Basset Hound

45-60 lbs
11-14"
France
Basset, Hush Puppy

The Basset Hound is recognizable due to its short legs, droopy eyes, and lengthy ears. The word “basset” is derived from the French word “bas” meaning “low thing”. The Basset Hound is also known as a Basset for short or a hush puppy. The Basset Hound’s personality consists of a gentle, non-confrontational demeanor, remaining a favorite among dog lovers. This breed is known for chasing its nose and having a strong hunting instinct. The Basset Hound has an engaging personality with a lot to offer. Its original purpose was to hunt rabbits and hare. The Basset Hound has been described as a multi-purpose breed that is able to excel in obedience, tracking, and conformation. His gentle nature allows him to hunt in packs or alone. The Basset Hound has a short, fine coat which is versatile in all weather. The Basset Hound would be happy with his family or alone chasing small animals.

purpose Purpose
trailing rabbits and hare
history Date of Origin
1500s
ancestry Ancestry
basset d’artois, basset normand

Basset Hound Health

Sketch of Basset Hound
Average Size
Male Basset Hound size stats
Height: 12-15 inches Weight: 50-65 lbs
Female Basset Hound size stats
Height: 11-14 inches Weight: 45-60 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Gastric Torsion
  • Von Willebrand's Disease
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Thrombopathia
Minor Concerns
  • Intervertebral Disc Disease
  • Glaucoma
Occasional Tests
  • Eye
  • Blood
  • Skeletal
  • X-Rays
  • Physical Examination

Basset Hound Breed History

The Basset Hound’s name is derived from the French word “bas”, meaning “low thing”. The Basset Hound is said to have originated around the 1500s in France. The Basset Hound’s ancestors consisted of the Basset d’Artois and the Basset Normand, in addition to other hounds with short legs. Its original purpose was to hunt small animals, especially rabbits and hares. There was little documentation as to the Basset Hound’s development in the 1500s. The Friars of the French Abbey of St. Hubert are often credited as developing the Basset Hound we know and love today. They were aiming to develop a slow-moving breed that could be followed on hunts. The Basset Hound was known to accompany commoners on foot at that time and was useful due to their scenting skills. It is believed that in both the late 1800s and in 1930, the Basset Hound was bred with the Bloodhound to increase the size. The Basset Hound has made countless appearances in pop culture. From a character named Flash in “The Dukes of Hazzard” to Elvis Presley singing “Hound Dog” to a Basset Hound by the name of Sherlock, there are numerous appearances made by this breed on TV. The Basset Hound made an appearance at the Paris Dog Show in 1863. In 1866, it made an appearance in England and was shown in 1875. In 1884, the Basset Hound was presented at the Westminster Kennel Club. In 1935, the Basset Hound of America was created in the United States and the breed was officially recognized by the AKC.

Basset Hound Breed Appearance

The Basset Hound would be difficult to overlook due to its distinctive features: heavy body, big paws, droopy eyes, and long, floppy ears. The Basset Hound is a short-legged breed with a heavy body that compares to that of larger breeds. This canine is able to endure all types of endeavors in the field. The Basset Hound has a short, smooth coat with a density enough to withstand all weather and a head that is well-proportioned and large, falling under the medium width. Its chest is deep with a prominent sternum placed directly in front of the legs. The breed’s shoulders and elbows are close against the sides of the chest, and the shoulders are at a powerful stance. The Basset Hound’s paws are massive and have tough pads. The tail is not docked but contains a slight curve. The skin is loose and elastic yet the Basset Hound stands firmly on its hind legs. The ears are low-set, long flowing, and drawn forward. The doleful eyes of this breed are a dark brown. 

Appearance of Basset Hound
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Basset Hound eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Basset Hound nose
Black
brown Basset Hound nose
Brown
Coat Color Possibilities
pied Basset Hound coat
Pied
black Basset Hound coat
Black
white Basset Hound coat
White
red Basset Hound coat
Red
brown Basset Hound coat
Brown
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Basset Hound straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Basset Hound Breed Maintenance

The Basset Hound needs some maintenance to ensure he is kept hygienic and clean. The Basset Hound has a short, hard coat which requires weekly brushing with either a firm, bristle brush or a rubber curry brush. The face should be washed or wiped regularly, especially around the mouth due to the excessive drooling. The Basset Hound should be bathed at least every 4 to 6 weeks, and more often if necessary. The Basset Hound is not hypoallergenic and is known to be a heavy shedder. Due to his numerous wrinkles and body, he is known to be a bit of a drooler and will require being cleaned regularly. The Basset Hound has a musky odor that may be difficult to eliminate. This odor is a result of his oily skin. His ears should be cleaned weekly as they have a tendency to trap bacteria due to their size. His nails should be trimmed every 3 to 4 weeks to prevent breakage and overgrowth. It is important to provide the Basset Hound with daily exercise to avoid the gaining of weight. The Basset Hound likes to be able to work for their food. The Basset Hound would fare best in a living arrangement where he is free to roam and exercise. An apartment would be acceptable as long as he is provided with daily walks and play activities. The Basset Hound’s coat allows him to be able to live in a variety of climates. 

