fellfolioScent hound
Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is a sociable hunting dog that may look easygoing at home but follow a scent for a long time outdoors. Allow time to sniff on walks and keep it on lead near roads and in open areas.
At a glance
- Size
- Medium
- Height at shoulder
- 33 to 38 cm
- Weight
- 18 to 27 kg
- Lifespan
- over 10 years
- Activity
- Moderate
- Grooming
- Daily
- Training
- Patience & clear guidance
- Owner experience
- First dog with support
Relaxed at home, persistent on a scent
Basset Hounds were bred to follow game scent in a pack. You can still see that heritage on a walk: a hedge may stop the dog in its tracks because another animal passed by. A fresh scent can hold its attention for several minutes, even if you are ready to move on. Start recall practice where distractions are mild, and reward the dog well for turning back to you. Indoors, many Bassets seek out their people and are pleasantly relaxed. That does not mean they are silent: a deep bark or howl can be hard to miss.
Everyday life
An adult Basset needs at least an hour of exercise each day. Several walks, some play and short training sessions spread that activity throughout the day. Give the dog time to sniff. You could scatter a few treats in the grass for it to find. Once it picks up a fresh trail, recall becomes difficult. Keep it on lead near traffic and in open spaces, and choose a securely fenced area for off-lead time. At home, most Bassets want company. Build up being left alone gradually before it becomes a regular part of the day.
Staying home alone
Dogs learn to stay home alone in small steps. The RSPCA advises no more than four hours at a time. Puppies and dogs that become unsettled when left alone need shorter absences and gradual practice. Arrange someone to care for your dog when you will be away longer.
Everyday dog training: recall, a loose lead and clear communication ↗
Day-to-day care
A weekly brush is usually enough for the short, smooth coat. Use the time to check the long ears and any pronounced skin folds your dog has; trapped moisture and rubbing can irritate the skin. Dry wet areas gently. If an ear smells unpleasant, looks red or prompts frequent head shaking, arrange a vet check. Do not routinely clean deep inside the ear canal yourself. Keep an eye on weight too, as extra kilos put more strain on the back and joints.
Size and build
At 33 to 38 cm at the shoulder, a Basset stands low but usually weighs around 18 to 27 kg. Its body is long and deep, the chest reaches far down, and short forelegs support a great deal of substance. The back should be firm and fairly level. Low-set, supple ears, a muscular neck and a long tail complete the outline. The short coat is often tricolour or lemon and white. When you meet a Basset, look beyond the characteristic ears: it should have enough ground clearance and move freely. Excess loose skin, very long ears or an extremely deep chest can get in the way.
From puppy to senior: caring for your dog through every life stage ↗
Health
Skin folds and long ears need attention because inflammation can develop in both. Other known concerns in the breed include elbow dysplasia, eye disease and slipped discs. Back pain is not always obvious. If your Basset suddenly avoids stairs, walks unsteadily or drags a paw, call your vet immediately. If it is in severe pain or cannot walk, contact an emergency vet at once and move it as carefully as possible. Repeated unproductive retching, sudden marked restlessness or a swollen abdomen can signal gastric dilatation and volvulus, in which the stomach swells and twists. Call an emergency vet immediately and go there if these warning signs occur. The abdomen may not look swollen.
When choosing a puppy, ask for both parents’ documented eye examinations, including gonioscopy, in which a specialist checks the drainage area inside the eye, and their elbow results. The Royal Kennel Club also lists DNA tests for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), a form of glaucoma with raised pressure inside the eye, and Lafora disease, which can cause seizures later in life. Ask which results are available for this litter and what they mean. Watch the adult dogs walk, too.
Could this breed fit your life?
Could work well if …
- You are happy to let a scent hound use its nose on walks and train with patience.
- You can keep an eye on ears and body weight and regularly check any skin folds your dog has.
May be less suitable if …
- You need a quiet dog that returns reliably in open country every time.
- You would struggle to manage possible back, skin or ear problems.
Similar needs, different dogs.
Selected by shared size, activity, grooming and training characteristics.
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The Shar Pei is a medium-sized Chinese dog with a short, harsh coat and a close attachment to familiar people. It can be reserved with strangers and benefits from familiar routines and calm guidance. Its skin folds and eyes need particular attention. Both its behaviour and the breed’s well-documented health risks should therefore be considered carefully before choosing one.
Sources and photograph credit
- Teaching your dog to be left alone
Used in this profile for: Staying home alone
- Basset Hound · Breed Standard
Used in this profile for: Size / Weight, Temperament, Size and build
- Congenital and Inherited Generalized Disorders That Affect the Nervous System in Dogs and Cats
Used in this profile for: Health
- Ear infections in dogs
Used in this profile for: Day-to-day care
- GDV in dogs
Used in this profile for: Health
- IVDD and slipped discs in dogs
Used in this profile for: Health
- Breed-specific health screening requirements
Used in this profile for: Health
- Glaucoma in dogs
Used in this profile for: Health
- Basset Hound · breed guide
Used in this profile for: Size / Weight, Temperament, Everyday life, Day-to-day care, Size and build, Health, Lifespan, Could this breed fit your life?
Photo credits
Portrait · Gundula Vogel · Pexels License
Side view · Kyle Miller · Pexels License
In action · Casper Coomans · Unsplash License
Puppy · Patience Garton · Pexels License