People usually start searching “Basset Hound” when they’re weighing up a puppy, adopting an adult dog, or trying to understand whether that long-backed, low-set shape comes with special care needs.
The breed’s charm is real, but so are the practical stakes: weight control, ear care, and a few conditions that need quick veterinary attention. Below is a clear, breed-specific guide—what a Basset Hound is built for, what daily life looks like, and what to watch for over the years.
Breed group: Hounds
Country of origin: France; later developed and standardised further in Britain1, 2
Size: Medium-to-large, but very low to the ground (short-legged/dwarf-type build)1
Height: Typically 33–38 cm at the withers (breed standard)1
Life span: Commonly around 12–13 years (individuals vary)3
Exercise: Low to moderate—steady daily walking suits most adults3
Often best suited to: Companion animal; scent work/tracking games (on lead or in secure areas)
History of the Basset Hound
The Basset Hound’s story begins with French “basset” dogs—low-set scent hounds used for hunting on foot, where a slower pace helped people keep up. Over the 1800s, French bassets were imported to Britain and selectively bred into the heavier, more substantial Basset Hound most people recognise today.2, 4
The name reflects the shape: basset comes from the French bas, meaning “low”.4
Physical characteristics
A Basset Hound is built close to the ground: a long body, short legs, substantial bone, and a deep chest. In motion they’re meant to be strong and enduring rather than quick, working steadily with nose down when a scent catches.1
Breed standards describe a short, smooth coat and long ears. That combination—low height, heavy structure, and generous skin—helps explain both their scenting talent and some of the day-to-day care they need.1
Temperament and behaviour
Well-bred, well-socialised Basset Hounds are typically placid and affectionate, with a calm presence around the house. They’re scent hounds, though, and a good smell can switch their attention off from the rest of the world in an instant.1
Many are friendly with visitors and tolerant with children when introduced sensibly, but they’re not “robot obedient”. Think steady, independent, and food-motivated—often happiest when training feels like a game rather than a drill.
Training and socialisation (what tends to work)
Bassets usually learn best with patient, reward-based training and short sessions. Their noses are powerful, so “recall” is safest to build in low-distraction spaces first, then gradually around scents and movement.
- Start early and keep it brief: a few minutes, a few times a day, beats one long session.
- Reward what you like: calm praise and small treats help more than repetition.
- Make walking manners a priority: scent hounds can pull; practise loose-lead skills before habits set.
- Socialise thoughtfully: gentle exposure to people, dogs, surfaces, and sounds—always at the dog’s pace.
Common health issues (and why they matter)
No breed is “problem-free”, and Basset Hounds have a few recurring themes that owners should recognise early.
Weight gain and body condition
Their low build makes extra kilos matter. Being overweight adds strain to joints and spine, and it can quietly reduce quality of life long before anything looks “serious”. A simple body condition score check helps you stay honest: you should be able to feel ribs with light pressure, see a waist from above, and notice a tuck-up from the side.5
Ear trouble
Long, low-hanging ears reduce airflow and can trap moisture and debris, which can set the stage for otitis (ear inflammation/infection). Regular checks—smell, redness, discharge, head-shaking—catch problems early. If signs appear, a vet exam matters, because chronic ear disease can be painful and stubborn.
Eye issues
Droopy eyelids and loose facial skin can be part of the Basset “look”, but exaggerated eyelid conformation can be linked with problems such as ectropion/entropion in dogs generally, and eye irritation can become a recurring theme in some individuals.6
Back and disc disease
Bassets are a chondrodystrophic (short-legged) type, and long-backed dogs can be more prone to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). A sudden reluctance to move, pain, wobbliness, or weakness in the back legs needs urgent veterinary assessment—early treatment can change outcomes.7
Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus, GDV)
Although GDV is more common in large, deep-chested breeds, Basset Hounds are also listed among at-risk breeds. GDV can progress rapidly and is life-threatening.8
Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if you see signs such as repeated unproductive retching, a suddenly distended abdomen, restlessness, or collapse.8
Diet and exercise: a realistic routine
Most adult Basset Hounds do well on measured meals and steady, low-impact movement.
- Feed for body condition, not the packet: adjust quantities to keep an ideal condition score.5
- Use food strategically: treat budgeting (including training treats) prevents slow creep in weight.
- Aim for daily walking: consistent moderate exercise supports joints and helps appetite match activity.
- Let them sniff: scent time is real enrichment for a hound, and it tires the brain without pounding the body.
Grooming and day-to-day maintenance
The coat is short and straightforward, but the breed’s shape asks for a few regular checks.
- Ears: check weekly; clean only as advised by your vet, and keep ears dry after baths.
- Skin folds: keep any folds clean and dry to reduce irritation.
- Nails: trim regularly—short legs mean long nails can change gait and add discomfort.
- Teeth: home toothbrushing is one of the most effective ways to reduce dental disease risk over time.9
Pop culture notes (quick corrections)
A Basset Hound turns up in plenty of films and ads, but one common mix-up is worth fixing: Eeyore from Winnie-the-Pooh is a donkey, not a dog.10
Final thoughts
A Basset Hound is a scent hound at heart: low to the ground, methodical, and built to work with its nose. In a home, that often translates to a calm companion who enjoys routine, food puzzles, and unhurried walks—provided weight is managed and ears, eyes, and back are treated with sensible care.
References
- The Kennel Club (UK) – Basset Hound breed standard
- American Kennel Club (AKC) – Basset Hound (breed information)
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine – Basset Hound (canine health information)
- Encyclopaedia Britannica – Basset hound
- Agriculture Victoria – Dog condition score chart
- Merck Veterinary Manual – Entropion and ectropion in animals
- Merck Veterinary Manual – Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) in dogs
- Merck Veterinary Manual – Gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV) in small animals
- World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) – Dental guidelines
- Encyclopaedia Britannica – Winnie-the-Pooh
Veterinary Advisor, Veterinarian London Area, United Kingdom