Brushes for Basset Hound
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Basset Hound requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Basset Hound Temperament

The Basset Hound is a highly intelligent breed, capable of manipulating his way to receive affection from his owners by using his sad, droopy eyes. The Basset Hound loves to be able to please people and to remain by their side. The Basset Hound is a good-natured breed who gets along with other dogs and other animals as well as children. The Basset Hound is a sociable breed who thrives when there are multiple dogs present. The Basset Hound is friendly with strangers and does not pose any risk to them, generally remaining calm by nature. The Basset Hound will typically allow his nose to guide him on his journey, often tracking and investigating at a slow pace. At times, the Basset Hound can be stubborn if he does not want to comply but it is rare for him to have temperament issues.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
7 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
30 minutes
activity minutes

Basset Hound Popularity

Popularity ranking
#39
Popular Hybrids
Bully Basset
Basset Hound
Bulldog
Bully Basset
Chow Hound
Chow Chow
Basset Hound
Chow Hound
Corgi Basset
Basset Hound
Welsh Corgi
Corgi Basset
Bowzer
Basset Hound
Miniature Schnauzer
Bowzer

Basset Hound Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.20 - $1.40
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$34.00 - $45.00
food bag monthly cost

Basset Hound Height & Weight

6 Months
Sketch of Basset Hound at six months
Male Basset Hound size stats at six months
Height: 7.0 inches Weight: 22.5 lbs
Female Basset Hound size stats at six months
Height: 7.0 inches Weight: 18.5 lbs
12 Months
Sketch of Basset Hound at 12 months
Male Basset Hound size stats at 12 months
Height: 13.5 inches Weight: 37.5 lbs
Female Basset Hound size stats at 12 months
Height: 12.5 inches Weight: 35.0 lbs
18 Months
Sketch of Basset Hound at 18 months
Male Basset Hound size stats at 18 months
Height: 13.5 inches Weight: 55.0 lbs
Female Basset Hound size stats at 18 months
Height: 12.5 inches Weight: 47.5 lbs

Top Basset Hound Breeders

Check out who made our list for the most reputable Basset Hound breeders of 2024.
Top Basset Hound breeder Rucker Bassets
Rucker Bassets
Branford, Florida
Top Basset Hound breeder Beemac Bassets
Beemac Bassets
Riverside, California
Top Basset Hound breeder Becky's Bassets
Becky's Bassets
Manton, Michigan
Top Basset Hound breeder Corkey Basset Hounds
Corkey Basset Hounds
Roanoke, Virginia
Top Basset Hound breeder Brame Puppies
Brame Puppies
Moyers, Oklahoma
Top Basset Hound breeder Arkoma Basset Hounds
Arkoma Basset Hounds
Siloam Springs, Arkansas
Top Basset Hound breeder Morse's Basset Hounds
Morse's Basset Hounds
Russellville, Kentucky
Top Basset Hound breeder Okie Dokie Bassets
Okie Dokie Bassets
Carney, Oklahoma
Top Basset Hound breeder Brentleys Bassets
Brentleys Bassets
Flat Rock, North Carolina
Top Basset Hound breeder Bassets of Hood Canal
Bassets of Hood Canal
Union, Washington

