Origin
France
Lifespan
10–12 years
Weight
20–35 kg
Height
— cm
Personality
Colors & Patterns
Tri-color · Lemon and White · Red and White
Basset Hound
About This Breed
The Basset Hound is a short-legged breed developed in France for slow-paced hunting that hunters could follow on foot. Their extremely long ears help stir up scent trails from the ground, and their loose, wrinkled skin around the face traps scent particles. Bassets have the second-most sensitive nose of any dog breed (after only the Bloodhound). Despite their sad expression, Basset Hounds are sweet-natured, gentle, and devoted companions. They may be difficult to housebreak due to their stubbornness.
Characteristics
Scores describe general breed tendencies, not an individual animal. A higher score means more of the named trait or need; it does not always mean better.
Life with a Basset Hound
Origin
| Origin | France |
| Group | Hounds |
For the breed’s history, see the reference sources and Wikipedia link below.
Size and coat
| Weight | 20–35 kg |
| Lifespan | 10–12 years |
| Colors & Patterns | Tri-color · Lemon and White · Red and White |
These are approximate adult ranges. Individual animals may be smaller or larger.
Temperament
| Personality | Sweet · Gentle · Tenacious · Devoted · Friendly |
Usually fairly calm, but still needs daily play and activity.
Often seeks company and attention. Allow time together and help it get used to short periods alone.
Coat care
Usually needs relatively little coat care. Brush as needed for its coat and shedding.
Some shedding is expected, and it may change with the season.
Living together
Often adjusts to changes fairly well, though a gradual introduction still helps.
Often gets along with children, but an adult should still supervise their time together.
Often gets along with other pets. Introduce them gradually rather than assuming they will be friends.
Training and activities
Practice in short sessions and reward the behavior you want.
Choose walks, sniffing games, and play to suit the dog’s age and health. Allow rest as well.
A lifespan range is not a prediction for an individual animal. Breed scores cannot diagnose illness or replace a veterinary assessment.
More from breed and care sources
Excerpts from the linked sources. Read the original for full details.
Breed Overview
The Basset Hound is a hound dog originally bred in France. Basset Hounds are descendants of the St. Hubert Hound, a now-extinct breed that resembled modern-day Bloodhounds. Bred to hunt rabbits and hares, Basset Hounds are short and sturdy dogs, standing no more than 15 inches tall and weighing 40–65 pounds. Their low-to-the-ground stature is where the breed takes their name: basset is French for “short” or “low-set.” Caring for the Basset Hound Basset Hounds are generally good-natured and friendly dogs.
Care Guide
Basset Hounds are generally good-natured and friendly dogs. They’re easily recognizable not only because of their short legs, but also due to their short, smooth coat; droopy face, ears, and lips; wrinkly skin; and tendency to drool. Though bred to hunt centuries ago, Basset Hounds are notoriously low-energy dogs and most commonly serve as companion pets today. They may need some encouragement to stay active and at a healthy weight. The Basset Hound Club of America (BHCA) recommends at least one walk every day. Along with being a little lazy, typical Basset Hound characteristics include a loud, long bark; a strong nose that they may follow into trouble; and a short, sleek coat that doesn’t need much grooming but sheds regularly.