Basset Hound Breed Guide: Care, Temperament, Health & Owner Tips

Author: Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

The Basset Hound is a beloved scent hound with a distinctive low-slung build and soulful expression. With its large ears, droopy eyes, and gentle demeanor, this breed is perfect for families and individuals who appreciate laid-back companionship—and who are ready for a touch of stubborn charm. 🐾

History & Origins 📜

Bred in France in the 16th century, the Basset Hound's ancestry stems from the St. Hubert Hound, the forebear of many scent hounds. The term "basset" derives from the French word "bas," meaning low, a direct reference to their short-legged, ground-hugging stature. These dogs were designed for hunting small game, especially rabbits, at a walking pace suitable for hunters on foot. Their low build, combined with an extraordinary sense of smell—second only to the Bloodhound—makes them exceptional trackers.

Appearance & Physical Traits

• Height: 11–15 inches at the shoulder
• Weight: 40–65 pounds
• Coat: Short, dense, and weather-resistant; colors include tricolor, lemon and white, red and white, and mahogany and white
• Distinctive Features: Long, velvety ears, loose skin, expressive eyes, and a curved tail carried upright when tracking scent

Temperament & Personality 🧠

Basset Hounds are known for their even-tempered, affectionate personalities. They are loyal, gentle with children, and get along well with other dogs. While not overly energetic, they enjoy being part of the family’s daily activities. However, their independence and stubborn streak can be a challenge during training.

This breed thrives on companionship and may become vocal or destructive if left alone for long periods. Their baying howl—a trait inherited from their hound lineage—makes them unsuitable for noise-sensitive households or apartment complexes with strict noise regulations.

Living with a Basset 🏡

Though laid-back indoors, Bassets need routine and consistency. They are excellent couch companions but must be encouraged to stay active to prevent weight gain. Their short legs do not mean low stamina—they enjoy long walks and are remarkably persistent once on a scent trail.

Training Techniques 🎓

Patience and positive reinforcement are key when training Basset Hounds. They are food-motivated but can become bored with repetitive tasks. Early socialization and crate training are recommended to establish good habits and reduce anxiety.

• Keep training sessions short and engaging
• Use high-value treats and vary commands
• Reinforce recall from a young age, as their nose often overrides their ears
• Enroll in scent detection or tracking classes to work with their natural instincts

Woopf offers breed-specific training programs that are ideal for navigating the Basset Hound's stubborn side.

Exercise Needs & Mental Enrichment 🏃‍♂️

Basset Hounds need moderate daily exercise—ideally two 30-minute walks plus mental games. They love to sniff, so “sniffaris” or scent walks in parks are both enriching and satisfying for them.

• Interactive toys and treat puzzles keep them mentally stimulated
• Obstacle courses at ground level help with coordination
• Supervised digging pits satisfy natural foraging behavior
• Companion games like hide-and-seek reinforce bonding

Nutrition & Feeding 🍽️

Due to their low metabolism and love of food, Bassets are prone to obesity. Controlled portions, high-protein meals, and limited treats are essential. Feed them twice daily with carefully measured servings.

• Look for dog foods formulated for medium breeds with joint support
• Incorporate omega-3 fatty acids for coat health and inflammation reduction
• Use slow feeders or puzzle bowls to encourage mindful eating
• Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements support joint integrity, especially important due to their skeletal structure

Grooming & Maintenance 🛁

• Brushing: Weekly brushing removes dead hair and distributes oils
• Ears: Clean inside folds weekly to prevent yeast infections
• Eyes: Wipe daily to reduce tear staining under droopy lids
• Bathing: Monthly or as needed with dog-safe shampoo
• Teeth: Brush at least twice a week using dog toothpaste
• Nails: Trim every 3–4 weeks to avoid overgrowth and posture issues
• Skin folds: Check and clean weekly to prevent dermatitis

Purrz offers gentle grooming products suited for the Basset’s sensitive skin and long ears.

Health & Veterinary Screening 🩺

Basset Hounds are generally hardy, but their unique anatomy and genetic predispositions require proactive care. Regular vet visits and early screenings are vital.

• Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): Avoid jumping; use ramps instead of stairs
• Hip Dysplasia: Watch for limping and reluctance to exercise
• Elbow Dysplasia: Maintain healthy weight and joint supplements
• Ear Infections: Clean regularly and dry thoroughly after baths
• Obesity: Use a weight management plan under vet supervision
• Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat): Feed small meals and avoid vigorous activity after eating

Schedule annual checkups, ECG screenings by age 1–2, and semiannual wellness visits after age 7. Ask A Vet offers virtual consultations to help manage chronic conditions and monitor at-home care routines.

Ideal Home & Compatibility 🏠

• Best for homes with secure yards and few stairs
• Well-suited for families with children and other dogs
• Not ideal for those seeking a silent, high-energy, or off-leash hiking companion
• Companion-focused—Bassets do not thrive in isolation

Their low-energy indoor style means they do well in both rural and suburban settings, and apartment life can work with proper daily exercise and noise considerations.

Pros & Cons at a Glance

Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

The Basset Hound is a soulful, silly, and supremely loyal companion. With their strong sense of smell and relaxed personality, they make wonderful pets for families and seniors alike. But caring for a Basset means more than affection—it’s about managing weight, grooming those iconic ears, and offering consistent enrichment.

At Ask A Vet, we support Basset owners with personalized care plans, diet consultations, and behavior coaching. Woopf’s training kits and Purrz’s grooming solutions round out your toolkit for raising a healthy, happy Basset Hound. 🐶