Most good breeders do not sell puppies during or around the Christmas holidays. Many puppies purchased at this time end up being returned, resold or abandoned in shelters. Because holidays tend to be busy with people coming and going, this is not a good time to bring a puppy into the home.
A new puppy or older adopted dog needs time to rest as well as a consistent, uninterrupted training schedule to be properly housebroken and acclimated to its new home and environment.
Additional holiday hazards include the possibility of puppies ingesting fragile ornaments, tinsel, wrapping paper and ribbons, poisonous holiday plants or chewing on electric cords. Any of these situations can lead to serious injury (including thousands of dollars in veterinarian bills) and even the death of your new puppy.
Reputable breeders are usually more than willing to hold your basset puppy until after the Christmas holidays. Remember that getting a new puppy should be a unanimous decision for the entire family.