Ain’t nothing like a (Basset) Hound dog. With their distinctive looks (Those ears! Those wrinkles! Those eyes!), Basset Hounds are charming, popular dogs known for being low-key and easygoing. This means they fit in well with family life and will happily share their home with siblings, of both the human and animal kind. Not known for being particularly excitable and exuberant, these good-natured pups nonetheless enjoy company of all types. Calm they might be, but once a Basset gets on the scent they’re away - expect to hear their signature baying bark (these are noisy dogs!).
Basset Hound Facts
Basset Hounds have excellent noses, coming second only to Bloodhounds when it comes to how great they are at scenting. Their long, low bodies help them get really close to the ground when they’re on the scent trail.
- Breed Group: Hound
- Height: up to 38cm
- Weight: 18-29kg
- Life Span: 12-13 years
- Coat: Short, smooth
- Colour: Various colours with white markings
What Does a Basset Hound Look Like?
There’s no mistaking a Basset Hound. That’s thanks to their distinctive big, domed head with its extra long, low set velvety ears. A Basset Hound’s ears drag on the ground when they’re sniffing out smells, all the better for collecting scents with. Another distinctive feature of the Basset Hound is those soulful eyes - big brown eyes set in saggy, drooping lids. This is topped by a wrinkled brow.
Although classed as a medium dog (they only stand up to 38cm tall), Basset Hounds are solidly built, with powerful legs and oversized paws. This, combined with their massive bark when they catch an interesting scent, makes them seem far more like big dogs. Powerful their legs might be, but they’re short which means that Basset Hounds are built more for endurance than speed.
Those wrinkles on their brows and legs? Basset Hound puppies never grow into them, so their skin remains baggy throughout their life. They come in a variety of colours, although tricolour (tan, black and white) is the most common. You might also spot black and white, brown and white, or red and white Bassets.
Basset Hound
Basset Hound Temperament: Laid-back and Low-key
Basset Hounds are laid-back, charming dogs who remain calm under pressure and are known for their patience. This makes them a great choice for family dogs, as they’ll happily coexist alongside children and other pets, including dogs and cats.
Although Basset Hounds can never be accused of being excitable, bouncy or wiggly, these are good-natured dogs who are accepting of outsiders and enjoy meeting new people and pups (just don’t expect them to look excited about it.) At home you’ll find them mild and agreeable, without being total cuddle bugs. While they’re not massively affectionate dogs, they’re incredibly devoted and loyal to their family. Plus, as they were bred to be pack dogs, they don’t like to be left by themselves so expect them to pad to your side, wherever you are.
With their enviable, Zen-like temperament, you might think Basset Hounds are couch potatoes. They’re not - they’re just saving their energy and efforts for when they smell an interesting scent, like food or animals. That’s when they’ll let loose with their signature baying bark which is surprisingly loud for such an easygoing pup.
You might also think a Basset Hound is a pushover but again, they’re not. Once they’re on the trail of something delicious smelling, these are single-minded, fiercely independent and stubborn dogs.
Keeping Basset Hounds Healthy: 4 Issues to Watch Out For
A Basset Hound’s distinctive shape puts them at risk of back and joint problems and their ears can be a problem. But with a healthy expected lifespan of 12 to 13 years, these shouldn’t be major issues.
Ear Infections
No surprises here - Basset Hounds are very prone to developing ear infections. Weekly ear cleaning and inspections will help you ward off any bad infections. Signs that your Basset has an ear infection include smelly ears, redness, excessive head shaking, or ear scratching. A quick vet visit and some medication can clear them right up.
Eye Issues
With their large eyes set in sagging lids, a Basset’s eyes can be at risk of glaucoma. Caused by a pressure build up in the eye, symptoms include redness, bulging, tearing, or rubbing the eyes. Caught early, glaucoma can be treated with medication and prevent permanent eye damage or blindness.
Back Problems
Like other long and low breeds (like the Dachshund), the Basset Hound is at risk of back problems. It’s best to avoid stairs where possible and to make sure they don’t jump off any furniture - keeping them in a comfy bed on the floor or using ramps is ideal. If you’re picking them up, support their back and bum properly - your breeder or vet can demonstrate how this should be done. Treatment for back injuries include bed rest, anti-inflammatories and even surgery.
Joint Problems
Most dogs are at risk of dysplasia and the Basset Hound is no different. Hip and elbow dysplasia is when the joint doesn’t form correctly, resulting in loose joints and difficulty moving. Ensuring your Basset maintains a healthy weight can manage dysplasia, as can medication, physical therapy and surgery, depending on the severity. Dysplasia is an inherited condition however, and responsible breeders should screen for it.
Caring for Your Basset Hound Dog
Grooming a Basset Hound’s short, smooth coat isn’t too time consuming. Instead, you’ll be spending time keeping those ears and wrinkles clean, and training and socialising them to channel their tracking instincts into more pet-friendly outlets.
Grooming
Although their coat is short and smooth, Basset Hounds can still shed a fair bit. Weekly grooming sessions with a soft brush or shedding tool can help loosen the dead hair. Bonus - these brushing sessions act as a full body massage for your Basset, keeping them healthy and happy and providing you both with great bonding time.
An occasional bath - monthly or as needed if they roll in something disgusting - will help keep them smelling sweet. When you bathe them, trim their nails too.
Two things you’ll need to pay attention to: those ears and those wrinkles. With their long, droopy, dragging ears, they’re prone to infection. Watch out for them shaking their head or scratching their ears. You can help keep their ears clean by using gentle cleaning wipes every week to get rid of any dirt or debris. You’ll also need to wipe between the folds of their wrinkles and dry them thoroughly.
Finally, brush their teeth every day to prevent plaque and tartar build up.
Nutrition
Basset Hounds will do well on quality commercial dog food that’s tailored to their life stage - puppy, adult or senior. With their moderate exercise needs, Basset Hounds are at risk of obesity so aim to feed them 2 meals a day and keep an eye on how many treats they’re getting. Treat calories count towards their daily intake so consider a low calorie option like the Royal Canin Educ Treat.
Exercise
Although Basset Hounds don’t have huge energy levels, they still need daily, moderate exercise to help keep them at a healthy weight. A 20-30 minute on-lead walk each day should do the trick. With their long backs and short legs, Basset Hounds aren’t built for speed or high impact activities. If you’re after a jogging buddy or a pup that’ll come along on long bush walks, a Basset Hound isn’t right for you. It’s important that you walk your Basset on a lead. Otherwise, if they catch a whiff of something, they’ll be off and you and your commands will be thoroughly ignored.
As a dog bred to work in a pack, Bassets often like dog pals on their outings so invite some friendly pups along to join in. They might surprise you with how playful they can be. After their daily exercise is done, expect them to curl up and snooze the rest of the day away.
Thanks to their intelligence, Basset Hounds need to be mentally engaged every day too. As well as signing up for tracking or dog sports, you can also hide treats around your home and garden for them to sniff out. Another option is to incorporate puzzle toys with treat time.
Training
Training a Basset Hound isn’t the easiest. Not only are they not really people pleasers, but they’re really independent and pretty stubborn. They were bred to hunt on their own and to follow a scent without distraction - and you and your commands are definitely a distraction. Basset Hounds can be trained though, so arm yourself with plenty of time, consistency, patience and persistence.
With their smarts and good natures, Bassets respond well to positive reinforcement training methods, especially treats, praise and special ‘you did a good job!’ toys. Because they’re easily distracted, keep training sessions short.
Early socialisation from when they’re a puppy can also help with training them, building their manners and confidence around people and pets. You can also enlist a professional trainer to give your Basset a good start.