Elmer & Ernest: The Basset Hound Duo Everyone’s Talking About

Brittany Hudson, a digital marketing professional and content creator living in Cincinnati, first started creating content the way a lot of dog people probably do – by becoming completely convinced that her dog was the funniest, most interesting creature on the internet.

In her defense, Elmer made a very strong case…

It All Started With Elmer

Elmer is a nine-year-old American Basset Hound with the soul of a retired man who has seen too much, eaten too well, and would prefer a slower pace of life with few demands. We brought him home from Kentucky when he was just seven weeks old, all ears, paws, and attitude. Even as a puppy, he had a certain presence about him. 

Some dogs want to please you. 

Elmer wants to understand why you are asking.

He became part of my life first, and then slowly and naturally, part of my online presence. I started sharing because he made me laugh. The way he looked at me, the way he could turn a simple walk into a dramatic negotiation; it all felt too good not to share. And for all that stubborn personality, he’s also incredibly affectionate and the kind of dog who always wants to be nearby. What began as little moments for friends and family turned into a much bigger community of people who understood the very specific joy of a stubborn, expressive, deeply lovable basset hound.

Then came Ernest.

Every Act Needs A Bit Of Comic Relief

Ernest is a two-year-old European Basset Hound, also from Kentucky, and he brought a very different energy into the house. Where Elmer is thoughtful, stubborn, and suspicious of change, Ernest is sweet, goofy, eager, and always ready to turn a quiet moment into an incident. He is absolutely convinced that Elmer exists primarily for his entertainment, which has made them the comedy duo I never meant to produce. Ernest adores Elmer, which is both touching and, from Elmer’s perspective, deeply unfortunate.

Their contrasting personalities are what make the content work. I’m not really creating a polished version of pet life. I’m sharing the comedy of living with two long-bodied, short-legged, big-eared dogs who have very strong opinions and very little urgency. My content is warm, silly, Cincinnati-based basset life, with Elmer as the beloved original character and Ernest as the lovable chaos that keeps everyone, especially Elmer, on their toes.

Moving Through Life at Basset Speed

A typical day with them is a mix of routine, negotiation, and theatrical suffering. Meals that are treated like sacred events, walks that may or may not meet Elmer’s standards, naps that require the perfect location, and moments where Ernest tries very hard to convince Elmer that brotherhood should involve more wrestling.

Occasionally, we also volunteer at local bookstores for children’s story time, which is one of the sweetest things we get to do together. Basset Hounds are naturally funny-looking, in the best possible way, but they also have a calm, gentle presence that kids seem to love. There is something special about watching children light up around them, especially when Elmer and Ernest are simply being themselves. 

Having pets has taught me that love is often found in the mundane; the repetitive, unglamorous parts of life. It is in the early mornings, the muddy paws, the vet appointments, the slow walks, the lint rollers, and the thousand small routines that become the shape of your day. It is also in the way they make a house feel alive. Elmer and Ernest have taught me to slow down, laugh more, and understand that sometimes the best part of the day is just sitting next to someone who loves you, even if that someone is snoring loudly and taking up most of the couch.

The Importance of Being Ernest…and Elmer!

For anyone who wants to start creating pet content, my advice is simple: start with what is real. The internet does not need another perfect dog; it needs your dog, with their weird habits, funny routines, and little quirks. Post often, stay consistent, and pay attention to what feels natural for both you and your pet. The best content usually comes from the moments you could never have planned.

People do not always see what goes on behind the scenes. They see the funny reel or cute photo, not the 47 unusable clips, treat negotiations, fur on everything, or the star of the video suddenly deciding he is no longer interested. With Elmer especially, content is on his terms. He is not an actor. He is a basset hound with boundaries, but I think that is part of why people connect with him. He is authentic because he could not be anything else.

The community that has grown around Elmer and Ernest has been one of the most unexpected joys of sharing them online. It is full of people who love dogs, understand basset hound behavior, and find comfort in the little moments. Some follow because they have bassets of their own, some grew up with one, and some say Elmer reminds them of a dog they loved and miss. Those messages stay with me because they show how much connection can come from something as simple as a silly video of your dog being dramatic, stubborn, or sleepy. Pet content can seem light, and often it is, but it can also create a real community where people share memories, grief, advice, laughter, and encouragement. Elmer and Ernest may be the reason people show up, but the community is what makes it meaningful.

Sharing the Joy and Spreading the Love

Elmer and Ernest have brought humor, connection, routine, purpose, and a lot of dog hair into my life. They have made ordinary days feel funnier and hard days feel softer. What started as sharing a few moments of one very expressive basset hound has turned into a story about two dogs, a community of people who love them, and the joy of letting pets be exactly who they are.

Readers can follow along with Elmer and Ernest on Instagram and TikTok at @elmer_the_basset, and on Facebook at @elmerthebassethound, where Elmer continues to serve as the dignified star of the show, and Ernest continues to do his very best to ruin that dignity.