Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is the second-best nose in the dog world after the Bloodhound — a low-slung, heavy-boned scent hound with an expression of perpetual mournful dignity and a surprisingly melodic voice.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
France
Lifespan
10–12 years
Weight
20–29 kg (44–65 lbs)
Height
33–38 cm (13–15 in)
Exercise
20 to 40 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — measured portions essential; one of the most obesity-prone breeds
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Basset Hound is the second-best nose in the dog world after the Bloodhound — a low-slung, heavy-boned scent hound with an expression of perpetual mournful dignity and a surprisingly melodic voice. Originally bred in France and Belgium to trail hare and rabbit at a pace a hunter could follow on foot, the Basset's short legs were deliberately selected to reduce speed while maximising scenting ability at close range to the ground. Their long, drooping ears fan scent upward to the nose, and their loose skin on the face traps scent particles.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
The Basset Hound is immediately recognisable — a heavy-boned, short-legged dog carrying substantial weight low to the ground. The head is large with a domed skull, extremely long velvety ears, deeply drooping eyes, and loose, wrinkled skin. The chest is deep and the body long.
Grooming
Low
Shedding
High
Brushing
1-2x-Weekly
Bathing
Every-4-6-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Bassets are gentle, peaceful, and good-natured. They get along with virtually everyone with good-humoured tolerance. Their stubbornness is significant — when a Basset has found an interesting scent, no command will override its nose. Their howl is loud, melodic, and carries for surprising distances.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
4/5Attention Need
3/5Friendliness
5/5Playfulness
3/5Protectiveness
1/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
House-Small-Garden
Daily Exercise
20 to 40 min/day
Ideal Weather
5°C to 28°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
40%
Attention
30%
Playfulness
30%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
excessive howling, drooling increase, stubbornness, appetite loss, hiding
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Daily exercise of 30–45 minutes in a fenced area or on leash — they will follow a scent into traffic without hesitation. Weight management is critical. Ears must be cleaned weekly and checked for infection.
Nutrition Notes
VERY obesity-prone — strict portion control essential. Extra weight devastating to long spine and short legs (IVDD risk like Dachshunds). Bloat risk — feed 2-3 meals. Ear infections require omega-3. Never free-feed a Basset.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
Ear infections are lifelong — longest ears of any breed need weekly cleaning. Bloat. IVDD possible. Glaucoma. Ectropion/entropion. Thrombopathia (platelet disorder — DNA test available). Obesity accelerates joint disease. The second-best nose in dogdom (after Bloodhound).
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
1100 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
800 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a significant concern in this chondrodystrophic breed. Glaucoma is a significant breed concern — elevated eye pressure causing blindness. Thrombopathy (platelet dysfunction) is a bleeding disorder unique to Bassets. Ear infections are very common.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
Hush Puppies shoe brand mascot. Tricolour (black/white/tan) most classic. Drool is moderate but constant. Ear cleaning supplies are an ongoing cost. India: moderate availability.
Purchase Price
$800 to $2,000
Adoption Fee
$50 to $400
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Basset Hound's nose contains approximately 220 million scent receptors — second only to the Bloodhound.
Basset Hounds are featured in more advertising campaigns than almost any other breed — Hush Puppies shoes, Fred Basset (UK's longest-running newspaper comic strip at over 60 years).
The name "Basset" derives from the French "bas" meaning low.
