Basset Hound
Complete Breed Guide
"I do what I want!"
Quick Facts About Basset Hounds
Sporting
40–65 lbs
12–15"
No
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Overview
Basset Hounds have one of the most expressive faces in the dog world — soulful eyes, long ears, and a distinguished, unhurried presence that is entirely their own. Warm, clever, and deeply fond of people and other animals, Basset Hounds bring personality and charm to every home they enter.
Basset Hounds are intelligent, good-natured dogs with a calm confidence and an endearing personality that has won over families for generations. They have a genuine sense of humor and a warmth that makes them deeply enjoyable companions. Independent by nature, they respond best to patient, consistent training that works with their thoughtful temperament rather than against it. Beyond their personality, the Basset Hound's most remarkable quality is their nose — they are expert scent trackers whose long, distinctive ears actually serve a functional purpose, helping to funnel scents upward as they work. Their deep, resonant voice is part of their hound heritage and adds to their character. The Basset Hound's combination of tracking ability, calm temperament, and genuine affection for people has made them one of the most beloved breeds in the world.
Temperament and Behavior
Basset Hounds love people, but that doesn’t mean they’ll always listen. They are independent thinkers who often like to do things their own way. They are usually quite friendly with other people and animals because they love having company, especially company who drop food! Basset Hounds are motivated by a free people-food meal, which should be kept in mind when training. They also have an alarmingly loud voice, which they will put to good use when feeling lonely.
Coat & Grooming
Although the Basset Hound’s coat is very short, it does require daily brushing. Their hair sheds heavily, and if you want to reduce the amount you find around your house, these daily brushings will help. Some people think the Basset Hound’s oily coat gives off a bad smell, but that can be helped with regular baths.
Lifestyle & Living Conditions
If you don’t want a dog with an incredibly loud voice howling constantly, the Basset Hound need to be in a situation they can live inside with you. They love people, other dogs, cats, and children alike. Basset Hounds are mostly friendly toward everyone and everything, especially if there is food involved. They also love to play outside and will follow any interesting scents they come across, so a home with a big backyard or a farmhouse is a good bet for a happy Basset Hound.
Exercise & Activity
Basset Hounds like to go on long walks, but their favorite activity is following their nose wherever it may take them. Basset Hounds have an incredibly strong sense of smell, which makes them great competitors in tracking sports. They were born to hunt for as long as you’ll let them, so you generally won’t ever entirely wear them out. 30 minutes to an hour of exercise each day will be enough to keep a Basset Hound happy and healthy.
Health Considerations
The average Basset Hound lifespan is 12–13 years, and the dogs are prone to skin, ear, and joint problems. However, with proper care and management, Basset Hound dogs can live healthy and happy lives. Basset Hound health conditions can include: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, Arthritis, Patellar Luxation, Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), and Bloat and Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV).
Medical References
- PetMD
Breed descriptions and health information are provided for educational purposes only and should not replace consultation with a licensed veterinarian. Individual dogs may vary in temperament and health.
Characteristics at-a-glance
Ratings are on a scale of 1–10, based on breed standards and typical temperament.
Basset Hound FAQs
Common questions about the Basset Hound breed, answered by our editorial team.
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