Basset Hound
Quick Summary
Gentle, patient hounds ideal for relaxed families. Best suited for owners who appreciate their laid-back nature and can manage their health needs. Key consideration: consistent care requirements.
Contents
Weight Range
40-65 lbs
♂ Male: 40-65 lbs
♀ Female: 40-65 lbs
Height Range
38-38 inches
♂ Male: 12-15"
♀ Female: 11-14"
Life Expectancy
12-13 years
Average lifespan with proper care and nutrition
Intelligence
Rank #32
Above Average Intelligence
Breed Group
Hound Group
Originally bred for Developed in medieval France during the 1500s, these scent hounds excelled at tracking rabbits and hares through dense underbrush, their low-set bodies and powerful noses perfectly suited for the task
Popularity
#39
Very popular breed choice
Compatibility Ratings
Behavior & Training
Physical Characteristics
| Male Height | 12"-15" |
| Female Height | 11"-14" |
| Male Weight | 40-65 lbs |
| Female Weight | 40-65 lbs |
| Coat Length | 1/5 |
| Drooling Level | 4/5 |
Cost & Ownership
Cost Category
Initial costs include purchase price ($600-$1500), supplies, and vaccinations. Monthly expenses cover premium food, regular grooming, and preventative care. Factor in potential health-related costs due to breed-specific issues.
Training & Socialization
Training Difficulty
Basset Hounds exhibit a charming blend of patience and stubbornness. Their low-key energy level makes them excellent companions, though their strong tracking instincts can lead to occasional independence. Naturally friendly with people and other animals.
Social Needs
Highly social dogs requiring regular family interaction and companionship. Generally good with other dogs and pets. Can experience separation anxiety if left alone too long, though they're relatively calm when properly exercised.
Breed Overview
Basset Hounds captivate with their distinctive long ears, drooping eyes, and short-legged, elongated body structure. Their gentle, patient demeanor combines with a surprisingly melodious voice and keen sense of smell. Standing low to the ground with a sturdy frame, these hounds feature loose skin, a deep chest, and powerful legs built for endurance tracking.
Key Highlights
Pros
- ✓ Gentle and patient temperament
- ✓ Great with children and other pets
- ✓ Low exercise needs
- ✓ Excellent sense of smell
- ✓ Adaptable to different living situations
Cons
- ✗ Stubborn and challenging to train
- ✗ Prone to obesity
- ✗ Regular ear cleaning required
- ✗ Significant drooling
- ✗ Can be vocal
Breed Characteristics
| Temperament | Charming, Patient, Low-Key |
| Energy Level | Couch Potato |
| Trainability | Independent |
| Grooming Needs | 2-3 Times a Week Brushing |
| Shedding | Occasional |
Exercise & Nutrition
Exercise Requirements
Requires 30-45 minutes of daily exercise, preferably split into two walks. Moderate intensity activities like walking and gentle play are ideal. Despite their laid-back nature, regular movement helps prevent obesity and maintains joint health.
Diet & Nutrition
Adult Basset Hounds require 2-3 cups of high-quality dry food daily, divided into two meals. Watch portion sizes carefully to prevent obesity. Consider joint-supporting supplements and low-calorie options due to weight gain tendency.
Feed 2-3 cups of quality dry food daily, divided into two meals. Choose formulas supporting joint health and weight management. Monitor portion sizes carefully to prevent obesity. Fresh water must always be available.
Environment & Living Space
Living Requirements
Well-suited to apartments or houses with fenced yards. Thrives in moderate climates, needs protection from extreme temperatures. Adaptable to various living spaces if given proper exercise.
Requires minimal space but benefits from a fenced yard. Adapts well to apartment living when properly exercised. Temperature-controlled environment preferred due to sensitivity to extreme weather. Needs comfortable resting areas.
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
History & Origin
French monks developed the Basset Hound in the 1500s, breeding for a low-set hunting dog capable of following prey through dense undergrowth. Their name derives from 'bas' meaning low, reflecting their short-legged structure.
Historical Purpose
Developed in medieval France during the 1500s, these scent hounds excelled at tracking rabbits and hares through dense underbrush, their low-set bodies and powerful noses perfectly suited for the task.
Fun Fact
Their long ears help sweep scent particles toward their nose, making them one of the best tracking breeds!
Grooming & Maintenance
Special Considerations
Regular ear cleaning essential due to infection risk. Weight management crucial to prevent joint stress. Moderate exercise needed despite low energy levels.