Basset Hound
Low to the ground, high on charm
The Basset Hound is a short-legged scenthound built for patient, low-speed tracking, with a famously deep bark and a gentle, easygoing nature. Calm and affectionate at home, it is one of the most laid-back companions in the hound group.
Great points
- Gentle and patient with children
- Calm and relaxed indoors
- Sociable with people and other dogs
- Low grooming needs for the coat
Things to consider
- Stubborn and slow to train
- Loud, carrying bark and bay
- Prone to weight gain without limits
- Strong nose can lead to wandering off
The story
Developed in France from older French hounds, the Basset was bred to trail rabbits and hares on foot, its low build letting hunters keep pace. The name comes from the French word bas, meaning low.
Training
Use short, reward-based sessions with plenty of food motivation, since this breed is intelligent but independent and easily bored. Patience and consistency matter more than repetition.
Grooming
The short, dense coat needs only weekly brushing, but the long ears and facial folds must be cleaned regularly to prevent infection. Wipe drool-prone areas as needed.
Food & diet
Measure meals carefully and limit treats, as Bassets gain weight easily and extra pounds strain their long back and joints.
Exercise
A daily walk and some sniffing time are enough; this is a low-stamina breed that should not be over-exercised, especially in heat.
Health to watch
Common concerns include ear infections, intervertebral disc disease, bloat, glaucoma, and obesity-related joint strain.
Fun fact. A Basset Hound's ears are so long they often drag on the ground and help waft scent toward the nose.
