Basset Hound
With their soulful expression and famously powerful nose, the Basset Hound is equal parts couch buddy and dedicated scent detective. Expect a mellow companion indoors and a stubborn trail follower outside, especially when food or an intriguing smell is involved.
How the Basset Hound ranks among other dog breeds.
About the Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is a scent hound known for a low, sturdy frame, long ears, and a nose that rarely quits. At home, most are affectionate, steady companions who enjoy being near their people. Outdoors, that calm vibe can flip to focused determination the moment an interesting smell appears.
Basset Hounds typically do best with families who like relaxed routines, daily walks, and plenty of sniff time rather than intense exercise. They are social dogs that often enjoy other pets, but they can be vocal and a bit stubborn. With patient training and clear boundaries, their gentle nature shines through.
History of the Basset Hound
The Basset Hound’s story begins in France, where hunters valued dogs that could follow scent for long stretches without rushing the trail. Many historians link the breed to older French scent hounds associated with the Abbey of Saint-Hubert, prized for tracking ability and steady temperament. “Basset” comes from a French word meaning “low,” a nod to short-legged hounds that could work close to the ground. These dogs were especially useful for hunting on foot, tracking rabbits and other small game through thick cover.
Over time, French breeders refined several regional basset types, selecting for a reliable nose, a calm working style, and a body built for stamina rather than speed. Lines often described as Artois and Normandy bassets helped shape the foundation, with dogs that were low, durable, and methodical on scent. After social changes in Europe made hunting more accessible beyond the nobility, low-set scent hounds became practical partners for everyday sportsmen. Their slower pace also made it easier for hunters to keep up while still relying on the dog’s ability to sort out a complicated scent line.
In the nineteenth century, bassets were exhibited and shared more widely, drawing interest from dog fanciers outside France. Early imports to England sparked dedicated breeding programs that aimed to preserve scenting talent while refining a consistent outline and head type. British breeders helped standardize the look we associate with today’s Basset Hound, emphasizing long ears, substantial bone, and a serious nose. Accounts from the period suggest that careful line-breeding, and possibly limited influence from other scent hounds, shaped a more uniform type suited to both field work and the show ring.
The breed later gained a foothold in North America, where it was appreciated as a slow-and-sure tracker and, increasingly, as a companion. Packs of Basset Hounds could still be found following trails, but many families fell for the breed’s gentle nature and comic stubbornness. Its distinctive appearance and laid-back reputation made it memorable, and the Basset Hound became a familiar face in popular culture. Even as many dogs moved from field to family life, enthusiasts continued to celebrate the breed’s original purpose: methodical scent work with plenty of determination.
Modern Basset Hounds still carry the traits that defined their early job: an exceptional nose, a tendency to follow it, and a pack-oriented friendliness. Today you may see them in tracking-style activities, scent games, casual hunting homes, or simply as beloved household comedians who enjoy a soft bed. Because their bodies are heavy-boned and their ears are long, thoughtful breeders and owners also pay attention to comfort, mobility, and routine care. The best modern examples balance that classic hound personality with sound structure and a steady, family-friendly temperament.
Physical Characteristics and General Care
The Basset Hound is instantly recognizable: a low, heavy-boned body, a deep chest, and long ears that can brush the ground when the head drops to sniff. Loose skin and soft facial wrinkles add to the breed’s thoughtful look, and many carry a confident tail when on the move. The coat is short and dense, built for practical outdoor work, and it comes in a range of traditional hound colors and patterns. Because they travel close to the ground, they often pick up dirt and plant debris on walks, especially in wet weather.
General care is usually straightforward, but it rewards consistency. A weekly brush with a rubber curry or soft bristle helps lift loose hair and spreads skin oils, and many owners add an occasional bath when the dog starts to smell houndy. Long ears can trap moisture and debris, so gentle routine ear checks and cleaning as directed by your veterinarian are important. If your Basset has skin folds around the face or neck, a quick wipe and dry after meals or muddy adventures can help keep the skin comfortable. Regular dental care and nail trims also support overall comfort.
Exercise needs are moderate, yet daily activity matters because Basset Hounds often love food and can gain weight easily. Most do best with steady, sniff-focused walks, short play sessions, and enrichment that lets them use their nose, such as scatter-feeding, hide-and-seek treats, or puzzle toys. Training is typically easiest when sessions are short, upbeat, and reward-based; their nose can be a distraction, so practicing in lower-scent areas first helps. Because their bodies are long and sturdy, many owners limit repetitive jumping and use a harness for safer leash walking. A secure yard and a reliable recall plan are helpful, since a good scent can make them forget the world.
Coat & Grooming: Weekly brushing with a rubber curry or soft bristle, plus regular nail trims and gentle ear checks, usually keeps the short coat tidy.
Shedding: Moderate to high; expect fine hairs on floors and furniture, so a quick weekly brush and a lint roller make life easier.
Exercise Needs: Moderate daily needs, such as a couple of sniffy walks, leash-based exploring, and puzzle games that let them use their nose.
General Health: Common concerns include ear irritation, skin-fold sensitivity, and strain on joints or back, so steady weight management and routine vet checkups are important.
