Basset Hound
With their soulful eyes and remarkable nose, Basset Hounds are gentle, sociable companions with bags of character. A laid-back breed that follows its nose.
Personality Traits
History and Origins
The Basset Hound originated in France, where the name "basset" derives from the French word "bas," meaning low. These low-slung scent hounds were developed by French monks and aristocrats for tracking game at a slow, deliberate pace that allowed hunters on foot to keep up. The breed arrived in Britain in the late 19th century and was quickly embraced by the British public, who were charmed by its soulful expression, gentle nature, and exceptional nose.
The Kennel Club recognised the Basset Hound in the Hound group, where it has remained a popular and distinctive breed. In Britain, the Basset Hound has been used for hunting hare and rabbit, working in packs that combine their remarkable scenting ability with tireless determination. While relatively few Bassets work in the field today, their heritage as a working hound is evident in their behaviour, particularly their tendency to follow scent trails with complete single-mindedness.
The breed gained wider public recognition through various appearances in popular culture, but those who know the Basset understand that beneath the comical exterior lies a serious, capable scent hound with a gentle and loyal disposition.
Appearance
The Basset Hound is unmistakable. The long body, short legs, pendulous ears, and soulful eyes combine to create one of the most distinctive and endearing silhouettes in the dog world. Standing just 33 to 38 cm at the shoulder but weighing a substantial 25 to 34 kg, the Basset is a heavy dog on short legs, built for endurance rather than speed.
The head is large and well-proportioned, with a domed skull and a pronounced occiput. The loose, elastic skin of the face falls in deep folds, particularly around the eyes, giving the breed its characteristic expression of gentle melancholy. The ears are extraordinarily long, set low, and covered in soft, velvety skin, reaching well beyond the tip of the nose when drawn forward. These ears serve a purpose, sweeping the ground and helping to channel scent towards the nose during tracking.
The coat is short, smooth, and dense, providing good weather protection. Basset Hounds come in the classic hound colours, typically tricolour (black, white, and tan) or bicolour (lemon and white). The tail is long and carried in a gentle curve, often tipped with white for visibility in the field.
Is a Basset Hound Right for You?
Basset Hounds are charming, easy-going dogs, but they come with specific needs and quirks that prospective owners should understand. They are affectionate and sociable, making them excellent family companions, but they are also stubborn, vocal, and driven by their noses, which can make training a test of patience.
- Ideal for families who enjoy a laid-back, companionable dog with plenty of character
- Moderate exercise needs, making them suitable for less active households
- Vocal breed, with a deep, resonant bark and occasional howling that neighbours may notice
- Scent drive is extremely strong, making reliable recall difficult in distracting environments
- Requires regular ear cleaning and attention to skin folds
- Prone to weight gain, so careful diet management is essential
Living with a Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are wonderfully companionable dogs that integrate easily into family life. They are social animals that enjoy the company of people and other dogs, and they are generally gentle and patient with children. Their laid-back nature makes them adaptable to a variety of living situations, though they are best suited to homes with at least a small garden.
They are, however, dogs that follow their noses first and their owners second. Once a Basset has caught an interesting scent, it can be remarkably difficult to regain its attention. This means off-lead walks in unsecured areas can be challenging, and a secure garden is important to prevent wandering.
Bassets are vocal dogs. Their deep, melodious bark is part of their charm, but it can also be a source of friction with neighbours. They may howl when left alone, when excited, or simply when they feel like expressing themselves. Managing vocalisation requires patience, company, and ensuring the dog is not bored or anxious.
Weight management is a crucial aspect of living with a Basset. Their heavy bone structure and short legs mean that excess weight puts significant strain on their joints and spine. Resist those pleading eyes at mealtimes and stick to measured portions and healthy treats.
Training Tips
Training a Basset Hound requires a special kind of patience. These are intelligent dogs, but they were bred to work independently, following scent trails for hours without human direction, and that independence is very much part of their character today. They will learn commands, but whether they choose to obey is another matter entirely.
- Use food rewards generously, as Bassets are highly food-motivated
- Keep training sessions short and varied to maintain interest
- Accept that recall will always be a work in progress when there are interesting smells around
- Socialise early and broadly to build confidence
- Be patient with housetraining, as Bassets can be slower than some breeds to learn
- Consider scentwork activities to channel their natural tracking abilities
Temperament
Basset Hounds have a temperament that perfectly matches their soulful appearance. They are gentle, easy-going, and genuinely affectionate, forming strong bonds with every member of the family. They are not one-person dogs but share their loyalty broadly, greeting everyone with the same tail-wagging enthusiasm. Their patience and tolerance make them particularly good with children, and they rarely display aggression.
