Basset Hound
Overview
A French-bred scent hound with a low, long body built to follow a trail on foot, the Basset Hound is gentle, easy-going and famously stubborn. Good with children and other dogs, but ruled by its nose. It suits relaxed homes that will watch its weight, care for the long ears, secure the garden, and forgive a loud, melodious bay.
Temperament & family fit
In general, a Basset Hound is good with children and sociable with other dogs. They tend to be a moderate barker, and as a guide they are manageable for committed beginners. As with any dog, early socialisation, reward-based training and supervision around young children make all the difference.
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Basset Hound typically needs around 30 minutes (gentle, broken into shorter walks) of exercise a day (roughly 30–45 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk, some play and a little training usually keeps them content; mental stimulation matters as much as the distance covered. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Coat upkeep is easy-care and shedding is moderate. A quick brush now and then, plus the occasional bath when needed, is usually plenty. Whatever the coat, check ears, nails and teeth as part of a regular routine.
Feeding considerations
Like any dog, a Basset Hound should get most of its nutrition from a complete, balanced dog food appropriate for its size and life stage. Portions scale with body weight and activity, so a medium breed will eat a moderate amount compared with other breeds — follow the food’s feeding guide and your vet’s advice, and weigh portions to avoid creeping weight gain. Treats — including fruit and veg — should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories.
Pros & cons
Pros
- +Gentle, easy-going and good with children and dogs
- +Relatively low energy indoors
Things to consider
- –Stubborn with a nose that overrides recall
- –Prone to ear problems, weight gain and a loud bay
Is a Basset Hound right for you?
On space, a Basset Hound is best with a garden — they do best with access to a secure garden and regular outdoor exercise. For experience level, they are manageable for committed beginners. First-time owners can absolutely succeed, but should be ready for consistent training, exercise and (ideally) some support.
Kit that suits a Basset Hound
Size-appropriate everyday essentials:
Helpful tools
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
Are Basset Hounds good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Basset Hounds tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Basset Hound need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Basset Hound needs around 30 minutes (gentle, broken into shorter walks) of exercise a day (30–45 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk plus some play and training usually keeps them happy. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Basset Hounds shed a lot?
Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is easy-care — a quick brush now and then is usually enough.
Are Basset Hounds easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Manageable for committed beginners. Basset Hounds are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Basset Hounds bark a lot?
Moderate barker. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Basset Hounds good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Basset Hounds suit flats or smaller homes?
Best with a garden. A Basset Hound is happiest with access to a secure garden and regular outdoor exercise.