Basset Hound
PatientLow-KeyCharming
France · 12–13 years
About the Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is a low-slung, heavy-boned scent hound originally bred in France and Belgium for tracking rabbits and hare. Their name comes from the French word 'bas,' meaning low, and their short legs keep their powerful nose close to the ground. With their droopy eyes, long ears, and wrinkled brow, Bassets have one of the most recognizable and endearing faces in the dog world. Despite their sleepy appearance, Bassets are surprisingly stubborn, determined trackers with incredible endurance on the trail.
Breed stats
- Height
- 11–15 in
- Weight
- 40–65 lbs
- Lifespan
- 12–13 years
- Group
- Hound
- Coat
- Short, smooth, dense
- Origin
- France
Coat colors
- Tricolor
- Red and white
- Lemon and white
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
30–60 min
per day recommended
Daily food
1.5–3 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Ear infections
- Obesity
- Bloat
- Hip dysplasia
- Glaucoma
Not every Basset Hound will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Basset Hounds eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Basset Hounds are often perceived as lazy due to their low-energy demeanor and love of napping, but this is somewhat misleading. While Bassets are certainly more relaxed than most breeds and enjoy lounging around the house, they were bred as tireless tracking dogs with impressive stamina on the hunt. A Basset on a scent trail can walk for hours without tiring. They need 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise to stay healthy and prevent obesity, which is a major concern for the breed. They are laid-back, not lazy — an important distinction.
- Basset Hounds drool due to their loose, pendulous lips (called flews) that don't hold saliva well, especially after eating, drinking, or when excited by food smells. The loose skin around their mouth, which originally helped trap scent particles while tracking, allows drool to escape freely. While drooling is a normal and unavoidable trait of the breed, excessive drooling can increase around mealtimes or when they smell something appealing. Keeping towels handy and wiping their mouth after meals helps manage it. Basset owners learn to accept drool as part of the breed's charm.
- Basset Hounds are excellent with children, earning a reputation as one of the most patient and tolerant family dogs. Their calm, gentle nature means they rarely snap or become aggressive, even when young children are rough during play. Bassets are sturdy enough to handle accidental bumps and tumbles without becoming fearful. Their pack mentality means they enjoy being part of family activities. The main consideration is their weight and low center of gravity — young children should be supervised to ensure they don't try to ride or climb on the dog, which could strain the Basset's back.
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