Meet the Basset Hound: a lovable, stubborn, scent-driven couch potato with big ears, bigger opinions and surprisingly serious hunting skills.
There are few dogs quite as committed to looking like they have just received devastating news.
The Basset Hound has the droopy eyes, enormous ears, wrinkled forehead and general facial expression of a dog who has just discovered that the steak was for the humans.
But don’t let the sad eyes fool you.
Underneath all that floppy skin is a determined hunting hound with an incredible nose, a surprisingly stubborn streak and absolutely no interest in rearranging their schedule simply because you asked nicely.
Basset Hounds are funny, affectionate, social and wonderfully distinctive. They can also be loud, independent, food-motivated and exceptionally good at pretending they didn’t hear you.
Basically, they’re the dog equivalent of the friend who says, “I’m not going,” and then somehow ends up at your house anyway.
If you’re considering adding one to your family—or you’re already owned by one—here’s what you should know about this low-slung legend.
Meet the Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is a scent hound known for its incredibly long ears, short legs, heavy bone, long body and unmistakable expression.
According to the American Kennel Club’s Basset Hound breed profile, Bassets generally stand no more than about 15 inches tall but can weigh roughly 40–65 pounds. In other words, they are essentially a medium-sized dog that someone accidentally left in the dryer too long.
Their bodies were designed for a purpose, though.
The Basset’s short legs allowed the breed to move slowly enough that hunters on foot could follow them while they tracked rabbits and other small game. Their heavy bone and endurance helped them keep going over difficult terrain.
And then there is that nose.
The Basset Hound has an extraordinary sense of smell and was bred to follow a scent trail with determination. That means the Basset who suddenly becomes extremely interested in a patch of grass isn’t necessarily “being difficult.”
They may have important investigative business to conduct.
And you are not invited.
Where Did the Basset Hound Come From?
The Basset Hound’s history goes back for centuries and has its roots in France and Belgium. The name itself comes from the French word bas, meaning low.
The dogs that eventually became today’s Basset Hound were developed as scent hounds that could track game while moving at a deliberate pace.
The breed’s history is actually much more impressive than its modern reputation as a professional couch ornament.
The AKC’s history of the Basset Hound traces the breed’s development back to early French hounds and the Abbey of St. Hubert in the Ardennes region. Over generations, breeders refined the distinctive low-slung structure, powerful nose and endurance that made the Basset so effective at tracking.
Bassets eventually made their way to England and then to the United States. The American Kennel Club registered Bassets in 1885 and recognized the breed in the United States in 1916.
So yes, your Basset may spend three hours sleeping on the couch. But historically, that couch potato came from a lineage of hardworking hunting dogs.
Respect the nap.
The Basset Hound Personality: Sweet, Social and Selectively Cooperative
Basset Hounds are generally known for being friendly, affectionate and easygoing. They tend to enjoy people and often enjoy the company of other dogs as well.
The AKC describes the breed as charming, patient and low-key, which is a fairly polite way of saying, “This dog is probably not going to sprint around your house like a Border Collie, but they may absolutely refuse to move off the couch.”
They can be:
- Affectionate without being constantly demanding
- Social with people and other dogs
- Playful in short bursts
- Independent
- Stubborn
- Food motivated
- Vocal
- Extremely scent-driven
- Very good at getting their way
That last one deserves its own paragraph.
Basset Hounds Are Not Stupid. They Are Negotiators.
Basset Hounds sometimes get labeled as unintelligent because they can be challenging to train.
That’s not really fair.
They were bred to follow a scent independently, which means they were literally designed to make decisions while working rather than constantly looking back at a human for instructions.
So when your Basset hears you say, “Come!”
…and continues walking in the opposite direction while following a scent…
that’s not necessarily confusion. That’s a career decision.
Training a Basset generally requires patience, consistency, positive reinforcement and an appropriately motivating reward.
Fortunately, Basset Hounds tend to have one major weakness: snacks. Use that information responsibly.
The AKC’s training guidance for Basset Hounds recommends positive training, consistency and treats, particularly because of the breed’s independent nature.
That Famous Basset Hound Voice
If you’ve never heard a Basset Hound bay, you may be surprised by the amount of sound that can come out of such a low-to-the-ground dog.
Bassets can be vocal. And not just “woof.” We’re talking about the full hound soundtrack.
