Basset Hound: Your Complete Guide
The basset hound is a unique breed that belongs to the hound family. While most hounds have big bodies and long legs, the basset hound is a bit different. In fact, they almost look like a bloodhound but with about ⅓ of the leg length. This makes them one of the few short-legged hound breeds, and a hound breed that can fit into most homes.
While basset hounds may be small, that doesn’t mean they weren’t bred with a purpose. These dogs were bred to track hares using their scent, so they’re efficient hunters and working dogs. This also makes them easy to train and helps out in the loyalty department. Therefore, Basset hounds are one of the few hound breeds that are okay for first-time pet owners.
Still, there is a lot to learn about basset hounds before you consider adopting one. This guide takes you through their personality, health, trainability, and much more.
Quick Look at the Basset Hound
Below is a quick glance at the basset hound in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | 12-15 inches, 40-65 pounds |
| Coat Type | Short, soft, straight |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding |  |
| Temperament | Stubborn, loyal, protective, playful |
| Good With Kids | |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence | |
| Easy to Train |  |
| Energy Level |  |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 10-12 years |
What Is the History of Basset Hounds?
Basset hounds originated in France and are descendants of 6th-century hound dogs that belonged to St Hubert of Belgium. Over the years these early hounds evolved into the St Hubert’s Hound by around 1,000 C.E., and then from there different hound dog breeds were established, including the basset hound.
In the past, most hounds were bred for hunting. Their strong coat and powerful nose, which has 40 times the scent receptors as humans, enable them to hunt and track animals or people over long distances.
During the Middle Ages, this made them popular dogs among the noble and peasant classes. That said, the basset hound didn’t become a popular or established breed until the reign of Napoleon III.
Once the dog became popular, controlled breeding began during the 1870s. From there, basset hounds began being imported to places like England and the United States due to their ability to hunt small game compared to some of the larger hounds of the era.
During the 20th and 21st centuries basset hound popularity continued to grow and breed standards continued to evolve. In fact, the last update to their breed standards was done in 2010 and kennel clubs around the world continue to develop the breed.
What Do Basset Hounds Look Like?
Basset hounds look like bloodhounds, but if you remove half their leg length. Essentially, you’re looking at a hound dog that was bred to be smaller to hunt small game.
This means that they share many of the same features as other hound breeds, including big, floppy ears, wrinkly skin, and almost a droopy-looking face. Their eyes tend to be black or brown. When you combine all of these traits the dog almost looks perpetually disappointed.
Their tails are close to the same length as their torso and it tends to curl up over their hind legs.
Most basset hounds have more than one color as well with the most common coats being fawn or brown, mixed with patches of white. That said, other color variations are possible.
What Size Is a Basset Hound?
Basset hounds aren’t big dogs like other hounds. While their torso is similar in size, their legs are much smaller, and this shows in their weight and height. The average basset hound is about 15 inches, and their average weight is 40-65 pounds. There is some slight variation in male and female size and weight, but not something you’ll notice too often.
What Is a Basset Hound’s Coat Type and Length?
Basset hounds have short coats. The hair tends to be straight and healthy basset hounds will feel smooth to the touch. That said, their skin folds can sometimes give off a wiry or curly appearance, even if that’s not the case. If they’re not groomed regularly their coat can get scraggly, so keep this in mind.
What Is a Basset Hound’s Temperament?
Basset hounds have a more relaxed temperament compared to some other hound dog breeds. They’re known for being easygoing, gentle, and relatively calm.
When it comes to aggression, they’ll barely display any unless they feel threatened or end up being trained to hunt or track small prey. Loyalty and being protective of family members are also common traits you’ll find in a basset hound.
That said, basset hounds can be talkative and somewhat stubborn when you’re training. They were bred to be independent trackers, so they might not respond to commands well at first. Additionally, most basset hounds love to howl when they get the chance, so keep this in mind, and don’t take it as a sign that you did anything wrong.
