Hound group

Basset Hound

Low-slung, mellow and nose-first — a gentle hound with a loud bay.

Basset Hounds are easygoing, friendly scent hounds with a remarkable nose and a relaxed attitude to life. They are good-natured family dogs, but stubborn, vocal and prone to weight gain and back problems.

Height
11–15 in28–38 cm
Weight
40–65 lb18–29 kg
Life expectancy
12–13 years
Size
Medium
Group
Hound
Origin
France

Coat: Short, dense, hard coat. Colours: Tricolour, Lemon and white, Red and white, Black and white.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement2.0 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"5.0 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability2.0 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation3.0 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level4.0 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness4.5 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety4.5 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness4.5 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive3.5 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking4.0 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level4.0 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden2.5 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency4.0 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability3.5 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness3.5 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level2.5 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

Bassets are sweet, patient and sociable with people and other dogs — they were bred to hunt in packs. At home they are calm and happy to nap, which surprises owners given their stamina on a scent trail.

Once the nose engages, the ears switch off. Bassets are independent and famously slow to obey, and they have a deep, carrying bay. Food motivation is strong, which helps training and hurts waistlines.

Living with a Basset Hound

Exercise

Around an hour a day of moderate walking with time to sniff. Avoid stairs and jumping for puppies and keep them lean to protect the long back.

Grooming

Weekly brushing and regular ear cleaning — long ears drag in dirt and trap moisture. Wipe facial folds and expect drool and a distinctive hound odour.

Training

Patient, food-rewarded training works; harsh methods do not. A reliable recall is hard, so walk on lead or in secure areas.

Kids & other pets

Excellent with children and other dogs. Can live with cats if raised together.

Time alone

Tolerates alone time better than many breeds, but bored Bassets bay and raid bins.

Home fit

Can manage in an apartment with committed daily exercise; a house with outdoor space is easier.

Is a Basset Hound right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Basset Hound matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a Basset Hound typically lives 12–13 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)

    The long back and short legs raise the risk of disc herniation.

  • Ear infections

    Pendulous ears need weekly cleaning.

  • Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)

    A deep-chested breed; learn the warning signs.

  • Primary glaucoma

    A painful, inherited rise in eye pressure that can cause blindness.

  • Obesity

    Extra weight worsens back and joint problems; measure food.

Ask a breeder for

  • Hip and elbow evaluation
  • Eye examination including glaucoma screening
  • DNA test for thrombopathia

Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Basset Hound; Basset Hound Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $1,200–$2,500 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

Bassets descend from French scent hounds, and the name comes from “bas”, meaning low. Short-legged hounds were favoured so hunters could follow rabbits and hares on foot. After the French Revolution the breed was kept by commoners who hunted without horses.

The Comte de Tournow and others popularised Bassets in the 1800s, and they reached England in the 1870s, where Bloodhound crosses added size. The AKC recognised the breed in 1885.

Did you know?

  • The Basset’s long ears help sweep scent toward its nose.
  • Bassets have more scent receptors than almost any breed except the Bloodhound.
  • Hush Puppies shoes have used a Basset Hound as their mascot since 1958.

Library guides for Basset Hound owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

Are Basset Hounds lazy?
They are calm indoors but need daily walks and scent work. They have more stamina than they appear to.
Do Basset Hounds bark a lot?
They bay rather than bark, and it is loud. Boredom and scent excitement make it more frequent.
Are Basset Hounds good with kids?
Yes — they are patient, gentle and sturdy.