Dog breed profile
Basset hound
A detailed profile covering characteristics, everyday care and linked health conditions.
Quick facts
Typical guide only; individual needs vary.
Profile description
The Basset Hound is a low-set, heavy-boned scent hound developed primarily in France and Britain for tracking rabbits and hare at a pace that hunters could follow on foot. Most adults stand no more than about 38 centimetres tall but may weigh between 20 and 30 kilograms because of their substantial body and bone. The breed has a long body, very short legs, large feet, extremely long ears, loose facial skin and a deep chest.
Its short coat occurs in many recognised hound colours, commonly tricolour or red and white. Basset Hounds possess an exceptional sense of smell and may become completely absorbed in following a scent trail. They are usually gentle, sociable, patient and affectionate with family members. Many enjoy the company of children and other dogs, although their size and weight mean interactions with very small children should still be supervised.
Bassets can be independent and slow to respond when they do not see a reason to comply. Their voices are deep and carrying, and they may bark, bay or howl when excited, lonely or following a scent. Despite their calm appearance, young Basset Hounds can be playful and surprisingly active. This breed generally suits owners who can manage its weight, long ears, loose skin and scent-driven behaviour while providing patient training and moderate daily exercise.
A household should evaluate a Basset hound by the demands of adult life, not solely by colour, size or puppy behaviour. Living space alone does not determine suitability for a Basset hound; access to companionship, purposeful activity, rest and consistent handling is more important than the size of the property.
First-time dog owner tips
Practical preparation for welcoming this breed into your home.
Care requirements
Daily Basset hound care requires controlled daily exercise, careful weight management and regular attention to its ears, skin, nails and spine. Several moderate walks each day are preferable to a single strenuous session. Exercise helps maintain muscle strength and reduces obesity, but repetitive jumping, long staircases and high-impact activities should be limited, particularly during puppyhood. Mental work for a Basset hound can come from scent searches, food puzzles, cooperative handling and short training problems matched to the dog's confidence and physical ability. Increase duration and impact gradually in a young or previously unfit Basset hound; fatigue, altered gait or reluctance should prompt rest and assessment instead of forced completion.
The breed should remain on lead or within secure fencing because it may follow a scent without recognising traffic or other hazards. Training should begin early and use food rewards, praise and short, enjoyable sessions. Recall can be unreliable, so physical management remains important even after training.
The long ears should be inspected and cleaned according to veterinary advice because limited airflow can contribute to infection. Skin folds around the face, neck and body should be kept clean and dry. Eyes should be checked for redness, discharge or irritation. The short coat needs weekly brushing, while nails often require frequent trimming because the breed may not wear them down naturally. Teeth should be brushed regularly.
Food must be measured carefully, as excess weight places substantial strain on the back, hips, elbows and short legs. Meals should be divided into two or more portions, and vigorous activity avoided around feeding times because the deep chest may increase the risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus. Regular veterinary checks should monitor the ears, eyes, joints, spine, heart, skin and thyroid function. Ramps may be useful for accessing vehicles or furniture.
Conditions linked to this breed
Cervical Spondylomyelopathy [CSM, Canine Wobbler Syndrome]
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Cherry Eye [Prolapsed Gland of the Nictitans]
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Dermatomyositis
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Ectropion and Entropion
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Elbow Dysplasia
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Exposure Keratopathy (Corneal Ulcers)
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Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV, or “Bloat”)
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Glaucoma (Primary, Inherited)
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Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy (Krabbe Disease)
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Intervertebral Disc Disease IVDD
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Lafora Body Disease Lafora’s Disease
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Luxating Patella
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Osteochondrosis
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Otitis Externa (Ear Infections)
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Panosteitis
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Progressive Retinal Atrophy Generalised
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General dog health conditions
These conditions can affect dogs generally and are not presented as conditions specifically associated with this breed.
Cataract [Cloudiness of the Lens of the Eye]
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Diabetes Mellitus
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Hypothyroidism
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Pancreatitis
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