Among the most appealing of the AKC breeds, the endearing and instantly recognizable Basset Hound is a perennial favorite of dog lovers all over the world. This low-slung and low-key hound can be sometimes stubborn, but is always charming — a long, low scent hound of ancient French ancestry with a majestic head, long velvety ears, wrinkled brow, and dark eyes that lend it that famous soulful expression.
A descendant of the famed St. Hubert hounds of France and Belgium, the Basset Hound was bred to hunt rabbit and hare on foot, its sense of smell and ability to ground-scent second only to the Bloodhound. Its gentle nature makes it a great companion and a much sought-after family dog.
A Hound of Ancient French Lineage
The Basset type originated in France, descended from the sixth-century hounds belonging to St. Hubert of Belgium, which through breeding at the Benedictine Abbey of St. Hubert became known as the St. Hubert's Hound around 1000 AD. Many authorities believe the Basset was a result of a mutation in the St. Hubert strain — a genetic deviation that produced a short-legged, dwarfed hound whose slower movement and low-set form proved useful for hunters on foot in search of small game.
The first mention of a "Basset" dog appeared in La Venerie, an illustrated hunting text written by Jacques du Fouilloux in 1585, referring to dogs used to hunt foxes and badgers. "Basset" comes from the Latin "bassus" (low) and the French diminutive "-et." Until after the French Revolution in 1789, hunting from horseback was the preserve of kings and aristocrats, so short-legged dogs were highly valued for hunting on foot.
French Basset Hounds were imported into England as early as the 1870s, and Everett Millais — considered the father of the modern Basset Hound — bred a heavier Basset in England in the 1890s by crossing a Basset to a Bloodhound bitch. The first breed standard was made in Great Britain at the end of the 19th century, and the breed remains a fixture in homes worldwide.
Low to the Ground, Heavy in Bone
The Basset Hound is a short-legged scent hound, proportionally akin to a large breed dog with short legs. It stands no more than 15 inches tall, weighing 40 to 65 pounds on average — and relative to its size, it is heavier-boned than any other breed. Its slightly curved tail is held high above its long back.
The breed's most distinctive features are its long, droopy ears — which help stir up ground scent — and loose, wrinkled skin around the head and neck, known as the dewlap, which gives it its sad expression. The short, smooth coat is most often tri-color (black, white, and tan) or tan/lemon and white, but any recognized hound color is acceptable. The slightly crooked legs help support the broad chest and ribs.
Gentle, Docile, and Devoted
The Basset Hound is renowned for its gentle, docile demeanor — friendly, outgoing, and playful, tolerant of children and other pets. Its temperament is typically mild and extremely devoted, though not timid. Bassets are excellent family dogs because they are friendly, low-energy, and playful.
Along with being a little lazy, typical Basset characteristics include a loud, long baying bark; a strong nose that may follow into trouble; and a short, sleek coat that doesn't need much grooming but sheds regularly. Some Bassets don't do well when left alone for long periods and can develop separation anxiety. They are notoriously low-energy, often needing encouragement to stay active and at a healthy weight.
Exercise and Activity
The Basset Hound Club of America recommends at least one walk every day. While Bassets are low-energy, a moderate amount of daily exercise is important for their health — but their short legs can't handle strenuous exercise like long-distance running. Walking and play sessions suit the breed best.
| Dog | Daily exercise | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy | 3–4 short play sessions of 10–15 minutes | Keep walks gentle; avoid hard surfaces while growing |
| Adult | 20–30 minutes total walk or play | Split into two shorter sessions if preferred |
| Senior | 15–20 minutes of gentle walking | Slow the pace and shorten distance with age |
As a scent hound, the Basset should always be leashed or fenced, since it will follow a trail wherever it leads. Mental enrichment — such as scent games and nose work — is valuable for this keen-nosed breed. The Daily Exercise Guide offers ideas for exercising a low-energy scent hound.
Training a Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is independent, strong-willed, and somewhat low-energy, which can make obedience training challenging. Its calm, easygoing nature is endearing, but it requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Food-based rewards work especially well with this food-motivated breed.
Because Bassets are strong-nosed and food-oriented, they're quick to gobble up anything that smells good from the floor, so training around food manners and reliable recall is important. The Dog Training Guide and Puppy Care Guide offer a solid foundation.
