Breed Overview

The Basset Hound is a lovable, laid-back breed known for its long ears, soulful eyes, and exceptional sense of smell. These low-slung hounds are gentle, patient, and wonderfully good-natured, making them excellent family dogs. Despite their somewhat comical appearance, Basset Hounds are accomplished scent hounds with a nose second only to the Bloodhound. They bring a calm, easygoing energy to any home while occasionally displaying a surprisingly stubborn streak.

History & Origin

The Basset Hound was developed in France in the 1500s, with the name coming from the French word bas meaning low. Monks at the Abbey of St. Hubert bred these low-set hounds to track game through dense underbrush at a pace that hunters could follow on foot. The breed was refined in England in the 1800s and gained popularity after being presented at the Paris Dog Show in 1863. They arrived in America in the late 1800s and were recognised by the AKC in 1885.

Appearance

Basset Hounds are instantly recognisable with their long, velvety ears, droopy eyes, and short, heavy-boned legs. They have a large, domed head with loose skin that falls in distinctive wrinkles, especially around the face. Their body is long and low with a deep chest and a cheerfully carried tail. The short, dense coat is weather-resistant. Despite their short legs, they are surprisingly large dogs with substantial bone structure and can weigh up to 29 kilograms.

Temperament & Personality

Basset Hounds are gentle, friendly, and endlessly patient dogs with an easygoing temperament. They are excellent with children and other pets, making them ideal family dogs. They can be stubborn, particularly when they catch an interesting scent, but this is part of their charm. Bassets are pack animals that thrive on companionship and do not like being left alone. They have a distinctive deep, melodious bark and bay that they use to communicate.

Exercise & Activity Needs

Basset Hounds need moderate daily exercise despite their couch potato reputation. A couple of 30-minute walks per day at a moderate pace will keep them healthy and prevent obesity, which is a significant health concern for the breed. They love sniffing walks where they can follow scent trails at their own pace. Avoid strenuous exercise, especially jumping, which can strain their long backs and short legs. Swimming is not recommended as most Bassets are not natural swimmers.

Training Tips

Training a Basset Hound requires patience, persistence, and a pocket full of treats. They are intelligent but notoriously stubborn, often appearing to ignore commands they understand perfectly well. Food-motivated training works best, but keep treats small to avoid weight gain. Keep sessions short and positive. Early socialisation is important. Housetraining can take longer than with other breeds, so crate training is recommended. Accept that off-lead recall may never be reliable due to their scent drive.

Grooming & Care

The short coat is easy to maintain with weekly brushing to remove loose hair. However, Basset Hounds require extra attention to their ears, which should be cleaned at least weekly to prevent infections caused by poor air circulation. Their facial wrinkles need regular wiping to prevent moisture and bacteria buildup. Regular nail trimming is important as their low-slung build means nails can affect their gait. Dental care and regular bathing help manage their distinctive hound odour.

Health & Common Conditions

Basset Hounds can be prone to obesity, ear infections, intervertebral disc disease, hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), and eye conditions including glaucoma and cherry eye. Their long ears trap moisture creating an ideal environment for infections. Their long backs make them susceptible to spinal issues. Maintaining a healthy weight is perhaps the single most important thing owners can do for their Basset Hounds health and longevity.

Diet & Nutrition

Feed a high-quality dog food formulated for medium breeds with a tendency toward weight gain. Most adult Bassets need about one and a half to two and a half cups daily, divided into two meals. Be very careful with portion control as Bassets are champion food thieves and will eat far more than they need. Use a slow-feeder bowl to help prevent bloat. Measure food precisely and factor in all treats when calculating daily intake.

Living Conditions

Basset Hounds can adapt to apartment living thanks to their calm indoor behaviour, but they do need daily walks. They are not suited to homes with many stairs due to their build. A home with a securely fenced yard is ideal. They are pack animals that should not be left alone for long periods — a second dog can help if you work during the day. They tolerate most climates but can overheat in extreme temperatures. Be aware they can be quite vocal.

Fun Facts

• Basset Hounds have the second-best sense of smell of any dog breed, surpassed only by the Bloodhound
• Their long ears actually help funnel scent particles toward their nose while tracking
• The loose skin and wrinkles around their face trap scent, making them even more effective trackers
• A Basset Hound named Elvis could allegedly detect whether cows were pregnant by sniffing their urine
• Their name comes from the French word bas meaning low — essentially meaning low-set hound

Is the Basset Hound Right for You?

The Basset Hound is ideal for families and individuals who want a gentle, good-natured companion that is great with children and other pets. They suit those who enjoy relaxed walks and are willing to commit to keeping their dog at a healthy weight. If you want a loyal, affectionate dog with a calm temperament and dont mind a bit of stubbornness and drool, the Basset Hound could be your perfect laid-back companion.