Basset Hound
Also known as Basset
- Height at the withers
- 33 to 38 cm
- Weight
- 18 to 30 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 12 years
- Daily activity
- 45 minutes
- Origin
- Great Britain
- FCI group
- 6 · Scent hounds
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with young children
- a calm, mostly stay-at-home life
- living with a cat
Less suited to
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- noise-sensitive neighbors: it likes to bark
- intense heat: be careful in summer
- off-leash walks: strong prey drive and unreliable recall
Overview
A low-slung, heavy-boned scent hound with characteristic long, velvety ears, a mournful expression and loose skin. Known for its powerful tracking ability and its calm temperament.
History and origins
Descended from the French bassets, themselves descendants of the hounds of the Abbey of Saint-Hubert, and bred to hunt rabbit and hare in thick cover. Imported to England in the second half of the 19th century, it was crossed there with the Bloodhound and fixed in its current type; this is why the FCI lists Great Britain as its country of origin.
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and the breed is rather fragile. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Ear infections (long ears)
- Herniated disc
- Ectropion and glaucoma
- Gastric torsion (bloat)
- Obesity
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short, smooth coat. Moderate shedding, low coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Calm, 2 out of 5
- Apartment
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With cats
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Hard, 2 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- None, 1 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- High, 4 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Often, 4 out of 5
- Barking
- Frequent, 4 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Rather fragile, 2 out of 5
In our lists
Basset Hound FAQ
How big does the Basset Hound get?
The Basset Hound stands 33 to 38 cm at the withers and weighs 18 to 30 kg. It is a small dog.
Does the Basset Hound shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs little care.
Can the Basset Hound live in an apartment?
It can, as long as it gets real outings every day; a yard is still a plus. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Basset Hound need each day?
Allow about 45 minutes of activity a day: it is a calm dog.
Is the Basset Hound good with children?
Yes: patient and gentle, it is an excellent family dog, even with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Basset Hound live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and the breed is rather fragile. The main health problems to watch for are ear infections and herniated disc.
