The lovable and easily identifiable Basset Hound is a perennial favorite of dog lovers all around the world and is one of the most appealing AKC breeds. This low-slung and low-key hound might be stubborn at times but is always endearing. The Basset Hound is only 14 inches tall at the shoulder, but he has big-dog strength and stamina thanks to his incredibly thick bone, powerful tiny legs, and large paws. Bassets are known for having a huge, domed head with unusually long, silky ears, melancholy eyes, and wrinkled brows, giving the breed the appearance of a sad clown. The Basset glides in a methodical but smooth manner, as it is built for endurance rather than speed. The breed’s scenting skill is astounding; only the Bloodhound’s nose is reported to be more accurate among dogs. The Basset, while mild and amiable at home, is obstinate on the route and barks in a strong, ringing voice. They are stubbornly devoted despite their lack of outward displays of affection.
Basset Hound
charming / patient / low-key
Hound Group >>
Average sizes and life
expectancy of the breed.
Height
up to 15 inches
Weight
40-65 pounds
Life Expectancy
12-13 years
Breed Traits & Characteristics
Shedding Level
How much fur and hair you can expect the breed to leave behind. Breeds with high shedding will need to be brushed more frequently, are more likely to trigger certain types of allergies, and are more likely to require more consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling.
Coat Grooming Frequency
How frequently a breed requires bathing, brushing, trimming, or other kinds of coat maintenance. Consider how much time, patience, and budget you have for this type of care when looking at the grooming effort needed. All breeds require regular nail trimming.
Drooling Level
How drool-prone a breed tends to be. If you're a neat freak, dogs that can leave ropes of slobber on your arm or big wet spots on your clothes may not be the right choice for you.
Coat Type
Corded
Curly
Double
Hairless
Rough
Silky
Smooth
Wavy
Wiry
Canine coats come in many different types, depending on the breed's purpose. Each coat type comes with different grooming needs, allergen potential, and shedding level. You may also just prefer the look or feel of certain coat types over others when choosing a family pet.
Coat Length
Long
Medium
Short
How long the breed's coat is expected to be. Some long-haired breeds can be trimmed short, but this will require additional upkeep to maintain.
Affectionate With Family
How affectionate a breed is likely to be with family members, or other people he knows well. Some breeds can be aloof with everyone but their owner, while other breeds treat everyone they know like their best friend.
Good With Young Children
A breed's level of tolerance and patience with childrens' behavior, and overall family-friendly nature. Dogs should always be supervised around young children, or children of any age who have little exposure to dogs.
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
How generally friendly a breed is towards other dogs. Dogs should always be supervised for interactions and introductions with other dogs, but some breeds are innately more likely to get along with other dogs, both at home and in public.
Shedding Level
How much fur and hair you can expect the breed to leave behind. Breeds with high shedding will need to be brushed more frequently, are more likely to trigger certain types of allergies, and are more likely to require more consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling.
Coat Grooming Frequency
How frequently a breed requires bathing, brushing, trimming, or other kinds of coat maintenance. Consider how much time, patience, and budget you have for this type of care when looking at the grooming effort needed. All breeds require regular nail trimming.
Drooling Level
How drool-prone a breed tends to be. If you're a neat freak, dogs that can leave ropes of slobber on your arm or big wet spots on your clothes may not be the right choice for you.
Coat Type
Corded
Curly
Double
Hairless
Rough
Silky
Smooth
Wavy
Wiry
Canine coats come in many different types, depending on the breed's purpose. Each coat type comes with different grooming needs, allergen potential, and shedding level. You may also just prefer the look or feel of certain coat types over others when choosing a family pet.
Coat Length
Long
Medium
Short
How long the breed's coat is expected to be. Some long-haired breeds can be trimmed short, but this will require additional upkeep to maintain.
Openness To Strangers
How welcoming a breed is likely to be towards strangers. Some breeds will be reserved or cautious around all strangers, regardless of the location, while other breeds will be happy to meet a new human whenever one is around!
Playfulness Level
How enthusiastic about play a breed is likely to be, even past the age of puppyhood. Some breeds will continue wanting to play tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years, while others will be happy to just relax on the couch with you most of the time.