Expected Lifespan: Often long-lived for a sturdy hound when kept lean, active, and well cared for.
First-Time Owner Tips
A first-time owner can do well with a Basset Hound, as long as you plan for the breed’s nose and independent streak. They are usually friendly and easy to live with indoors, but outdoors they may lock onto a scent and pull with surprising strength. A harness, a secure fence, and a habit of leashing up before opening doors can prevent many frustrating chases. House training may take patience, so set a predictable schedule, reward promptly, and avoid giving too much freedom too soon. Also expect a classic hound voice; teaching quiet cues and managing triggers early helps keep peace with neighbors.
Training works best when it feels like a game, not a showdown. Use small, high-value rewards, keep sessions short, and end on a win, especially for recall, loose-leash walking, and polite greetings. Because Bassets tend to be food-motivated, portion control and slow-feeding tools can support healthy habits while still letting you reward good behavior. Provide scent-based enrichment, rotate toys, and build calm alone-time skills so they do not get bored or clingy. Practice gentle handling of ears, paws, and mouth so routine care stays low stress. If you ever feel stuck, a positive-reinforcement trainer can help you build reliable skills without turning training into a battle.
- Use a harness for walks and practice loose-leash skills in low-distraction areas before tackling busy, scent-heavy routes.
- Turn exercise into scent work: scatter kibble in the yard, hide treats, and let your Basset take unhurried “sniff breaks” on walks.
- Keep meals measured and treats tiny; their appetite is big, and staying lean supports joints, back comfort, and overall stamina.
- Build an ear-care routine early with calm handling and gentle checks, and follow your veterinarian’s guidance for cleaning.
- Be patient and consistent with house training and recall, rewarding promptly and celebrating small improvements.
Monthly Costs to Expect
Required costs for a Basset Hound usually center on quality food, routine preventatives recommended by your veterinarian, and basic supplies. Because many Bassets are enthusiastic eaters, your monthly food bill can swing based on brand, ingredient quality, and how carefully you manage treats. Plan for ongoing parasite prevention, poop bags, replacement toys and chews, and everyday gear like a harness and ID tags. Routine wellness visits and vaccinations are often budgeted monthly by setting aside a small amount, since expenses can be uneven across the year.
Optional or variable costs depend on your lifestyle and how much you prefer to outsource. Some owners bathe and trim nails at home, while others pay for occasional professional grooming or a nail clinic, which can be helpful if your dog dislikes handling. Training classes, private sessions, and enrichment toys can make life easier, especially for scent-driven pulling or noisy moments. Many families choose pet insurance, while others build a monthly savings cushion instead. Location, service prices, and your dog’s individual needs all influence the final total, so it helps to start modest and adjust after the first few months.
Food & Treats: Required: about $45 to $120 per month, depending on food quality, your Basset’s appetite, and how many treats and chews you include.
Grooming: Optional/Variable: about $10 to $65 per month if you groom at home, or more if you book occasional baths and nail services.
Preventatives & Routine Care: Required: about $25 to $75 per month for routine preventatives and basic wellness budgeting, guided by your veterinarian and local parasite risk.
Insurance / Savings: Optional/Variable: about $0 to $90 per month for insurance premiums, or a similar amount set aside as a savings cushion, depending on coverage and budget.
Training / Enrichment: Optional/Variable: about $15 to $100 per month for group classes, occasional private help, and enrichment toys that channel sniffing.
Basset Hound FAQs
Are Basset Hounds good family dogs?
Basset Hounds are often affectionate, patient, and people-oriented, which can make them lovely family companions. They do best with gentle handling and supervision around children, especially because long ears and backs can be sensitive to rough play.
Do Basset Hounds drool or have a strong odor?
Many Basset Hounds drool a bit, especially around meals or when excited, and some develop a classic houndy smell. Regular brushing, occasional baths, and keeping ears and skin folds clean and dry can help keep odors manageable.
Do Basset Hounds shed a lot?
They typically shed year-round, and the short hairs can show up on clothing and furniture. A consistent brushing routine and quick cleanups around the house usually make shedding feel much more manageable.
Are Basset Hounds easy to train?
Bassets are smart, but their noses and independent nature can make them seem stubborn. Short, reward-based sessions, clear routines, and practice in low-distraction areas often work better than repeating cues louder.
How much exercise does a Basset Hound need?
Most Basset Hounds thrive on moderate daily activity that includes plenty of sniffing, not just fast movement. Leash walks, gentle play, and scent games are usually a better fit than long runs, and you can adjust based on your dog’s comfort and your veterinarian’s guidance.
Can a Basset Hound live in an apartment?
Yes, many do well in apartments if they get daily walks and mental enrichment, and if you manage their tendency to bay. Consider how you will handle stairs, potty breaks, and quiet-time training so neighbors stay happy.
How long do Basset Hounds live?
They are often considered a long-lived breed for their sturdy size, but longevity varies by genetics, lifestyle, and overall health. Keeping your Basset lean, active, and on a regular wellness routine can support a longer, more comfortable life.