Are Basset Hounds Good With Kids?
Basset hounds are excellent with kids. While you have to watch your child and dog play to ensure that everything goes well the first few times, they’re sturdy enough to get rough without feeling threatened or the need to lash out.
They’re good for children who are toddlers, adolescents, and of course, any older kids. In fact, even babies shouldn’t have a problem with basset hounds.
Are Basset Hounds Good With Other Animals?
Basset hounds are great with other animals. While they do have a slight prey drive, they still tend to get along with cats and other small pets in the home quite well. This is likely because they’re pack dogs, so once they know something or someone is part of the family they’re easygoing.
Furthermore, basset hounds won’t have any issues with other dogs as well. If your basset hound does display problems, you can gradually socialize them.
Are Basset Hounds Aggressive?
Basset hounds are not aggressive dogs. They tend to be calm and rarely get aggressive unless they feel threatened. Even in these cases, they’re more likely to howl or bark instead of growling.
While basset hounds aren’t aggressive, that doesn’t mean some individual dogs can’t be. Always focus on positive reinforcement training and socialization from a young age to prevent any aggressive outbursts.
Do Basset Hounds Bark?
Basset hounds do like to get vocal. They tend to howl, so it’s possible for you to get the boot if you live in shared housing and they aggravate your landlord or other tenants.
That said, you can train them to avoid excessive barking, but that’s not guaranteed to work. Basset hounds also use their bark and howl to communicate, so it’s common for them to get vocal when they’re hungry or when you’re training them.
Are Basset Hounds Affectionate?
Basset hounds can be affectionate dogs. They love to show their affection through loyalty, being protective, and being close to you. While they’re not the biggest cuddlers, you might find some basset hounds that love to sleep next to you on the couch or in your bed.
Basset hounds also open up to strangers quickly with frequent exposure. However, they may bark or howl at strangers the first few times they meet.
Are Basset Hounds Intelligent?
Basset hounds are intelligent dogs. They’re independent and smart enough to track animals or people over dozens of miles using only their noses. Aside from tracking, basset hounds are also great at learning complex commands and can even participate in agility training.
Overall, their intelligence tends to be on par with German shepherds, Labradors, and other dogs known for being smart. Sometimes their stubbornness may make it seem like they’re less intelligent, but this is due to their personality instead.
Are Basset Hounds Energetic?
Basset hounds are energetic dogs when they want to be. That said, the chances of your basset hound wanting to go on a run with you are low. They’re content to hang around the house, eat, and nap all day.
While basset hounds don’t love to exercise, it’s important to make sure they still get exercise. Aim for around 30-60 minutes daily for the best results. This can help you prevent them from developing obesity or even leg problems. When exercising with your basset hound, do your best to avoid sprinting because it can damage their small legs.
Are Basset Hounds Easy to Train?
Basset hounds can be easy to train, but this is rarely the case. For most first-time dog owners, you’ll be surprised when your basset hound acts aloof and shows no interest in your commands. Unfortunately, this is due to their independent nature.
You have to remember that these dogs were bred over hundreds of years to track scents independently; without interruptions. Therefore, they may not respond well to your commands during the early stages.
For this reason, you should socialize them from a young age and start with basic obedience training once they’re around 6 months old. Once you develop the basics, you’ll find that your basset hound will respond well to most types of training. Their high intelligence allows them to handle most types of training, so you can even train them to be watchdogs or service dogs.
Are Basset Hounds Good Watchdogs?
Basset hounds are brave and loyal dogs, so they’ll try and protect your family in the event of any danger. While they may try, basset hounds were bred to hunt and track small prey, so they’re not the most effective dogs against larger animals or people.
The only thing they have going for them in this department is their howl, which is enough to alert you to danger. So, if you train them to bark at strangers or animals that approach your home, a basset hound can be an okay watchdog. Still, we recommend adopting a different breed if a watchdog is your primary reason for adopting.
