How to Show Your Basset Hound in a Dog Competition

Enthusiasts of dog shows have made competitions both highly enjoyable and very serious occasions. Owners of Basset Hounds often have questions concerning the requirements to show their pets. Although many details go into the preparation for a show, the three main important points are: the age and breeding of your Basset Hound, the overall maintenance of the dog, and the general benefits of showing your dog.

One of the most essential components of showing a Basset Hound is its age and breeding. Your dog must be old enough to compete, and must have the proper pedigree. In order to compete in a conformation show and gain championship points, your Basset Hound has to be at least six months old. Other types of showing have their own requirements and will generally be posted by the club that is hosting the event. Quality pedigreed dogs are generally purchased from breeders who raise the dogs in expectation that the puppies will one day be shown. Rather than being sold to common homes, these specially bred dogs are sold to those who will take the time and make the effort to show the animal, as they were born to compete. The pedigree of show dogs has to be determined legitimate, established, and then maintained throughout the breeding process. The lineage has been examined for hereditary diseases (those that fail will be removed from the breeding process) and meets the basic standards of the breed, usually as set forth by the American Kennel Club.

Basset Hounds must be in good shape in order to compete, meaning that all aspects of your dog's health and appearance must be well maintained. Regular exercise and nutritious fare is an important part of your dog's health. Their nails need to be trimmed neatly, teeth need to brushed regularly, and their ears must be cleaned often. Keeping on top of all of these grooming needs, you will ensure that your Basset Hound will be much closer to being ready for a competition of any sort. So why should you go to so much trouble for a competition?

The highly enjoyable experience of showing your Basset Hound gives you the opportunity to socialize your dog and show off all of your hard work, as well as your dog's accomplishments. Along with the thrill of the competition, you get to meet other dog owners, and have the chance to discuss your pets and share your common interests. You may end up with a whole new group of friends based solely on your shared interest in dogs and showing them. A fun aspect of the showing process is that interesting prizes and gifts are given to the winners and competitors, which can provide a souvenir of your experience. Showing your Basset Hound is an involved endeavor, requiring a lot of preparation, even though the shows are fun and competitive. Keeping in mind the age and breeding of your Basset Hound, his health and condition, and the joy of competing, the two of you can get a joyful, exciting experience out of showing.