Baying, barking, whining and general commentary may all be part of the package.
If you live somewhere with very close neighbors, you may want to consider whether everyone in the neighborhood appreciates a dog who occasionally feels compelled to announce that:
- Someone is outside.
- Someone was outside five minutes ago.
- There is a squirrel.
- There was probably a squirrel.
- Dinner is late.
Because your Basset has thoughts. And they would like the household to hear them.
Caring for a Basset Hound
Despite their short coat, Basset Hounds aren’t completely maintenance-free. In fact, they can shed quite a bit.
Regular brushing helps remove loose hair and keep the coat and skin healthy. The AKC recommends brushing at least weekly to help manage shedding.
Those Ears Need Attention
Those spectacularly long ears are one of the breed’s defining features.
They’re also one of the reasons Basset owners need to stay on top of ear care.
Because the ears hang close to the head, airflow can be limited, creating an environment where moisture and debris can contribute to ear problems.
Check them regularly and talk with your veterinarian about an appropriate cleaning routine for your dog.
And yes, occasionally your Basset will step on their own ear. This is apparently a feature, not a bug.
Don’t Forget the Wrinkles
The loose skin around the face and eyes is adorable. It can also collect moisture and debris.
Keeping skin folds clean and dry can help prevent irritation and other problems. If you notice redness, odor, discharge or persistent scratching, it’s time to involve your veterinarian rather than hoping the problem resolves itself.
Keep Those Nails Trimmed
Basset Hounds have a lot of dog attached to those short legs.
Keeping nails at an appropriate length is important for comfortable movement, especially because their body structure already puts unique demands on their joints and spine.
Exercise: Moderate, Not Marathon
Here’s where the Basset Hound gets misunderstood.
They are not a high-energy breed that needs to run five miles before breakfast.
But “low-energy” does not mean “doesn’t need exercise.”
Basset Hounds benefit from regular, moderate exercise, including walks and opportunities to explore.
And because their brains are wired around scent, a walk where they get to sniff can be much more mentally satisfying than simply marching down the sidewalk at top speed.
Let them sniff. Seriously. Your Basset is reading the neighborhood newspaper.
Regular moderate exercise is recommended and keeping this breed active can help maintain a healthy weight.
The Biggest Basset Hound Care Challenge: Weight
A Basset Hound’s greatest enemy may not be a rabbit.
It may be the treat jar.
Bassets can be prone to weight gain, and carrying excess weight is particularly concerning for a breed with such a long body and short legs.
That means portion control matters. Treats count. Table scraps count.
The sad eyes do not magically erase calories. And your Basset is absolutely going to try to convince you otherwise.
A healthy weight is especially important because excess weight can increase stress on the spine, joints and limbs.
Basset Hound Health Concerns
Like every breed, Basset Hounds can be predisposed to certain health conditions.
This doesn’t mean every Basset will develop these problems. It does mean prospective owners should understand the breed’s health considerations and work with a veterinarian on preventative care.
Some concerns associated with Basset Hounds include:
- Ear infections
- Obesity
- Joint and orthopedic problems
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Glaucoma and other eye disorders
- Certain bleeding disorders
- Patellar luxation
- Thyroid problems
- Back and spinal issues
- Bloat/GDV
The Basset Hound Club of America’s health information provides additional information on breed health and issues such as bloat, nutrition, parasites and vaccinations.
Those Long Backs Deserve Some Respect
One of the most important things Basset owners should understand is that this breed’s unusual body structure comes with some physical considerations.
A long back combined with a heavy body and short legs can put additional stress on the spine.
For that reason, it’s smart to minimize unnecessary jumping from furniture or vehicles, particularly in puppies and dogs already experiencing mobility issues.
It is recommended owners avoid allowing Basset Hounds to jump from heights such as cars and emphasizes keeping them at a healthy weight to reduce strain on the spine.
Basically, your Basset does not need to be auditioning for the Olympic long jump.
Are Basset Hounds Good Family Dogs?
For many households, absolutely.
Basset Hounds can make wonderful companions for families who appreciate a relaxed, affectionate dog with a giant personality.
They can be a good fit for:
Families Who Want a More Relaxed Dog
If you’re looking for a dog who enjoys a walk but is equally enthusiastic about relaxing afterward, a Basset may be right up your alley.