Are Basset Hounds Good Service Dogs?
Basset hounds make okay service dogs. They’re not big enough to help people with physical disabilities, but they can be trained to help with mental health disorders. When put through psychiatric service dog training, basset hounds can apply deep pressure therapy (DPT), assist with medications, and even grab medications for people if they’re in an accessible location.
That said, basset hounds can be stubborn at first, so you might not have the most luck when you train them yourself. For this reason, you’re better off working with a professional.
Aside from service dog work, one area you may have better luck is emotional support animal (ESA) work. Basset hounds are loyal and protective, so they have no problem developing bonds with their human companions. This bond makes them effective ESAs and even therapy dogs with the proper training.
How to Care for a Basset Hound?
Basset hounds aren’t hard to care for due to their low energy levels. That said, they do have grooming needs and health concerns you have to be aware of. For example, their wrinkled skin and long ears can be the perfect breeding ground for infections and other irritants. Take some time to read up on how to care for a basset hound before you consider adopting one.
Do You Need to Groom Basset Hounds?
Yes, you have to groom basset hounds. While they’re not super high-maintenance, you have to brush them a few times per week to prevent knots and other problems from developing in their coats.
You should also brush their teeth and check their ears for infections weekly since basset hounds are prone to ear infections. Checking their skin folds is also a great idea, and you should do this at least bi-weekly to check for infections.
As for professional grooming, they can help you with their nails and bathing needs. You should bring them in every 4-6 weeks for the best results.
Do Basset Hounds Shed?
Basset hounds are big shedders. They shed all year round, and you might notice even more shedding during the spring and fall months. While they shed often, you can also brush them to remove some of the hair. Spraying them with water and brushing their coat in the right direction is also important.
What Health Problems Do Basset Hounds Have?
Like all dog breeds, basset hounds are at risk of developing health problems. Unfortunately, since basset hounds were bred for their appearance, their risk of health problems is greater than some other breeds.
For example, the most common conditions that basset hounds deal with are skin and ear infections. Due to their wrinkly skin and long ears, infections have more places to develop without you being able to detect them. This is why trips to the vet and grooming are so important.
Basset hounds also have a high risk of developing diabetes and obesity, especially as they get older. This is due to their small size and low energy in old age.
Do your best to taper their diet as they get older and try to help them exercise for at least one hour daily. However, hip and joint pain can become a serious concern as they get older due to their small legs and large torso, so make sure the activity isn’t sprints.
Some other health problems these dogs face include:
- Elbow dysplasia
- Gastric dialation volvulus (GDV)
- Eye degeneration diseases
- Spine and back problems
Many of these conditions can be treated and managed but only if you catch them early. Always bring your basset hound to the vet annually to keep them healthy.
How Long Do Basset Hounds Live?
Basset hounds have an average lifespan compared to other dogs of similar sizes. When it comes to their lifespan, expect them to last for 10-12 years. However, don’t be surprised if they end up sticking around for even longer with proper care, diet, and exercise.
What Should a Basset Hound Eat?
Basset hounds should always be eating high-quality dog food. You can find manufactured options in the form of kibble or wet food, just make sure it’s formulated for medium-sized dogs. Preparing food at home is also possible, you’ll just have to focus on including the necessary macronutrients.
We recommend feeding them lean proteins that are low in fat to prevent obesity and plenty of carbohydrates to fuel their energy levels. Make sure fresh water is always available and taper their diet as they get older to avoid obesity.
Is a Basset Hound the Right Dog for Me?
Basset hounds make great pets, even for first-time pet owners. The only problems you’ll have to deal with are howling and stubbornness during the beginning of the training process. Otherwise, basset hounds are easy to care for because they’re low-energy and don’t need constant stimulation.
Plus, they’re small enough to handle living in small apartments, houses, or other types of shared housing. While basset hounds are good dogs for most people, you do have to care for them properly.