Basset Hound Owner Experiences

Thor, Lokey, Siffy, Kubo, Torann, Beyla, Adaline
1,2,3,4,5,6 and 4weeks
6 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing outside
Cuddling
Car rides
We have been breeding since 2012 and I'm absolutely in love with the breed. Ours are not kennels or a puppy mill. They live inside the house with us. Thank you for the 2017 basset breeder award!! Sincerely:Morse's Basset Hounds
7 years, 2 months ago
6 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
This one did not enjoy walking up hills nor walking too far. He would often lie down in the middle of our walk. Friendly, gentle guy though!
6 years, 11 months ago
6 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
treats
Nap
Sniffing
Basset Hounds are hilarious! I've never met one that didn't have the attitude of a sweet old man! They're not huge on walking, but are willing to go out for all the sniffing!
6 years, 11 months ago
4 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Explore the city
Cuddling
petting
Nap
Laying in the sun
This Basset Hound loves to stop very often and smell whatever was in sight. He kept a very slow pace and preferred to walk very short distances. He loved greeting people and receiving attention from other dogs. He was a very loving dog and his ears were so long, they almost dragged on the ground!
6 years, 11 months ago
9 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
sniffin
pattoll
patrolling
Dog watching
howling
Lily was super chill, every time I’ve walked her she’s always been laying down staring out the window when I arrive. She likes to take her time walking smelling everything we come across. She’d see dogs across the way and it wouldn’t phase her but any dog we crossed pathes with she’d get all flustered and howl lol I noticed after our walks she’d be more affectionate then when we’d first head out so I know deep down she’s a sweetie, she’s just all business before that haha
6 years, 11 months ago
6 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Each Basset I walk is a sweetheart. While being protective of their home they warm up quickly. Typically a deep howl greets you. They’re a little slow, they like to mosey and sniff. They’re excellent at tracking smells and they keep their nose to the ground a lot. They’re not typically up to jogging or running but they love a slow stroll.
6 years, 11 months ago
3 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
getting pets
Sniffing things
This little guy was really sweet but VERY slow. He did not want to walk very far at all and was really stubborn. Not aggressive at all just real slow. Very friendly when meeting him and eager to use the restroom out of the house but besides that he did not want to walk or do any other activity. Of course he smelled everything that was in his way which were many things since he’s so close to the ground! That slowed him down initially to a snails pace but then completely stopped walking as well afterwards. Very easy pups to take care of, very sweet companions. Might have to be push to exercise even with a good diet to make sure they stay healthy.
6 years, 11 months ago
2 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Go to Park
Walk
Catch treats
Nose work
Brushing
Explore the city
Eating Snacks
Eleanor is a young, big, and long doggy, but you'd never guess it based on her disposition. She is slow to greet me upon arrival, was not immediately interested in going outside, is reluctant to descend the stairs, and is just slow overall. One could say that she is an old soul. True to her breed, she is particularly interested in long, meandering strolls and as many street-snacks and she can manage. This nature does lend itself to making her a more challenging walking companion, but no less enjoyable. Because she is particularly interested in snacking, she is more than willing to train. For Eleanor I keep a pocket full of treats and reward her frequently for walking at a standard pace, for doing her business, and for reviewing some basic tricks that we have been working on. Because basset hounds tend to be more interested in nose-work and its just reward, the several months that we have been working together have paid off well for both of us. Of the wide range of dogs with whom I have interacted, Eleanor's lack of interest in interacting with other dogs has caused no lack of amusement on my part. Recently a tornado of a Pomeranian was pummeling a gate near to where she had been sniffing and she gave the little thing nary a glance. Though treats can quicken her step and avert her interest from her nosy quest, no amount of noise, environmental excitement, or intra-species interaction can shift her focus. In addition to her calm and focused disposition, without commands and treats, she can revert to her stubborn and single-minded nature. Without apparent cause she will sometimes refuse to continue forward. Being a large and short-legged pup, urging her along without reward can be a highly difficult task. In cases like this, it is important to understand what sort of stimuli is triggering this behavior and what sort of reward can break them of this. Overall, Eleanor is a delight to spend time with, a welcome companion for a long, steady, and focused stroll, and, in moments, a perfectly warm-hearted darling. After our walks I make sure to give her a treat and a short petting session. As much as she enjoys being out on our quest, she is perfectly content to be lying down in the comfort of her home and getting pet.
6 years, 11 months ago
6 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
They were great dogs, extremely smart and attentive and would listen to there names being called, but they would just look at you for a moment and go back to what they were doing, they are really friendly with other dogs but just kinda like to do there on walk whether or not it is in a slow or fast pace. You cannot pull them in a direction to go, mojoraly of tye time they will not listen or its im possible because they can turn into a stone that is unmovable. But suprisingly can be really fast as well too.
6 years, 11 months ago
12 Months