Grooming a Basset Hound
The Basset Hound has a short, smooth coat that needs minimal grooming but sheds regularly. Weekly brushing keeps the coat healthy and removes loose hair.
| Task | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brushing | 1–2 times a week | Brush in the direction of the coat and check for tangles |
| Bathing | Every 6–8 weeks or as needed | Use a mild dog shampoo |
| Nail trimming | Every 3–4 weeks | Trim when you hear nails clicking on the floor |
| Ear checks | Weekly | Look for wax, redness, or odor |
| Teeth brushing | 2–3 times a week | Dental chews help as a supplement |
Special care is needed for the breed's long, droopy ears, which can trap moisture and dirt and are prone to infections — they should be cleaned regularly. The wrinkled skin folds also need regular cleaning and drying. Nails should be trimmed, along with routine tooth brushing. The Dog Grooming Guide covers caring for a smooth-coated, droopy-eared breed.
Feeding a Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are big dogs with short legs, prone to obesity — so a high-quality, nutritionally complete diet with careful portion control is essential. Feed measured meals twice a day rather than free-feeding, and keep treats to a minimum.
| Life stage | Meals per day | Portion per meal (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (under 6 months) | 3–4 meals | 1/2–1 cup | Use a good-quality puppy formula |
| Adult | 2 meals | 1–1.5 cups | Adjust to activity level and body condition |
| Senior (7+ years) | 2 meals | 1–1.25 cups | Consider a senior or joint-support formula |
Because the breed is deep-chested, it should eat calmly and avoid vigorous exercise around meal times as part of bloat awareness. Your veterinarian can guide you on portions.
Health and Veterinary Care
The typical Basset Hound life expectancy is 12 to 13 years. The breed is prone to several health problems — including obesity, bloat, ear infections, hip dysplasia, and joint issues — plus skin conditions and eye problems such as glaucoma.
| Check-up | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wellness exam | Annual | Includes dental and weight check |
| Vaccinations | Annual booster | Follow your veterinarian's schedule |
| Heartworm prevention | Monthly (or as advised) | Year-round in most regions |
| Dental check | Annual cleaning as recommended | Watch for tartar buildup |
| Eye and ear health checks | Discuss with your vet | Part of the annual vet review |
| Senior wellness checks | Start from age 7 | Early detection of age-related conditions |
Regular ear cleaning, weight management, and joint care go a long way in keeping a Basset healthy. Responsible breeders health-test breeding stock for the breed's known conditions. The Signs of a Healthy Pet guide is a useful home checklist.
Home Environment
The Basset Hound is a great family dog — friendly, good-natured, and low-energy, tolerant of children and other pets, and gentle by nature. It adapts well to most homes, including apartments, as long as it gets its daily walk. Its loud bay and food-seeking nose need management, and it prefers not to be left alone for long periods.
If you're weighing whether a Basset Hound fits your life, the Choosing the Right Pet guide can help you compare honestly.
Common Ownership Challenges
Owning a Basset Hound means managing a strong-willed scent hound. The powerful nose can lead it into trouble — drool and food theft are part of the package. The loud baying bark needs training and management. Ear infections, obesity, and joint problems require vigilant care. And the breed's independent streak makes training a test of patience.
Yet for the right owner, the Basset Hound is a treasure — a gentle, devoted, endlessly charming companion with a soulful gaze and a heart of gold. From the hunting packs of medieval France to modern family homes, the low-slung hound of ancient lineage remains a beloved perennial favorite.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Gentle, docile, and devoted
- Excellent with children and other pets
- Low-energy, calm house companion
- Famous, endearing appearance
- Adaptable to most homes
- Loyal and affectionate
Disadvantages
- Prone to obesity and requires portion control
- Susceptible to ear infections and skin issues
- Loud, persistent baying bark
- Can be stubborn and challenging to train
- Strong nose leads to food-stealing
- Prone to joint and eye problems
Frequently Asked Questions
How big do Basset Hounds get? They stand 11–15 inches tall and weigh 40–65 pounds, with males larger than females.
How long do Basset Hounds live? Typically 12 to 13 years.
Are Basset Hounds good family dogs? Yes — they're friendly, gentle, and excellent with children and other pets.
Are Basset Hounds easy to train? They're strong-willed and somewhat independent, so training requires patience.
Are Basset Hounds good apartment dogs? Yes — they're low-energy and adapt well, though they need daily walks.
Do Basset Hounds bark a lot? Yes — they have a very loud baying bark they use when excited or frustrated.
Are Basset Hounds good with kids? Excellent — they're rated very highly for tolerance of children.
Do Basset Hounds drool? Yes — their loose, droopy lips mean they tend to drool.
Are Basset Hounds good with other pets? Yes — they're generally friendly and tolerant of other animals.
Are Basset Hounds related to Bloodhounds? Yes — both descend from the famed St. Hubert hounds.
Can Basset Hounds run far? No — their short legs can't handle strenuous exercise like long-distance running.
What health problems do Basset Hounds have? The breed can be prone to obesity, bloat, ear infections, hip dysplasia, and glaucoma.