They are pack animals at heart and thrive in the company of people and other dogs. A Basset left alone for long periods may become vocal, destructive, or depressed. They do best in households where someone is home for most of the day, or where they have canine company to keep them settled.
Their stubbornness is legendary. Basset Hounds are not defiant or disobedient in a confrontational way. They simply have their own priorities, and when the nose says go one direction, no amount of calling will change their mind. This trait requires a sense of humour and an acceptance that your Basset will, on occasion, completely ignore you.
Despite their slow, deliberate pace, Bassets are not lazy dogs. They are interested in the world around them and enjoy exploring new environments at their own unhurried speed. Their curiosity, combined with their expressive faces and comical movements, makes them endlessly entertaining companions.
Exercise Needs
Basset Hounds have moderate exercise needs. Around 45 minutes to an hour of walking per day is usually sufficient, split across two outings. They enjoy steady, unhurried walks where they can take their time investigating scents, and they are not dogs that require or enjoy vigorous, high-energy exercise. A Basset walk is always at the Basset's pace, which can be considerably slower than most owners would choose.
Off-lead exercise is possible in secure areas, but recall is often unreliable when the nose is engaged. Many Basset owners find that a long training lead offers the best compromise, allowing the dog some freedom to explore while maintaining control. Secure, enclosed fields are another excellent option for giving your Basset a taste of freedom.
While Bassets do not need extensive exercise, they do need regular activity to prevent obesity, which is a significant health concern in the breed. Gentle, consistent daily exercise is far more beneficial than occasional bursts of activity. Mental stimulation through scentwork games and puzzle feeders also helps to keep their active minds engaged.
Grooming
Basset Hounds have a short, dense coat that is relatively easy to maintain, but the breed does have specific grooming needs that go beyond basic coat care. A weekly brush with a bristle brush helps to remove loose hair and distribute natural oils. Bassets do shed, and during shedding season you may need to brush more frequently.
The ears are the most demanding aspect of Basset grooming. Those long, pendulous ears trap moisture and warmth, creating an ideal environment for bacterial and yeast infections. Clean the ears at least once a week with a vet-recommended ear cleaner, and dry them thoroughly. Check for signs of redness, odour, or discharge, which may indicate infection.
The skin folds around the face and body should also be checked regularly and cleaned as needed to prevent irritation and infection. Bassets can have a distinctive hound smell, particularly if the skin and ears are not kept clean. Regular bathing every few weeks, along with consistent ear and skin fold care, will help to manage this. Nail trimming and dental care should be part of the regular grooming routine.
Health
Basset Hounds are prone to several health conditions that prospective owners should understand. Their long backs and short legs make them susceptible to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), similar to Dachshunds. Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding high-impact activities are important preventive measures.
Ear infections are extremely common in the breed due to those magnificent but impractical ears. Consistent ear care is essential throughout the dog's life. Eye conditions, including glaucoma, ectropion (drooping eyelids), and cherry eye, can also occur and should be monitored by your veterinarian.
Obesity is perhaps the single greatest health threat to Basset Hounds. Their food motivation and appealing expressions make overfeeding tempting, but excess weight puts enormous strain on their joints, spine, and cardiovascular system. Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus) is another serious concern, and feeding smaller, more frequent meals is recommended. Hip and elbow dysplasia can occur, and responsible breeders will screen breeding stock for these conditions. With attentive care, Basset Hounds typically live 10 to 12 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Basset Hounds lazy?
Basset Hounds are laid-back rather than truly lazy. They enjoy moderate daily exercise and are enthusiastic about scent-based activities. They simply prefer to do things at their own pace rather than at speed.
Do Basset Hounds smell?
Basset Hounds can develop a distinctive hound odour if their ears and skin folds are not cleaned regularly. With consistent grooming, ear care, and occasional bathing, the smell can be managed effectively.
Are Basset Hounds good with children?
Yes, Basset Hounds are excellent with children. Their gentle, patient temperament and tolerance make them wonderful family dogs. They are rarely aggressive and enjoy the company of people of all ages.
How much exercise does a Basset Hound need?
Basset Hounds need around 45 minutes to an hour of exercise per day, split across two walks. They enjoy gentle, scent-rich walks at a relaxed pace rather than vigorous activity.
Do Basset Hounds bark a lot?
Basset Hounds can be vocal. They have a deep, resonant bark and may howl, particularly when left alone or when excited. Keeping them company and providing mental stimulation helps to manage excessive vocalisation.
Can Basset Hounds be trained?
Basset Hounds are intelligent but independent, which makes training a patient process. They respond best to food rewards and short, positive sessions. Recall is particularly challenging due to their strong scent drive.
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