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
sniff
cuddle
Walk
sleep
The bassets i regularly walk are both 1 year old and have a lot of energy. I personally own a basset and in comparison, I’ve come to find there are two types of bassets-the lazy kind and the athletes. Both of the bassets i walk are very athletic. They both wear harnesses and are very strong. I often run with these dogs to tire them out. Likewise they can get caught on a scent which can limit how far i can walk them because I’m on a time limit. Running helps them minimize scent following.
6 years, 11 months ago
6 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
In my experience with walking basset hounds, they enjoy a sluggish walk. They would much rather sniff every single blade of grass in their own yard. It can be really difficult to get a basset hound moving. They really do not want to walk. They are also super stubborn, so it can seem hopeless at times. However, they are super calm and friendly. Their docile demeanor makes it really easy to get a harness and leash onto them. They are always happy to see you and will greet you at the door. It is a fun walk, as long as you don't mind staying within a few blocks of their home. Their super strong ability to smell entices them to be much more interested in smelling the ground, than getting some exercise.
6 years, 11 months ago
6 Months
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Sniffing
Meet Pixie! Pixie was such a shy girl who did not want to get out of her bed - and who could blame her?! Once she realized I was there to walk her, she came running towards me ready to go. While on our walk, her hunting skills went into full mode as she searched for squirrels and birds! She loved to stand on other people’s stoops and stare at the pesky squirrels until they ran away. Clearly Pixie was doing her job! She also loved burrowing in the massive leave piles that were built up on the side of the street. When passing Big Bear Restaurant, she saw a bird she was entranced by. But then a toddler crawled out from under the table and scared Pixie. Understandably so since kids scare me too.
6 years, 11 months ago
10 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
treats
Walking
Sniffing
He is an old man who alternates between walking fast and sniffing for long periods of time. He is a sweetheart who barks to say hello.
6 years, 11 months ago
6 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
All the bassets I’ve known have been extremely kind and patient creatures. They have all been great family dogs, and have been exceptionally tolerant of small children/ are relatively unaffected by a chaotic environment. While they are relatively mellow, they do have quite a distictive howl, which can somethings be a little irritating. Over all, very affectionate and loving dogs with great personalities. Bassets don’t require a ton of exercise or Mental stimulation compared to other dogs in the hound family
6 years, 11 months ago
5 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Meeting dogs
Walk
meeting people
Sniffing
Basset Hounds tend to be total sweethearts! Most of the time they just want to putter around and sniff all the wonderful things they can pick up with those big hound noses. Obviously they tend to be a bit slower than most dogs due to their short legs but that doesn't stop them from getting where they need to go. They're extremely good at snatching up food from the ground since they're so close to it to begin with and they've got the nose to find anything. It doesn't seem to effect their daily lives but a lot of them drag their ears through the snow and dirt too, which is something to watch out for in general. Sometimes they pull a bit but usually they just want to walk, sniff and use their big sad eyes to get you to give them a treat.
6 years, 11 months ago
1 Year
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
kissing
Cuddling
Sniffing
This Basset hound was sweet and caring. He was stubborn on his walks but he always gave me lots of cuddles and when it was time for me to go he did not want me to leave. He loved to sniff everything and he would pull at times to get to that smell. He pulled on our walks but never too hard. I miss walking him.
6 years, 11 months ago
1 Year
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Run
Catch treats
Nap
Fetch
High Five
Eating Snacks
Going on drives
Laying in the sun
I have a Basset Hound of my own. My current Basset is named Charlie. He is one year and seven months old. As a young puppy Charlie was very quiet. He made puppy noises and interacted and had crazy cute bursts of energy as a puppy. He cried a small amount when he was a little puppy, this was especially true at night. We did have a big issue with Charlie peeing in the house and had an issue with house training him. However he got the handle of it. Charlie lives with two cats. The one cat is a social cat. Charlie tried to play with him and would try to get his tail as a puppy. However Charlie knows that the cat won’t put up with him so he now leaves the cat alone. However, our other cat is easily scared and shows fear. Charlie picks up on this and tries to be playful with him. However I think he crosses the line and definitely makes the cat upset. When Charlie was a puppy he lived with another older Basset Hound who was in her senior years. He was a puppy so he just tried to play around with her and would try to bite her tail. However our other Basset let Charlie play with her put let her know when she had enough. That Basset has since passed away. Charlie currently lives with a ~4 year old Borgi named Pearl. Pearl is a border collie/corgi mix. Pearl is high energy so we believe that that is why Charlie is so energetic. Pearl and Charlie play along, and sometimes do a bitey-face smack down kind of thing, however sometimes Charlie will bite her ears/tail/feet/ankles when trying to be playful. We are still not sure if this is a male/female related thing, or if it’s something dealing with hormones, or if it’s a hyper dog thing. Regardless they get along. Charlie likes walks however he pulls. He has pulled me over but it’s just when he is trying to chase after Pearl during a walk. He has slipped his lead and got out, however. He goes to see the horses that live in the farm behind where we live. Charlie also likes to steal shoes. He will take out the insole and leave the rest of the shoe in tact. He also likes to rip things up into pieces. He also likes stealing underwear from the drying rack. Charlie is extremely loveable and cuddly. He is an amazing Basset.
