspect of puppy production to be important. After taking care to whelp healthy puppies to be sold as pets or show dogs, they treat each litter with care and concern for their physical and mental development, provide initial socialization and housetraining, and carefully screen prospective owners.
Breeder’s Bible: Book of the Bitch: A Complete Guide to Understanding and Caring for Bitches by J.M.Eavans & Kay White
Answer by Laura
I have a New Bassett Hound baby Lula Bell. She is a little over 1 year old and has the BIGGEST personality you will ever find in a dog. I thought something was wrong with her because she had not gone into heat yet. I just finished cleaning my entire house & she started her heat today on my freshly mopped floors. I got on this site to try & figure out how long and how often this occurs and the best time for her to get fixed. I do not want her to have any puppies because I want her to have the longest life she possibly can have.
I have not had her fixed yet because I think it will traumatize her so I had put it off, Lulla Bell acts like a Lion in our home but try and take her anywhere and she is terrified, shakes, & trembles. the entire time. I thought she would like to go to Hollywood Feed to find a new toy. NO, she was terrified, I had to carry her into & out of the store. She runs, plays, barks at everyone from our yard, dominate our 4-year-old hound Daisy May but take her outside of her environment and she is terrified.
Answer by mauveme49
FemaleBasset Hounds come into first heat at around 6-9 months and then usually every 6 months after that. (but all dogs are different, could be every 9 months.)
But if you are thinking of breeding shouldn't you know this?
Know better? Give your own answer to this question!
Laura says
The comment has been moved into the body of the post.
Laura Rayburn says
To Andie: I think there is a big difference in being a “Breeder” and having a litter of puppies because you Love basset hound puppies. I am very sorry that other people on this site have been so Mean and hateful to you!!!! I have never been on this site & doubt I will ever be back if this is the type of folks that follow & answer posts. I bought a male Bassett hound 17 yrs ago he just so happen to come from a Grand Champion Blood line. I named him Elvis because I lived in Memphis Tn at the time. I just wanted a loving dog it did not matter to me if he was a show dog or not. We had him a few months and he cried all the time my husband said “he is lonely he need another dog” At that time I did not want another puppie but a dog the same age & size of Elvis. We went to a “breeded” she had at least 60 dogs in her normal size backyard various ages. I did not feel she was a reputable or Quality breeder but we had driven a few hours to get another Bassett and my husband found a anxious shy female he fell in love with so that was when Pricilla joined our family. I had 15 years with Pricilla she did not seem as high quality of a dog in her looks, energy, playfulness but she was a very loving good dog she never had health issues she did not come from any champion lineage. Elvis was very muscular and had the look of a champion his whole 17 years. He had a begin tumor on his tail & his tail had to be amputated but other than that he was just as healthy as Pricilla. I never took either dog to any shows. We enjoyed 2 litters of puppies (both litters by accident) out of the 2 litters we had 1 puppy die, having puppies is a LOT of work!!! I sold my puppies for $250 each to me I did not make any $$$ when you take into consideration the time, feeding, shots, vet visits etc… it is sad when they sell & you miss them. I think it is physically hard on the female as well. I think that is why Pricilla had a shorter life than Elvis. If your desire is to become a “Breeder” you may want to follow these mean peoples advice. If you love Bassett puppies have a litter I’m sure you have enough friends & family to find each a very good home. You may want to consider being a foster family to puppies in your area if your motivation is the love of puppies.
Larry says
I cannot believe those so caring dog lovers can be so rude to dog owners that are wanting or willing to learn something about their new family pet. I’m sure all of you out there with rude remarks weren’t born knowing everything. Have a heart be kind and your own kindness will reward you back.
Brandy says
I agree with Larry… Many of the worst mistakes are made because people are afraid or embarrassed to ask. Thankfully, mistakes are thwarted by those whom bypass fear of being made fun of and ask anyway. And then there are those who rudely respond never taking into consideration how uncomfortable and a nervous the people that finally muster up courage are.. Just be nice.
Salt&Pepper Apricot says
You should enter her in the show ring first. If she earns Championship status, then, and only then should she be bred.
Losa says
What ever! S&P . You should not breed, guarantee your not pure champion. Get a life
Rayven-Fried Sea Kittens Anyone? says
*looks around for basset*
Well while we wait on them.
NO you wait until they are TWO years old and fully grown.
You wait until they have passed all their genetic clearances
You wait until your dog has earned a CH of some sore to show they are a good example of the breed.
You wait until YOU have found a reputable breeder to mentor you and you have spent YEARS learning.
You wait until you have found the right stud and worked out a suitable contract
You wait until you have a full waiting list of homes for these pups.
You have a LONG way to go than just her second heat before you can even THINK about breeding her.
Losa says
Hello, i will wait till the right stud comes along. New to this, breeding of dogs besides the dozens i grew up with. I like puppies.
Nimmy says
ask a vet