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With their droopy ears, soulful eyes, and unhurried charm, Basset Hounds have a way of capturing hearts. But did you know these laid-back dogs were originally bred for serious work in the field?
Basset Hounds are often recognized for their gentle, easygoing personalities, but they have a surprising history as skilled scent hounds. In 7th century France, hunters began breeding hounds in various strains to serve specific purposes. One of these was the Basset Hound, developed for its short legs and exceptional sense of smell.
These dogs were prized for their ability to track small game—especially rabbits—using their nose to flush animals into open areas where hunters could spot them. The breed made its way to the United States in the 19th century and was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885. Today, Basset Hounds are a beloved companion breed, ranked 36th by the AKC.
Whether you’re curious about their temperament, health needs, or best-fit products, this guide covers everything you need to know. With a wide range of care tips and recommendations, there’s something here for every Basset lover.
Recommended Reading: Best Basset Hound Toys, Accessories, and Essentials
Must-Have Accessories for Your Basset Hound’s Daily Comfort
Once you’ve learned all about Basset Hounds and their unique personalities, it’s time to think about the everyday gear that helps them thrive. A comfortable and secure fit is key—especially for a breed with a long body and short legs. Your set-up isn’t complete without the right collar. If you’re searching for the best dog collar for Basset Hounds, we’ve rounded up top picks that balance function and comfort. Whether you’re heading out for a walk or just want something gentle on their neck, the best dog collar for Basset Hounds can make all the difference in your routine.
Characteristics of the Basset Hound
Here is all you need to know about the appearance and personality of the beloved Basset Hound.
Appearance
Basset Hounds are short at about 14” tall, but the breed is considered medium sized given that the dogs can weigh between 40-60lbs. Their backs tend to be long and they have a large head and body given their very short legs. These dogs have short, smooth hair and they are typically white with black, tan, or brown spots. The face of a Basset Hound is extremely recognizable, with large brown “puppy-dog” eyes, a long snout with a large nose, and extremely long ears that hang down from the side of the head.
The Basset Hound is known for having the droopy hound dog look thanks to the wrinkled skin around the face, the long ears, and droopy eyes. The intentional breeding designed to maximize the Basset Hound’s capabilities for hunting has left us with a lovable and friendly canine whose looks match its personality. If you’re considering bringing one home, you may be wondering how much does a Basset Hounds cost—it’s an important factor when planning for a new pet.
Temperament/Personality
Basset Hounds are laid-back and good-natured dogs who are friendly with everyone and everything. Children are no obstacle for these dogs as they are sociable and kind, though, as with any dog, it is important to teach children about the proper behavior around the animal. Basset Hounds love company due to their history of being pack dogs, making them great with cats, dogs, and other animals in the house.
Despite all their friendliness, Basset Hounds are also incredibly smart and can learn to be master manipulators by using their big eyes and tail wags to get treats. They also learn to use their body language to get out of trouble when they break the rules, which may happen if they are bored or left alone for too long.
Given the Basset Hound’s long history as a hunting dog, these dogs are still programmed to follow their nose when they catch a smell. This makes them great for finding dropped food in the kitchen, but also means they need to be watched and secured whenever they are outside. An electric dog fence could be a great option to keep them from following a scent outside of the yard.
Basset Hounds are relatively low energy, meaning they are suitable for a smaller home or apartment as long as they receive regular walks and exercise. Interactive dog toys are a great option for Basset Hounds to help expel energy, utilize their intelligence, and keep them from getting bored.
Caring for Basset Hounds
With their sweet disposition and unique builds, Basset Hounds require specific care. Here is what you need to know.
Nutrition
Given the large body and short legs of a Basset Hound, it is incredibly important to keep them at a healthy weight. Basset Hounds should be fed a high-quality dry food twice a day based on their size and weight. These dogs are prone to obesity meaning they should receive veterinary supervision, frequent exercise, and treats should be given sparingly. Basset Hounds will likely beg for table scraps with their puppy-dog eyes, but human foods should not be given as they may be toxic or bad for the dog. Fresh, clean water should always be made available for the dog.
Exercise
Basset Hounds can be lazy dogs, however they were originally bred as athletic dogs with great stamina. Because of this, Basset Hounds are healthiest and happiest when they receive long walks every day so they can stretch their short legs and sniff their surroundings. In addition to walks, Basset Hounds may enjoy playing with interactive toys or puzzle toys. Basset Hounds love spending time outdoors where they can sniff, so an electronic dog door could be a great option for them to let themselves out. Keep in mind that Basset Hounds need a fenced in yard so they do not follow a scent outside of the property. Since Basset Hounds have such short legs, they may struggle to jump or climb stairs, so these activities should be kept at a minimum.
Training
Having a mellow and friendly personality means that Basset Hounds respond well to kindness and consistency when training. Basset Hounds can also be extremely independent and may become stubborn if punished or treated harshly. Since these dogs tend to be food motivated, treats can be used as a reinforcement when training, although they should be given sparingly due to the breeds susceptibility to obesity. The best method to training a Basset Hound is to start young, even as early as 8 weeks old, and to socialize the puppy through training classes or taking them to a dog park.
Health
Basset Hounds can have a variety of health issues, some of which can be controlled through proper breeding. When adopting a Basset Hound, ask the breeder for health clearances for hip/elbow dysplasia, hyperthyroidism, and Von Willebrand’s Disease. Outside of these issues, Basset Hounds may be faced with:
- Gastric Dilation-Volvulus
- Panosteitis
- Allergies
- Patellar Luxation
- Thrombopathia
- Eyelid or Eyelash Problems
- Intervertebral Disc Disease
- Obesity
- Cherry Eye
- Combined Immunodeficiency
It is also noted that Basset Hounds are susceptible to skin infections where their skin wrinkles and folds, and ear infections due to their long, floppy ears. A medicated shampoo may be a great way to help prevent infection between the skin fold. Despite receiving a breeder health clearance against hip and elbow dysplasia, a Basset Hound can still develop these conditions due to excess weight and use of their small legs. To help prevent these issues, avoid having the dog do any excessive jumping or climbing of stairs, and consider using a dog joint supplement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Basset Hounds a good family dog?
Yes, Basset Hounds are gentle, affectionate, and usually great with kids, making them a strong fit for family life. Their laid-back nature helps them adapt well to household routines.
Is a Basset Hound high maintenance?
Basset Hounds aren’t especially high maintenance, but they do need regular ear cleaning and occasional grooming to stay healthy. Their stubborn streak may also require some extra patience during training.
What is the difference between a Beagle and a Basset Hound?
While both are scent hounds, Basset Hounds are heavier, have shorter legs, and a more relaxed temperament than Beagles. Beagles tend to be more energetic and require more exercise.
What are the disadvantages of Basset Hounds?
Basset Hounds can be prone to joint and ear issues, and their stubbornness may make training a bit tricky. They also tend to drool and shed more than some owners expect.
What is the most common cause of death in Basset Hounds?
The most common cause of death in Basset Hounds is cancer, particularly lymphoma. Maintaining regular vet checkups and a healthy lifestyle can help catch issues early
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