I did a basset hound for a cake a few years ago and was really stressing it. However, from recollection, since I haven’t done another since, I made the body out of one long piece of modelling paste by sculpting and made the head separately. I did prop the body up on an angle to give the impression he was sitting until it dried so it would have the distinctive basset hound shape, then attached the head with a cocktail stick and supported that too until dry and firm. I think I would use my colour shapers if I was making one today and paint the markings instead of gluing them on. I hope this helps and good luck with the cake.
Lizzie
