Who We Are
4 The Hounds Basset Rescue, Inc. is a small, all volunteer, 501(c)3 non-profit rescue organization dedicated to helping distressed basset hounds find safe and loving homes. We serve bassets primarily from the four corners area of Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas that have been relinquished or abandoned by their owners, rescued from puppy mills or pulled from municipal shelters. We provide veterinary care and foster homes where they are treated as one of the family, and we provide physical and emotional support as well. Oh... and let's not forget love. We love our hounds!

Prior to being placed for adoption, our basset hounds are vet checked for any health issues and treated, and are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, checked for heartworms (treated if necessary), and receive heartworm preventative while in our care. Because we are a small organization, it is our hope that we will be able to work side by side with all other rescue groups in our area and across the nation to help provide homes for the basset hounds in need. We also hope to maintain communications with other groups, so as the need arises, we can refer a potential adoptee to the appropriate rescue organization as an aid in the search for the perfect hound. Our belief is that it doesn't matter whose hound is adopted - so long as one is adopted!

What You Should Know Before You Adopt
If you are one of the many who have fallen in love with the mournful looks of the basset hound, please do some reading and make sure you understand the pros and cons of entering into "Bassethood." While we believe they are the best dogs around, they may not be the dog for you!

	The number one problem with basset hounds is that they roam. They are scent hounds and once they find a scent to follow, they can easily get lost. A securely fenced yard is essential, although many bassets do well in apartments as long as adequate exercise is available to them. Although each adoption is evaluated on a case by case basis, we tend to not adopt to homes without fully fenced, secure yards.
	Basset hounds are good natured and highly intelligent, although they can be extremely stubborn at times.
	Basset hounds are classified as medium sized dogs, but it's fair to say they are big dogs on short legs. They can reach 70-80 pounds.
	Basset hounds are generally a healthy breed of dog and are not prone to many of the genetic diseases as with some other breeds. However, they are prone to a few such as glaucoma, Von Wilebrand's Disease, and back problems. Keeping their weight down is essential.
	Basset hounds are easy to maintain. They do not require constant grooming, but regular brushing will keep the shedding to a minimum. Yes, bassets do shed. And they drool - some more than others. Basset Hounds are probably not the dog for the meticulous housekeeper.
	Basset Hounds are very versatile. They are excellent tracking and hunting dogs as well as family pets and companions.
	Basset hounds are all individual in that no two are alike.