Dog Breed

Basset Hound

Couch Potato
Primary image of Basset Hound dog breed
Full Name
Basset Hound
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Life Span
12 - 15 years
Weight
50 - 65 pounds
Description

The Basset Hound is probably most recognized and well known by its short legs and extended body. The ears are huge and the eyes are droopy... you would think this dog is a total couch potato, but it was actually bred as a hunting dog, and it has one of the best senses of scent out of any dog breed.

Today the Basset Hound is much more easy going- they are kind, chill, and affectionate. Although don't let that fool you, moderate exercise is still important. They actually have very high stamina, especially when they are out in the field, and when they feel like they are hunting or performing a job. They have a few health problems- such as over drooping eyes, and bloat.

Origin
France
Bred For
Hunting by scent
Attachments
    Family Considerations
    Child Friendly

    Is the Basset Hound good with children?

    Yes, the Basset Hound is very friendly with children. We still recommend introductions to children while they are young so they get used to them, but the Basset Hound naturally loves children.
    Stranger Friendly

    Is the Basset Hound friendly with strangers?

    The Basset Hound is about average in how friendly they are with strangers. They can be timid or protective, but with proper training and socialization can be fine for any household.
    Dog Friendly

    Is the Basset Hound friendly with other dogs?

    Yes! The Basset Hound naturally loves other dogs. As always, socialization is always important, but the Basset Hound typically gets along with every dog it meets
    Likes to Cuddle

    Does the Basset Hound like to cuddle?

    The Basset Hound likes to cuddle up every once in a while. They appreciate physical affection, but probably won't stay in your lap for extended amounts of time.
    Playfulness

    Does the Basset Hound like to play?

    The Basset Hound is playful both as a puppy and as an adult dog. As they get older they may appreciate their alone time, and may not be in the mood for constant play, but certainly will have plenty of time for play as well.
    Service Dog Ability

    Does the Basset Hound make a good service dog?

    The Basset Hound can be a service dog with the proper training. Basset Hounds are not the most common service dog, but they certainly can be if their personality matches- smart, patient, and extremely dedicated to their owner.
    Overall Ease of Breed
    Ease for Novice

    Is the Basset Hound good for first-time owners?

    The Basset Hound is a good breed for first-time owners. A good fit for first-time owners are friendly breeds that are motivated to please their owner. This means they can be trained, and are rarely aggressive and overpowering.
    Training Potential

    How well can the Basset Hound be trained?

    The Basset Hound is about average when it comes to training potential. The Basset Hound can be seen in competitions and can have advanced training, but it would require much dedication and oftentimes professional training.
    Amount of Shedding

    Does the Basset Hound shed a lot?

    The Basset Hound does shed, but less than average.
    Ease of Grooming

    Is the Basset Hound easy to groom?

    The Basset Hound requires very little grooming relative to other dog breeds, their coat is very low maintenance.
    Exercise Need

    Does the Basset Hound need a lot of exercise?

    The Basset Hound requires some daily exercise, but daily walks should be enough. The Basset Hound appreciates going outside and on daily walks, but they will be ok without anything overly athletic.
    Personality
    Intelligence

    How smart is the Basset Hound?

    The Basset Hound is very smart. Above-average intelligence means they can pick up on cues and signals quickly when it comes to training. But it also means that they need to be challenged mentally, in addition to their standard exercise needs.
    Amount of Barking

    How much does the Basset Hound bark? Does the Basset Hound bark too much?

    The Basset Hound barks a lot. This is important to consider with your living situation- will it be ok when you leave them at home alone or will they disrupt the neighbors? The Basset Hound will oftentimes bark just to express their thoughts... even just to be heard!
    Guard Dog Ability

    Is the Basset Hound a good guard dog?

    The Basset Hound would not make a good guard dog. They can be alert, but typically do not have the desire or instinct to take on "guarding" as their job.
    Tolerates Being Alone

    Is the Basset Hound good at staying alone? Is the Basset Hound independent?

    The Basset Hound does not enjoy being left alone for extended periods. They can do well for a couple of hours alone, but may have anxiety for time beyond that.
    Home and Environment Considerations
    Good for Apartment Living

    Is the Basset Hound a good apartment dog?

    The Basset Hound can be a good dog for apartment living. Daily exercise is still important, but the Basset Hound is a better fit for apartment living than most breeds.
    Size

    How big is the Basset Hound?

    The Basset Hound is a medium sized dog breed. They can range in size depending on genetics, and males are larger on average than females.
    Tolerates Heat

    How much does the Basset Hound tolerate hot weather? When is it too hot for a Basset Hound?

    The Basset Hound can tolerate some heat, but should not be over-exposed to hot weather. In general, they can live in hot weather climates, but would do best with air conditioning or at least a fan in their home, especially where they sleep.
    Tolerates Cold

    How much does the Basset Hound tolerate cold weather? When is it too cold for a Basset Hound?

    The Basset Hound can tolerate some cold, but should not be over-exposed to cold weather. In general, they can live in cold weather climates, but may need clothing on particularly cold evenings or in snow.
    Potential to Run Away

    Does the Basset Hound try to run away?

    It is natural for the Basset Hound to run away. They are easily distracted and excited, so the urge to run away should be expected and prepared for- a fenced yard is important.
    Physical Characteristics
    General Health

    Is the Basset Hound a healthy dog? The health of a Basset Hound should be measured not just by how many years they live, but also by how many health issues they've had. It is important to know which health conditions your breed is prone to- hip problems, eye problems, bloating, and arthritis are all common dog health problems.

    The Basset Hound has many health problems that should be considered. The Basset Hound can still live a perfectly healthy life, but it's important to consider all of these health risks ahead of time.
    Energy Level

    How energetic is the Basset Hound?

    The Basset Hound has some energy and requires daily walks, but overall the Basset Hound has less energy than average.
    Amount of Drooling

    How much does the Basset Hound drool?

    The Basset Hound drools a decent amount, especially if that irresistible food is nearby.
    Prey Drive

    Does the Basset Hound have a large prey drive? Does the Basset Hound like to chase birds, cats, and other small animals?

    The Basset Hound has a very high prey drive and will naturally chase after any small animals it sees. They can co-exist with cats or other animals at the home, but we would not recommend it without supervision.
    Athleticism

    Is the Basset Hound atheltic?

    The Basset Hound can have athletic moments, and bursts of speed, but does not have the endurance as other highly athletic dog breeds. They would do great for occasional jogs, but probably not the best for long-distance runs or anything more athletic than that.
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  1. Hound
  2. Scenthound
  3. Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is a purebred dog that belongs to the Scenthound sub group, which falls under the larger Hound dog breed group.
Hound group: The hound has traditionally been used alongside hunters to track or chase prey. Unlike retrievers who are bred primarily to retrieve and bring back the prey, hounds were typically bred to have excellent vision, scent, or speed to pursue the prey. Because of the Hound's excellent vision, scent, and focus, they are a common police and secret services dog. Hounds are typically categorized into either "scent hounds" or "sight hounds". Both exercise and mental stimulation is important for hounds because of their history. They want to feel they have a "job" and want to go to bed feeling they have done their day's duty.
Scenthound sub-group: The scenthounds were the original hunting dogs. Many go back thousands of years, and their exceptional scent is something that has been passed down through the generations. Typically people think about dogs using their amazing smell for hunting, but it is also used for drug detection, and even finding people lost in the woods. Certain scenthounds have such amazing scent, that they can distinguish an injured person or animal from a non-injured one. Scenthounds can be trained very well, but may need a firm leader. They are used to working a job outside, so are not the ideal apartment dog.

Basset Hounds for adoption

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