My basset is a rescue, and I would definitely recommend rescuing one if you can. That being said, most rescues will not adopt out a basset to a strictly outdoor home or a home without a fenced yard, since they follow their noses so easily. Just FYI.
It really depends on what the climate is like where you live. We live in north central MN and I have a basset and I would never leave her outside 24/7 in the winter, even with her insulated draft free dog house. She just doesn't have enough coat for that and it would be very hard on her. If I...