Basset Hound Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Basset Hound looks like a sad, wrinkled philosopher on short legs, and acts like a friendly, sleepy clown. Behind the droopy face is one of the best noses in the dog world, second only to the Bloodhound.

Origins and appearance

The breed developed in France and Belgium from the St. Hubert hound, selected for short legs that allowed hunters on foot to follow slow-moving tracking dogs. Bassets are long and heavy-boned, with a domed head, loose skin that wrinkles around the face, long, velvety ears and a deep chest. The coat is short and smooth, usually in tricolor or lemon and white.

Temperament

Bassets are gentle, easygoing and affectionate. They get along well with children, other dogs and often cats. They are pack animals and dislike being alone, and may howl or bay when left. They are stubborn and follow their nose, ignoring commands when a scent grabs them. They are often lazy indoors, but surprisingly stubborn about walks.

Exercise

They need moderate exercise: daily walks of thirty to sixty minutes at an easy pace, plus sniffing time. Avoid strenuous activity and jumping, especially in puppies, and keep weight in check. Always use a leash or a secure fence, since a Basset on a trail will not hear you. See recall training guide.

Training

They are intelligent but independent and food-driven. Use small treats and patience, with short sessions. House training can take time. Early socialization helps with strangers. Recall is unreliable, so rely on management.

Coat and grooming

The short coat needs weekly brushing and occasional baths. See short coat dog grooming guide. Clean the ears weekly, since they trap moisture, and wipe skin folds on the face. Trim nails and brush teeth. They shed moderately.

Health considerations

Topics include:

• Ear infections. See dog ear infections
• Obesity. See dog obesity risks
• Intervertebral disc disease and joint problems. See intervertebral disc disease in dogs
• Bloat. See bloat and GDV in dogs
• Eye problems, such as ectropion and glaucoma
• Skin fold dermatitis. See skin fold dermatitis in dogs
• Thrombopathia, a bleeding disorder

Living with a Basset Hound

They suit houses with fenced yards and apartments with walks. Keep them lean and provide ramps. Expect drool, hair and howling.

Behavior and daily management

A Basset needs routine and a long, slow sniffing walk. Provide food puzzles, and teach them to settle. Use baby gates and secure fencing. Keep meals measured, because weight gain is common.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are playful and clumsy. Avoid stairs and jumping, provide socialization and start house training early. Feed measured meals. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for ear care, spinal care and potential bloat surgery. Insurance may help. See dog pet insurance guide.

Training notes

Bassets move at their own pace. Use treats, short sessions and games built around scent, such as find-it, which taps their strengths. Never expect off-leash reliability, and avoid long, repetitive drills that bore them.

Seasons and travel

Bassets tolerate cold, but heat is harder on heavy dogs, so walk early or late in summer. They travel well in a secure crate or harness, and need help getting into tall cars.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include overfeeding, skipping ear care, allowing jumping and trusting off-leash behavior.

Questions to ask a breeder or rescue

Ask about back, eye and bleeding disorder tests, the parents' weights and the breeder's approach to socialization.

Is it the right breed for you?

A Basset Hound suits easygoing owners who want a gentle, laid-back companion and accept drool and stubbornness. It may not suit someone wanting an agile athlete or a tidy house. For a smaller scent hound, see the Dachshund.

The takeaway

Bassets are gentle, droopy and determined, and they need weight control, ear care and secure walking.