basset hound

Gentle and devoted, Basset Hounds make great companions for pet parents who are committed to providing regular grooming (look at those long, floppy ears), lots of socialization and consistent training. And while Basset Hounds love to sleep and snuggle, they need regular exercise, too.

Temperament

Mellow, Good-Natured, Devoted

Weight

Male: 40-65 pounds

Female: 40-65 pounds

Height

Male: up to 15 inches

Female: up to 15 inches

Life Expectancy

12 to 13 years

Maintenance Level

Low maintenanceHigh maintenance

Friendliness

More reservedSocial butterfly

Coat Color

Black and White, Black Brown and White, Black Tan and White, Black White and Brown, Black White and Tan, Brown Black and White, Lemon and White, Mahogany and White, Red and White

The Basset Hound is an easy-going dog who gets along well with others, whether two- or four-legged. You can feel free to invite friends and family over to your house; and hey, if a few more people show up, it’s all good with the Basset Hound. Though not exactly social butterflies, these good-natured dogs are generally calm and enjoy company. Just don’t mistake their chill demeanor for a complete couch potato. Once their noses catch an interesting scent, you’d better keep up! That’s when these small-but-hefty pups, who were bred to track game, kick it into high gear. Afterward it’s back to your lap and being your sweet (sometimes stubborn) BFF. It’s all about that balance.

Basset Hound Characteristics

Remember: Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.

Care

Personality

Adaptability

Social Life

Exercise Needs

Couch PotatoStar Athlete

Health Issues

Few Known Health IssuesMany Known Health Issues

Grooming Needs

Minimal GroomingExtensive Grooming

Training Needs

Requires Minimal TrainingRequires a Lot of Training

Shedding Level

Sheds a LittleSheds a Lot

Basset Hound Appearance

Basset Hounds express themselves through their soulful puppy dog eyes. They are not large dogs. Built to be the all-terrain vehicles of the Hound group, their sturdy bodies sit on short, strong legs that keep their powerful snoots low to the ground, where their long ears can be a tripping hazard. They come in a variety of colors (17 to be exact!), but the tri-color (black, tan and white) is the most recognizable. Basset Hound puppies never really grow into their extra skin, which remains saggy and baggy as they grow into adults.

Ears:

Basset Hound ears are set low on their skulls; they almost look like they're attached at the neck. They're extra long and rounded on the ends, which drag the ground when they sniff out smells, helping to collect scents. Soft and velvety, they hang long and loose, contributing to the dog's overall droopy appearance.

Eyes:

Their big, brown eyes are set in saggy, drooping lids that give the Basset Hound dog breed a sad-yet-soulful expression.

Nose:

A dark, preferably black, round nose sits at the end of a long, straight snout.

Coat Length:

Their stiff, smooth hair is uniformly short all over the body.

Coat Color:

Basset Hounds can be of any color or pattern that's typical of the Hound group. Tan, black and white (tri-color) is the most common combination. Black and white, brown and white, or red and white are also common. The lemon and white or solid red, yellow or black types are rarer.

Tail:

The Basset Hound tail is long and straight, with coarse hair on the underside.

Basset Hound Temperament

Basset Hounds have a laid-back personality and are calm under pressure. Their good-natured demeanor is accepting of outsiders, but don’t expect these low-key dogs to get all wiggly and excited about it. When it comes to their families, they’re very devoted and are amazing with siblings, whether kids, cats or other dogs. They don’t like to be alone for long, so don’t be surprised if they seek you out for couch cuddles. They’ll happily be your binge-watching buddy.But don’t be too fooled by their Zen-like nature—their low energy level kicks into high gear whenever they catch an interesting scent, whether it belongs to food or another critter. (And when this scenting hound does get excited, it’s usually accompanied by their distinctive baying bark.) That’s because Basset Hounds were bred to hunt with their noses, and this instinct sometimes gets them into trouble. They may choose to ignore you and wander away on the trail of a scent if they’re allowed off-leash. Tracking sports and other scent-based games can be a healthy outlet for their powerful sniffers.And don’t assume their chill personality means they’ll be easy to train. Like all hounds, the Basset Hound’s independence can make them appear slow on the uptake. They’re not naturally people-pleasers, so they need a confident pup parent to train them. These dogs actually possess a lot of intelligence—they just need a little more patience when it comes to training. Lots of rewards with a favorite treat will help make you more interesting than the smells around them and help shape them into loving, loyal and well-mannered BFFs.

