Thanks for sticking up for the Bassets
My first dog was a Choc. Lab She was absolutely awesome!! My next was an Australian Shepherd. VERY smart and full of energy. I then got a Basset. I thought I had lowered myself to the bottom of the intelligence level. She is the best dog and learned her underground fence system in 3 days. She has been just as loving as my Lab was with children, although she may not be as smart as my Aussie was, she can be clever. I then adopted a 2nd one. They are good dogs, but socialization is the key to any dog. I also think it is very important to teach children respect for animals. How and when they should be touched etc. Good luck to you....