Watchdog/Protective Nature
A breed's tendency to alert you that strangers are around. These breeds are more likely to react to any potential threat, whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. These breeds are likely to warm to strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.
Adaptability Level
How easily a breed handles change. This can include changes in living conditions, noise, weather, daily schedule, and other variations in day-to-day life.
Trainability Level
How easy it will be to train your dog, and how willing your dog will be to learn new things. Some breeds just want to make their owner proud, while others prefer to do what they want, when they want to, wherever they want!
Energy Level
The amount of exercise and mental stimulation a breed needs. High energy breeds are ready to go and eager for their next adventure. They'll spend their time running, jumping, and playing throughout the day. Low energy breeds are like couch potatoes - they're happy to simply lay around and snooze.
Barking Level
How often this breed vocalizes, whether it's with barks or howls. While some breeds will bark at every passer-by or bird in the window, others will only bark in particular situations. Some barkless breeds can still be vocal, using other sounds to express themselves.
Mental Stimulation Needs
How much mental stimulation a breed needs to stay happy and healthy. Purpose-bred dogs can have jobs that require decision-making, problem-solving, concentration, or other qualities, and without the brain exercise they need, they'll create their own projects to keep their minds busy -- and they probably won't be the kind of projects you'd like.
About the Breed
What To Expect When Caring For a Basset Hound
Owning a dog is not just a privilege; it’s a responsibility. They depend on us for, at minimum, food and shelter, and deserve much more. When you take a dog into your life, you need to understand the commitment that dog ownership entails.
Health
Because Basset ears are long and floppy, it is critical to check them periodically to ensure that air circulation hasn't caused an infection. Shaking the head or scratching the ears may suggest that a vet visit is required. Responsible breeders screen for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, glaucoma, hypothyroidism, bleeding diseases, and luxating patella, a displaced kneecap once referred to as a 'trick knee' in humans. Brushing your dog's teeth at least twice a week with specially prepared canine toothpaste is also an important component of Basset health care.
Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club:
- Thrombopathia Genetic Test
- MPS1
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
Grooming
Although it may appear that the Basset Hound does not require grooming due to his short, smooth fur, this is not the case. Grooming sessions on a regular basis are essential for keeping the breed healthy and happy. The Basset's short hair sheds a lot. Shedding can be controlled by brushing the dog gently once a week using a soft brush or a shedding tool. Grooming is similar to an all-body massage that enhances his skin and overall health in addition to eliminating hair that is ready to shed. The Basset will also require regular nail trimming and an occasional bath to maintain his coat clean and lustrous.
Exercise
Basset Hounds are not as energetic as some other breeds, but they do require moderate exercise on a regular basis. A daily walk at a moderate speed would usually suffice. Exercise will assist the Basset stay healthy and avoid growing overweight. Bassets like canine company on their trips because the breed was meant to function in a pack with other dogs, and the breed can be rather playful. They usually settle down for a good night's sleep after a walk or play session.
Training
Basset Hounds are extremely independent, making training the breed difficult. Scenthounds of this species evolved over time to hunt on their own and follow a track without distraction. As a result, they may appear distant and uninterested in obeying your demands. A Basset can, however, be trained just takes time, consistency, and patience. Early socialization with incentives is critical in puppyhood, and as the Basset matures, he and his owner can benefit from continuous positive obedience training.
Nutrition
The Basset Hound should thrive on high-quality dog food, whether purchased commercially or cooked at home with your veterinarian's supervision and consent. Any diet should be tailored to the age of the dog (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to becoming overweight, so keep an eye on your dog's calorie intake and weight level. Treats can be a valuable training aid, but feeding too much can lead to obesity. Discover which human foods are suitable for dogs and which are not. If you have any concerns regarding your dog's weight or diet, consult with your veterinarian. At all times, clean, fresh water should be available.
History
Basset Hounds were developed in France and Belgium (“basset” means “low” in French). The friars of the Abbey of St. Hubert are claimed to have crossed strains of ancient French breeds to create a low-built scenting hound capable of plodding through tough terrain while being trailed on foot by a human hunting companion tracking rabbit and deer. Bassets were popular among French aristocracy who hunted as a way of life due to their accuracy and perseverance on scent.