How to Care for a Basset Hound

Grooming

Basset Hound grooming needs are fairly low compared to other dog breeds. Here are some tips for grooming your Basset Hound: Bathing: Their short, smooth hair is great at repelling dirt and water, so you can bathe them once a month unless they’ve tracked through mud or rolled in something yucky. Brushing: A good brushing with a bristle brush once a week will keep their coats shiny and clean and keep their moderate shedding under control. Ear cleaning: Don’t forget to check their ears. If you notice any debris, redness or swelling, speak to your vet. If your vet recommends at-home cleaning, here’s a vet-approved step-by-by guide to cleaning a dog’s ears. Nail trimming: Nails will need to be trimmed whenever you hear them clicking on hard surfaces, about once or twice a month. Dental care: Brush their teeth every day, and give them a good dental chew on the other days to help prevent dental disease and other health issues that can stem from tooth and gum infections. Be sure to have annual dental cleanings performed by your vet. When you bring your Basset Hound puppy home, it’s a good idea to spend lots of time handling their ears, paws and mouth to get them used to it. Introducing them early to getting their fur and teeth brushed and nails trimmed will make these tasks less scary and easier once they’re fully grown. Close

Training

As scent hounds, Bassets have an independent streak, and they get distracted easily when an interesting smell grabs their attention. You can’t really blame them—their scenting ability is second only to the Bloodhound. These traits are features rather than bugs when it comes to hunting and tracking, but they can make training a challenge. Even so, these are smart and good-natured dogs who respond well to positive reinforcement training methods that use yummy-smelling treats, praise and special toys to keep them focused. Rewarding your Basset frequently for paying attention to you and for doing the things you like will help them learn how to behave in time. Keep training sessions short, and remember that it can be slow-going. Patience and consistent repetition are key. It’s also important to socialize your puppy from the time you bring them home at around 8 weeks, and teach them to share by offering them lots of goodies so they won’t feel the need to guard their food or toys from people or other pets. Close

Diet

Basset Hounds do well with high-quality dog food formulated for their current life stage. Look on the packaging for a statement that says the food meets nutritional standards set forth by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) to make sure you’re purchasing a complete and balanced product. There is no standard feeding chart, but your vet can help you determine the best food, serving size and feeding schedule based on your dog’s age, weight and activity level. Basset Hounds love to eat, and leaving kibble out for them to “free feed” will put them on the fast track to obesity. It’s best to portion out their food into two or three smaller meals to help them stay lean and healthy. Be sure to factor the treats you give for training or otherwise into their daily calorie count so you don’t end up overfeeding them. The Basset Hound dog’s low and long shape also makes them prone to back and joint problems. As they get older, adding a glucosamine and chondroitin supplement to their diet can help. Be sure to consult your veterinarian, as they will be in the best position to help you pick the right diet for your dog based on their individual needs. Close

Exercise

Basset Hounds are fairly low-energy dogs whose exercise needs are met in about 20 to 30 minutes each day. Their long backs and short legs aren’t designed for running, so stick to low-impact activities like walking. If you’re looking for a jogging buddy or a dog who can keep up with you on hiking adventures, this isn’t the breed for you. Bassets are not known for their speed, and although their physical exercise needs are low, their mental exercise needs are high. Intelligent, independent-thinkers, Basset Hounds do best with an outlet for their powerful tracking instincts. Considering signing up for tracking sports. (Check around to see if there are clubs or opportunities in your area.) At home, you can simply hide treats around your house and yard for them to sniff and find. Using a snuffle mat to feed them, like this one from PAW5, mimics foraging for food in grass and can help satisfy their nose’s need to hunt. Close

Environment

While this breed can adapt well to homes of just about any size, they do best in houses without a lot of stairs to climb. (Because of their unique shape, Bassets are prone to back problems. More on that in the Health section.) If you live in an apartment, you should know that Basset Hounds don’t just bark—they bay (often described as a deep, prolonged howl) loudly and often. For the sake of keeping peace with your neighbors, apartment-dwellers might consider another breed, especially if the walls are thin. These dogs don’t appreciate being left alone for long and will be happiest if someone is around for most of the day or where another dog can keep them company. Properly socialized Basset Hounds get along great with kids and babies, as well as cats. While not overly social, their friendly and easy-going nature means they’ll do just fine when company comes over. In general, Basset Hounds are excellent dogs for families who aren’t constantly on the go and don’t expect their dog to keep up with an active lifestyle. Close

Basset Hound Health

Basset Hounds have a life expectancy of 12-13 years, but they’re prone to health issues. It’s good to know what those potential health problems are in advance, so you can keep your pup healthy for longer.

