France
Weight
40-65 lb
Height
11-15 in
Lifespan
10-12 yrs
Coat
Smooth Short
The Basset Hound is a medium hound breed from France, shaped by following scent or sight with persistence and independence and a laid-back, friendly temperament.
Official, native, and commonly used variants
No widely used alternate names are recorded for this breed.
Weight
40-65 lb
Height
11-15 in
Lifespan
10-12 yrs
Coat
Smooth Short
At A Glance
A quick read on energy, upkeep, and what day-to-day life with this breed usually feels like.
Energy
Low
Barking
Moderate
Drooling
High
Shedding
Moderate
Grooming
2/5
First-time owner
Yes
The Basset Hound comes from France and belongs to the Hound group, where its background is tied to following scent or sight with persistence and independence. For the Basset Hound, that history is not just decoration; it helps explain the habits owners see around work, rest, people, and daily handling. Expect the Basset Hound to be a medium dog with laid-back, friendly, patient, stubborn traits, low energy, and moderate barking.
In everyday life, the Basset Hound is usually best judged by routine fit. It can fit smaller homes when Basset Hound barking and exercise are managed, and its short smooth coat brings moderate shedding with grooming needs rated 2/5. For exercise, the Basset Hound should get about 30 to 45 minutes a day for many healthy adults, built from two modest walks, indoor play, and a little mental work. Most Basset Hound dogs do better with consistent small routines than with occasional exhausting outings. Training the Basset Hound should stay practical and reward-based, with early socialization around people, dogs, handling, and normal household noise.
The Basset Hound is most likely to suit owners who appreciate laid-back temperament and can meet the care pattern consistently. The Dogs Index profile rates the Basset Hound as having strong family potential when handled respectfully, 5/5 dog sociability, and 4/5 stranger comfort. People considering the Basset Hound should compare related breeds before deciding if the routine feels realistic. Health notes for the Basset Hound should be discussed with a veterinarian and, when buying a puppy, with responsible breeders who screen their lines.
This breed tends to suit homes looking for a laid-back, friendly, patient companion, with daily rhythms shaped by low energy, moderate barking, and high drooling.
Coat type
Smooth
Coat length
Short
Shedding
Moderate
Colors
Tricolor, Lemon and White, Red and White
Basset Hound can suit apartment life well because of its medium size and manageable exercise needs, but moderate barking still needs a plan. For the Basset Hound, hallway noise, doorbells, and window-watching are the main things to manage with calm routines and enrichment.
Basset Hound has a moderate barking profile, so owners should expect some alerting and excitement barking. Teaching the Basset Hound a calm response to door sounds, passing dogs, and visitors is easier than trying to stop barking after it becomes a habit.
Basset Hound can be independent, so training works best when rewards are meaningful and sessions are kept simple. With the Basset Hound, pushing for long repetitions often backfires; consistency, patience, and early socialization are more useful.
The Basset Hound's short smooth coat is relatively simple to maintain, with moderate shedding. Routine brushing, nail trimming, ear checks, and skin checks still matter for the Basset Hound, especially after muddy walks or seasonal shedding changes.
Basset Hound needs about 30 to 45 minutes a day for many healthy adults, built from two modest walks, indoor play, and a little mental work. For the Basset Hound, build activity into most days instead of relying on one big weekend outing, and mix in sniffing, training, or puzzle work so the dog has a mental outlet as well as physical movement.
The Basset Hound's short smooth coat is relatively simple to maintain, with moderate shedding. Routine brushing, nail trimming, ear checks, and skin checks still matter for the Basset Hound, especially after muddy walks or seasonal shedding changes.
Basset Hound can be independent, so training works best when rewards are meaningful and sessions are kept simple. With the Basset Hound, pushing for long repetitions often backfires; consistency, patience, and early socialization are more useful.
Feed Basset Hound a measured diet appropriate for a medium dog, its age, and its activity level. For the Basset Hound, keep body condition lean, adjust portions when exercise changes, and ask your veterinarian about diet details if weight, digestion, allergies, or joint stress are concerns.
Energy level
Low
Barking level
Moderate
Drooling level
High
Watchdog ability
2/5
Guard dog ability
1/5
Climate tolerance
Common concerns to discuss with your vet and breeder.
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