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There’s just something endearing about a dog with big ears and an even bigger personality, and the Basset Hound fits the bill. These dogs aren’t as common as, say, Golden Retrievers, but they are exceptional dogs that are often far livelier and more than the “lazy Basset” idea that many people have of this breed. If you’re interested in the low-key Basset Hound, keep reading.
Breed Overview
Height:
Up to 15 inches
Weight:
40–65 pounds
Lifespan:
12–13 years
Colors:
Black, brown, white, tan, lemon, mahogany, bicolor, tricolor
Suitable for:
Active dog owners experienced with stubborn breeds, hunters, outdoorsy types
Temperament:
Loyal, laid back, stubborn
If you’ve ever laid eyes on a Basset Hound, you may have made the mistake of thinking that they’re a smaller dog breed. These dogs may be short, but they have thick, powerful bodies and the endurance to pursue prey for hours. They’re excellent scent dogs with a powerful sense of smell and intense instincts to pursue interesting scents. The Basset Hound has the quintessential hound dog stubbornness, but this breed is also steadfastly loyal.
Basset Hound Characteristics
Basset Hound Puppies
It’s undeniable that Basset Hound puppies are some of the cutest puppies on the planet, thanks to their oversized ears and tendency to trip on them. This can sometimes lead to them going to inappropriate homes with people who are attracted to their cuteness yet not ready to handle a stubborn hound. Because of this, these pups can sometimes be found in shelters and rescue organizations, particularly in the Southern US where hounds are popular.
Because of some of the health issues this breed is prone to, it’s ideal to only get a puppy from a breeder who has received all health tests recommended by an official Basset Hound breed club.
Like adult Bassets, Basset puppies are pretty easy-going and friendly, but you should be prepared to handle a stubborn puppy with strong instincts to follow the trail of scents they find interesting.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Basset Hound
Although you might not assume it from their goofy appearance, Basset Hounds are intelligent dogs with a strong ability to problem solve. When it comes to dealing with a Basset, their intelligence isn’t going to be the issue, but their stubbornness will be. Intelligence aside, the Basset is independent and prefers to do whatever it wants to do. This breed doesn’t have an ardent desire to please its people, but it is possible to train them with enough know-how and persistence.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪
Bassets can be suitable for families, and they’re actually known for typically being good with small children. They are usually gentle and unlikely to get overly excited and accidentally hurt a small child like some other breeds do. It should be noted, though, that Bassets aren’t overly affectionate dogs, so don’t expect a lovey-dovey pup with this breed.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
Like many hound breeds, the Basset is typically a great pick for a home with other pets, especially dogs. Many hounds have been bred to work together as a pack, so they’re naturally tolerant of the presence of other dogs. They may view cats and small animals as prey worth following, so make sure to set strict expectations for how your Basset behaves toward any cats or smaller pets in the home. Ensure your dog is only in the presence of small animals with the direct supervision of an adult.
Things to Know When Owning a Basset Hound
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
The amount of food offered depends largely on how active your Basset is. Regardless of activity level, high-quality, WSAVA-compliant dog food is ideal. Bassets are prone to obesity and can be quite lazy, so feeding an appropriate amount to maintain a healthy body weight is exceptionally important.
Your vet can help you determine your dog’s ideal body weight and how much you should be feeding them. When it comes to the Basset, it’s best to keep them slightly on the thin side instead of allowing them to become overweight since extra weight on their short legs can cause serious joint problems.
Exercise 🐕
Although Basset Hounds have the stamina to follow a scent trail for hours, they can be quite lazy. You will likely have to motivate your Basset to get off the couch to play and exercise. Lean into your dog’s instincts when it comes to exercise by introducing nose work. Hiking and visits to local parks are also effective ways to get your Basset up and moving while allowing them to appease their instinctual desire to sniff.
Training 🎾
Consistency is key to training a stubborn breed like the Basset Hound. You will need to keep training sessions interesting and short, as well as find ways to engage your pup in training. Since they aren’t particularly interested in pleasing you, it can be difficult to find the right motivation for training a Basset. High-value rewards, like low-calorie treats and interesting toys, are good options for motivating your Basset to learn during training sessions.
Grooming ✂️
The Basset Hound has a short coat that requires minimal maintenance. However, this breed is prone to skin problems, so it’s important to bathe and brush your dog every few weeks with a dog-safe shampoo. Overbathing can dry out the skin and cause problems. If your dog requires medicated baths, talk to your vet about how frequently you should be doing these.
Keep the nails trimmed short to avoid nail breaks or stress on the feet and joints. You also will need to monitor your Basset’s ears to ensure they stay clean and dry. Due to their long, floppy ears, they may need routine ear cleaning.
Health and Conditions 🏥
- Patellar luxation
- Dental disease
- Ear infections
- Skin infections
- Lafora disease
- Mucopolysaccharidosis I
- Thrombopathia
- Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG)
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Arthritis
- Hypothyroidism
- Spinal injuries
- Bloat
Male vs. Female
As is common in many dog breeds, male Bassets tend to be larger and heavier than females. Females tend to have a better attention span, but they aren’t necessarily easier to train than males. The stubbornness and lack of desire to please equally impact male and female Basset Hounds. Females tend to be a little sassier and more independent than males, while males are often considered more overtly affectionate and laid back. However, this is just a generalization and largely depends on the individual.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Basset Hound
1. They Have an Excellent Sense of Smell
You might be surprised to know that Basset Hounds have one of the best sniffers of all dog breeds. The Basset’s nose is believed to be beaten out only by the Bloodhound. Believe it or not, the long ears of the Basset Hound actually help to move scents up toward their nose, while the loose skin on the face helps to trap scents, so they’re actually designed for excellent sniffing skills. In fact, they have over 220 million scent receptors!
2. They’re Dense Dogs
No, we aren’t disparaging Basset Hounds by calling them dense. These dogs are actually physically very dense! In fact, Bassets have the highest amount of bone per pound of body weight of all domestic dog breeds. While they may stand up to 15 inches in height, a body weight up to a whopping 65 pounds is considered within the standard of the breed.
3. They’re Not the Only Bassets
Basset Hounds are actually just one of many dog breeds that are recognized under the umbrella term “Basset.” Multiple other dog breeds carry the Basset name, including Basset Fauve de Bretagne, French Basset Artésien Normand, Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen, and Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen.
Final Thoughts
The Basset Hound is a charming and fun dog that is sure to win just about anyone over. This breed can be a handful if you’re not experienced with stubborn dogs, though. They tend to make great family pets and are gentle with children, and Basset Hounds usually thrive in homes with other pets, especially dogs.
Featured Image Credit: Billion Photos, Shutterstock