6 years, 11 months ago
11 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Spa day
Go to Park
Walk
Look out the window
Catch treats
Speak
Play
Nap
Nose work
Dog-friendly events
Off-leash
Dog Parks
Eating Snacks
Tag
Dressing up
Laying in the sun
Daisy was an adorable Basset! She was wrinkly and short and adorable. Daisy was super friendly. She never got upset at other dogs or anything. She got along well with other dogs. She was very territorial with food and treats. She was energetic in her early years and mellowed our later on. She loved being in the sun.
6 years, 11 months ago
6 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Go to Park
Walk
Nap
Hunt
Pumpkin was rescued from a puppy mill when she was ~4. She was used to breed and was sent to be put down when she couldn’t have anymore. She was extremely skinny. She had clearly lived her entire life prior to rescuing her spent in a cage. We know this because she had a paralyzed tail. She was also EXTREMELY skittish of everything, ESPECIALLY men. So we assume she was abused by a man prior. When we got Pumpkin she didn’t know how to look upwards. We would call her from the second floor rail and she would look left and right, and never knew how to look up. She took a little to gain weight and for a few years after rescuing her she was able to go up and down steps. When she got older she couldn’t go up steps anymore. She couldn’t go for longer walks either. And at the end of her life her hips gave out. She was an amazing Basset and had all the love in the world after we rescued her.
6 years, 11 months ago
7 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I walked two basset hounds and they definitely like to smell and take there time smelling everything they can. They are very friendly and enjoy being petted on the walks. When they find a really good smell they have a hard time leaving it.
6 years, 11 months ago
5 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Winston, the 5-year-old, Basset Hound I have had the pleasure of walking several times, is very friendly and affectionate. He always comes to greet me at the door and will bark a bit out of excitement when I arrive. He likes to go for walks but he has the personality of an older dog when we are outside. He walks very slowly and takes his time to sniff everything we pass very carefully. He will eat anything he can find off the street and since he is so low to the ground and spends so much of his time sniffing, he's sometimes able to get things before I even notice them--so it's important to keep an eye out for that. He seems totally fine with other dogs and usually wants to say hi and sniff them. He's also very chill with people and cars and I've never seen him get aggressive at all. It is pretty impossible to make him walk faster than he wants to. If you try to pull on his leash to, for example, get him across a busy intersection before the light changes, he is more likely to stop walking completely and sit down than he is to hurry up. The same goes for deciding the route of a walk: if I try to take him in a different direction than the one he wants to go in, he can be very stubborn and sometimes will sit down for a few minutes and refuse to keep going. Petting him and giving some enthusiastic verbal encouragement usually gets him back up and going again. Even though he's a slow walker and sometimes seems reluctant to continue walking, he clearly does love going for walks and loves being outside. I can tell because of his reaction when we turn around to head back home. Once he knows we're headed back home he starts walking even more slowly and will stop to sniff things for a really long time. I've learned to factor this into our walk time, and usually start leading him back home before our time is half-over because I know it will take him longer to get home. He defintiely considers his time outside as time to leisurely explore rather than to cover lots of ground or exercise. He's very sweet but also has a stubborn streak that can be difficult because he's pretty strong and heavy.
6 years, 11 months ago
6 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I have walked one Basset Hound before and he was such a sweet boy! When I first met him, he rolled right on his back to get some belly rubs and then after I gave him that, he was ready for his walk! He was very slow the entire walk. He loved sniffing around and every time we’d get to walking again, he would stop to sniff around somewhere different. We did not make it far at all as he preferred the sniffing around rather than the walking. He didn’t care much about other people or dogs that would walk by. He wasn’t all that interested in me either during his walk. When we got back to his home, he enjoyed getting a special after walk treat and went straight to his bed after finishing that!
6 years, 11 months ago
Pattycakes
12 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Have had 2 previous Bassets. Love their personalities and antics. Don't have big issues with their ADD. I'm not huge disciplinarian so they are good as they don't cause major destruction. Not good dog for type A people i'd think. A dog for a more chill and relaxed owner without high expectations. They are loves.
5 years, 4 months ago
Logan
1 Year
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Playing with kids
Fetching
howling
Running on the beach
Sniffing
Eating pizza
Logan loves to go on walks, run and play with kids. He's also such a foodie! He loves eating pizza and other dishes, if anyone makes noise when he's taking a nap he'll growl and complain. He also won't sleep anywhere but the bed.
4 years, 5 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd