Basset hounds?

[Beanie]

Hey guys - a friend of mine who lives in the Denver, CO area is looking to get a basset hound. He sent me an e-mail to ask about it because I'm the most dog-savvy person he knows, so I'm doing my best to help him out! I'm already going into detail with him about breeders versus rescue, but can you guys help me out any?
What kind of health problems, and therefore health testing, would a good basset hound breeder be expected to do? I read on another site that bassets usually have LOTS of health problems because of the way they are built, but I know nothing about the breed so I can't give him any advice in that area.
I also was leaning towards him getting a rescue, but now I wonder if getting from a breeder might not be a better idea if there are so many health problems and therefore question marks with the health of a rescue... Anybody have any further input on that one?

Also, if anybody in that area or any basset people know of a great breeder, if you could point me in their direction so I can pass it on, that would be awesome. =3

TIA!

[MicksMom]

One problem Bassets can have is with their backs. Because of their build, they have a tendancy to rupture a disk in their spine. As far as I know, it's not really something that can be tested for. Just like with other flopy eared dogs, special attention should be paid to the ears to prevent infections. I have a friend who shows Bassets. Since I've known her (around 1992), she's lost 2 to cancer (her first and last), her second male she lost a few months after he ruptured disk in his back, and I believe she lost her female to liver problems.I'm not sure how common the cancer and liver problems are in the breed, tho. The Basset next door has hip dysplasia. I'm not sure how bad, but I believe it's somewhere between mild and moderate (she only comes out to pee and poop).

[HoundedByHounds]

Is this in Illinois? I will ask around for you. :)
oops I see it's Colorado...got it!

[HoundedByHounds]

Bumbling B Basset's
Marilee & Brian Epperson
bumblingB@aol.com

Others:
http://www.basset-bhca.org/Member_Info/Roster/Colorado.htm

[HoundedByHounds]

Here's another possible good resource...cut pasted from my email...

"I would suggest to contact Carol Makowski of Bristlecone Bassets (carolmakow@aol.com). She is a basset person, and knows everyone here in Colorado that might have puppies. Carol is a wonderful person I have personally known for 20+ years. She has been very involved with the Basset national club, the local specialty club and local k.c. as well. She is very nice and knowledgeable and would be a great resource for a newbie!"