Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are scent hounds with long ears, short legs, and a famously laid-back attitude. They’re often friendly with people and other dogs, but their powerful nose can make them stubborn when they catch an interesting scent. Bassets tend to enjoy steady, moderate walks rather than intense exercise, and they do best when kept at a healthy weight. Their long ears and skin folds need routine cleaning and monitoring. Patience and positive training, they are calm, affectionate family companions.
The Basset Hound is a medium dog in the Hound group, known for Easygoing, Stubborn, Friendly. Adults typically weigh 40-65 lbs and stand 11-15 in, with a lifespan around 10-12 years.
Quick facts
- Group: Hound
- Size: medium
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
- Weight: 40-65 lbs
- Height: 11-15 in
- Temperament: Easygoing, Stubborn, Friendly, Scent-driven
Temperament & day-to-day life
Temperament helps you predict what daily life with this breed may feel like. The Basset Hound is often described as Easygoing, Stubborn, Friendly, Scent-driven. Individual dogs vary, but these traits are a solid starting point when you’re planning training, enrichment, and routines.
If you’re researching this breed because you’re trying to identify your own dog, use temperament as supporting evidence—not the final verdict. Compare size, proportions, and behavior patterns, then confirm with a photo using the AI dog breed identifier.
Training & exercise
Hounds were developed to follow scent or sight. Many have strong instincts to track, chase, or explore—traits that show up clearly on walks.
Recall and leash skills are especially important. Use high-value rewards and practice in low-distraction environments before leveling up.
Enrichment that taps into sniffing and tracking (scent games, long-line walks) can be as valuable as pure running for many hounds.
History
Basset Hounds were developed in France as low-slung scent hounds used to track game on foot. Their build and nose allowed hunters to follow slowly and steadily behind.
Care tips
Good care is less about perfection and more about consistency. Start with simple routines you can keep up—daily movement, a predictable feeding plan, and regular check-ins for ears, nails, and skin.
- Provide steady exercise and keep weight controlled to protect joints.
- Clean ears regularly to prevent infections from trapped moisture.
- Use harnesses for walks; strong scent drive can lead to pulling.
- Train with patience and rewards; stubbornness is common.
- Check skin folds and keep them clean to reduce irritation.
Similar breeds to compare
Many breeds share similar silhouettes and features. If you’re comparing AI results or deciding between breeds, it helps to read a few profiles side by side. Common look-alikes and close cousins to the Basset Hound include Beagle, Bloodhound, Dachshund, Basenji.
When you compare, focus on structure (muzzle length, ear set, body proportions) as much as coat color. Then confirm by looking at temperament and daily care needs.
FAQ
How big do Basset Hounds get?
Most adult Basset Hounds fall around 40-65 lbs and stand 11-15 in. Genetics, diet, and activity level all influence where an individual dog lands within that range.
How long do Basset Hounds live?
The typical lifespan is 10-12 years. Preventive vet care, healthy weight, and consistent daily exercise are some of the biggest factors that support longevity.
What is the Basset Hound temperament like?
Many owners describe this breed as Easygoing, Stubborn, Friendly, Scent-driven. Early socialization and reward-based training help those traits show up as calm confidence at home and on walks.
How can I identify a Basset Hound from a photo?
Upload a clear photo (ideally with the full body visible) to our dog breed identifier. Use the results as a starting point, then compare likely matches in the breed directory.