People Who Enjoy a Dog With Personality
Bassets aren’t wallflowers. They have opinions. They have preferences.
They have a surprisingly sophisticated understanding of when you are holding food.
And they aren’t afraid to let you know when they disagree with your decisions.
Households With Other Dogs
Basset Hounds were developed to work with other hounds and are generally social dogs. Many enjoy canine companionship and can thrive in homes with another compatible dog.
Of course, individual personality matters. Breed tendencies aren’t guarantees, and every dog should be evaluated as an individual.
Families Willing to Put in the Training
If you’re looking for a dog who will execute a command instantly every single time, a Basset may test your patience.
If you’re willing to laugh, use positive reinforcement and accept that your dog occasionally needs to think about whether your request aligns with their personal goals, you’ll probably do just fine.
Who Might NOT Be a Good Match for a Basset Hound?
Basset Hounds aren’t for everyone.
They may not be the best choice for someone who:
Wants an ultra-obedient dog.
If your dream is a dog who hears “come” and immediately launches toward you, there are breeds that may be a better match.
Wants a running or hiking partner.
Bassets need exercise, but they’re not built for being your long-distance running buddy.
Can’t tolerate shedding.
That short coat is deceptive. There will be hair.
Hates drool.
Let’s just say you’ll want paper towels.
And possibly a dedicated Basset towel.
Has a very busy, chaotic household.
Bassets are generally adaptable, but they still need appropriate exercise, socialization, training and downtime.
Doesn’t have a securely fenced yard or reliable leash habits.
A Basset that catches an interesting scent can become remarkably committed to following it. Keeping Basset Hounds in securely fenced areas because that nose can lead them straight into an adventure you did not authorize.
What About Basset Hounds at Dog Daycare?
Basset Hounds can be fantastic daycare dogs when the individual dog enjoys the environment.
Their generally social nature can make them great companions for group play, and their moderate energy level often means they aren’t looking to spend eight straight hours trying to break the land-speed record.
At Dog Day Getaway, we’re particularly mindful that not every dog needs the same type of play or pace.
Our dog daycare program includes playgroups designed around dogs’ individual needs, including spaces for active dogs as well as slower-paced pups. That’s important for breeds like the Basset Hound, who may be perfectly happy participating in some play, doing some serious sniffing and then deciding it’s time for a break.
And let’s be honest: if your Basset spends part of the day lounging around like they have just completed a twelve-hour shift at the office, we’re not judging.
They may simply be conserving energy for dinner.
Basset Hounds and Boarding
Bassets can also be wonderful boarding guests, particularly when they are comfortable around people and other dogs and have already had positive experiences away from home.
If you’re considering boarding for the first time, a little preparation ahead of time can make the experience easier for both the dog and the humans who will inevitably spend the trip wondering, “Do you think they’re having fun without me?”
At Dog Day Getaway, boarding includes a full day of daycare, so dogs get the opportunity to play, socialize and exercise before settling in for the evening. You can also learn more about our dog boarding services and requirements before planning your pup’s stay.
And if you want to peek in on your dog while you’re away, our live webcams let you check in during the day. Fair warning: you may spend significantly more time watching your dog than you planned.
The Basset Hound Bottom Line
The Basset Hound is a walking contradiction. They’re low to the ground but big in personality.
They’re laid-back but stubborn. They’re affectionate but independent.
They’re slow-moving but capable of following a scent trail with impressive determination.
They look perpetually heartbroken but are often perfectly happy.
And they may ignore your commands while simultaneously making it very clear that they love you.
That’s the magic of the Basset Hound.
They’re not the right dog for everyone—and that’s exactly what makes them such a great dog for the people who love them.
If you want a cheerful, social, moderately active companion with an incredible nose, a hilarious personality and absolutely no interest in taking life too seriously, the Basset Hound might be your kind of dog.
At Dog Day Getaway, we provide daycare and boarding for dogs throughout the South Metro and Twin Cities, including Apple Valley, Lakeville, Rosemount, Eagan, Burnsville and Farmington.
Because every dog has a different personality, energy level and definition of “a good time.”
And yes, we understand that sometimes “a good time” means running around with friends.
Sometimes it means sniffing everything in sight.
And sometimes it means lying dramatically on the floor while everyone admires you.
We’re good with all three.