Ear Infections: This issue is so common that it falls under Basset Hound 101. (They are among the top-five breeds most affected by ear infections, after all.) Severe infections can typically be avoided with weekly ear cleanings and inspections for odor, redness or debris. Contact your vet if you notice smelly ears or excessive head shaking
Bleeding Disorders: Von Willebrand’s Disease and thrombocytopenia are both potential hereditary disorders that affect blood clotting. Genetic screening may be done to determine if your dog has markers of these disorders; ask your vet to test for these issues. In some cases, if your basset has either of these conditions, blood transfusions may be needed during surgeries.
Joint Problems: Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia can both be an issue. Dysplasia is when the joint tends to be loose. These conditions can often be managed by keeping your dog at a healthy weight. Your vet may also recommend joint supplements, physical therapy, pain medication or, in severe cases, surgery.
Back Problems: Always make sure your Basset’s back and rear are supported when picking them up and avoid stairs as much as possible. Often the issue is a partially or fully herniated disc causing a condition called intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). While back injuries can often be treated with crate confinement and anti-inflammatory medications, some cases may require surgery.
Glaucoma: This condition occurs when pressure builds up in the eye. Talk to your vet if you notice signs including redness, bulging, tearing or rubbing the eyes. Early detection and treatment of glaucoma can prevent permanent eye damage or blindness. If caught early, glaucoma can be treated with medication.

Basset Hound History

The American Kennel Club recognized the Basset Hound in 1885 and was its 10th breed ever to be recognized. Originally bred in France, the Basset, from the French word “bas,” meaning low, most likely got their origin from a mutation of the St. Hubert Hound that resulted in dwarfism and led to the Basset Hound’s trademark short legs. The breed became popular because of their talent for hunting rabbits and hare.
The Basset took off in the US in 1928 when “Time” magazine featured one on the cover in celebration of the 52nd annual Westminster Dog Show at Madison Square Garden, and the Basset Hound Club of America was formed in 1935. They enjoyed another popularity boost in the 1960s when they were featured in an ad campaign for Hush Puppy shoes and in the Fred Basset comic strip. The fact that today they rank as the AKC’s 36th most popular breed is a testament to their enduring charm.
Ready to bring home a Basset Hound puppy? You can find a reputable breeder on the American Kennel Club’s website, where the Basset Hound price ranges from $850 for AKC-registered puppies with vaccinations and health screenings to $2,500 and up for puppies bred from championship lines. You can also search Basset Hound rescues in your area and keep an eye out at animal shelters and pet rescues for Basset Hounds of all ages in need of good homes.

FAQs

Are Basset Hounds hypoallergenic?

No, Basset Hounds are not hypoallergenic. They’re moderate shedders, and they shed year-round. While they won’t blanket your furniture with dog hair, they’re likely to leave enough dander lying around to aggravate allergies. Regular brushing, sweeping and vacuuming can help, but this isn’t a good breed for severe allergy sufferers.

Can Basset Hounds swim?

Technically, yes, Basset Hounds can swim, but their short legs make it a challenge. If your Basset Hound likes water and wants to swim, it’s best to do so with the help of a life jacket and supervision. If they’re swimming in a pool, make sure your pup knows how to climb out on their own in case they fall in. Water in the ears can lead to infections, so be sure to dry your Basset’s ears after they spend time in the water.

Are Basset Hounds lazy?

At first glance, it may look like Basset Hounds are lazy; they aren’t high-energy dogs. Bassets only need 20-30 minutes of exercise each day and are generally content to spend the rest of the time sleeping or hanging out with you on the couch. But if a strong smell crosses their nose, stand back and watch them spring into action. Unless you intervene, their determined sniffers won’t stop until they track down the source of the scent.

Do Basset Hounds drool?

Yes, Basset Hounds are known for drooling. Their saliva builds up in their jowls and the flaps of skin round their mouth. Keep a towel handy to mop up messes, and be prepared to handle slobbery kisses and wet dog toys.

What are the most popular Basset Hound names?

Some of the most popular Basset Hound names are Daisy, Lucy, Charlie, Cooper, Duke, Bella, Buddy, Copper, Winston, Sadie, Gus, Bailey, Beau, Luna, Hank, Penny, Murphy, Lola, Dixie, Molly, Fred, George, Lily, Lady, Oscar, Toby, Maggie, Millie, Otis, Jack, Rosie, Bonnie, Milo, Stella and Benny. Get more dog names.

What are the most common Basset Hound mixes?

The most common Basset Hound mixes are:

**Content sourced from www.chewy.com

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