• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

Basset Hound Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Basset Hound so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank39
Reviews4
User Ratings
Compare the Basset Hound With Other Dogs
Select at least one dog breed to make the comparsion.
 
 
Basset Hound dog profile picture
OriginFrance flagFrance
Other Names
What other names does the Basset Hound have?
Hush PuppyBasset
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred The Basset Hound is considered a purebred dog breed, but many mixes and hybrids have been created from this breed. We have compiled a list of Basset Hound Mixes.

Photo Gallery of the Basset Hound Breed

Basset Hound Size and Weight

Size
Is a Basset Hound small, medium or large dog?

How big do Basset Hound get?

What is the average size of a Basset Hound?

Medium
Weight
How much does the Basset Hound weigh? How much should a Basset Hound weight? What is the normal weight of a Basset Hound? How much does a full-grown Basset Hound weight?
Male: 50-65 pounds (23-29 kg), Female: 45-60 pounds (20-27 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Basset Hound?
Male: 57.5 pounds (26 kg), Female: 52.5 pounds (23.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Basset Hound? Basset Hound height:
Male: 12-15 inches (30-38 cm), Female: 11-14 inches (28-36 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Basset Hound?
Male: 13.5 inches (34 cm), Female: 12.5 inches (32 cm)

Basset Hound Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Basset Hound puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Basset Hound in the United States? How much money is a Basset Hound?

Where to buy a Basset Hound with a good pedigree?

$300-$500
If you choose to purchase the Basset Hound, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Basset Hound for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Basset Hound gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Basset Hound? How many Basset Hound are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Basset Hound is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Basset Hound Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Basset Hound? Is the Basset Hound breed dumb or smart?
Low: The Basset Hound is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. You need to work hard if you want to impress people with these dog tricks and commands. They understand and memorize new commands in 80-100 repetitions, and obey the first command 25% of the time or better.
Trainability
Are Basset Hound dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Basset Hound?
Basset Hound dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Basset Hound good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Basset Hound dogs are not the best choice if you want a good watchdog. They aren't territorial and protective about their property, so they won't alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Basset Hound dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Basset Hound dogs can't provide protection for their territory. It's better to leave them out of the duty of protecting your valuables and property.

Basset Hound Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Basset Hound have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
FriendlyAffectionateDevotedGentleTemperedSweetTenacious
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Basset Hound sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. Basset Hound dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.

They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Basset Hound a good family dog?
High: Basset Hound dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Hush Puppy need? Basset Hound social needs:
Basset Hound dogs need for social interaction is average. This breed likes being around people or other animals, but they don't mind being left alone for a few hours either.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Basset Hound to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Basset Hound roam?
Basset Hound dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command. This breed is also able to cause damage to your fence.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Basset Hound have high prey drive?
Basset Hound dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. Cats or any other small animals are in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Basset Hound dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Basset Hound Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Basset Hounds are not the most playful dog breed. Sometimes they do like playing, but that's not their favorite activity.
Barking
Do Basset Hound dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Hush Puppy bark?
Average: The Basset Hound barks occasionally. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Basset Hound good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Basset Hound in an apartment?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Basset Hound breed. If you don't have a garden, think carefully about your decision, keeping Basset Hound indoors can cause a lot of problems.

Basset Hound Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Basset Hound dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Basset Hound be left alone? How long can you leave a Basset Hound alone?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. With proper socialization and quality time with the dog can solve this problem.

Basset Hound Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Basset Hound has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Basset Hound? How much bite force does a Basset Hound have? How strong is a Basset Hound bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Basset Hound bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Basset Hound measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Basset Hound is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Basset Hound bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Basset Hound bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Basset Hound puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Basset Hound, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Basset Hound bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Basset Hound can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Basset Hound bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Hush Puppy? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Basset Hound? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Basset Hound has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Basset Hound do?
Basset Hound dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Basset Hound dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Basset Hound Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Basset Hound dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The Basset Hound is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Basset Hound breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Basset Hound breed? Most common health risks of Basset Hound:
Hip Dysplasia Patellar LuxationAllergiesVon Willebrand's DiseaseBloatEntropionEar InfectionsIntervertebral Disk DiseaseCherry EyeEctropionObesityGlaucomaPanosteitisThrombopathia
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Basset Hound breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Basset Hound see the vet?
Average
The Basset Hound should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Basset Hound dogs live? How old can a Basset Hound be? What is the age limit of the Basset Hound? How many years can the oldest Basset Hound live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Basset Hound?

How long is the lifespan of a Basset Hound?

10-12 years
The average lifespan of Basset Hound: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. However, in general, most dogs prefer average to warm weather conditions, as they typically find hot weather conditions to be uncomfortable and taxing.

Basset Hound Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Basset Hound have? What is the activity level of the Basset Hound?
Basset Hound dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs. If you live a chilled life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Basset Hound need? How much exercise do Basset Hound dogs require per day?

Do Basset Hound dogs need a lot of exercises?

Basset Hound dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Basset Hound breed need?
Basset Hound dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot. They're not the most active dog breed. If you live an active life, this breed can be a bad choice for you.

Basset Hound Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Basset Hound need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Basset Hound breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Basset Hound? How much food should I feed my Basset Hound?
1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Basset Hound risk for obesity:
High: The Basset Hound breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding. If you want to keep balance, increase the amount and frequency of your daily dog walk and play with the Basset Hound more often.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Basset Hound weight regularly.

Basset Hound Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Basset Hound have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
Dense
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Basset Hound coats?
BlackGrayTan Red White Brown Tricolor
Grooming
How to groom the Basset Hound and how often? How often should I take my Basset Hound to the groomer?
Easy to groom: The Basset Hound doesn't require a lot of grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Basset Hound is a good choice if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do Basset Hound dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Hush Puppy? Do Basset Hound dogs shed a lot?
Basset Hound dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Basset Hound need a bath? How often should you give a Basset Hound a bath? Can I bathe my Basset Hound every day?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. According to a study, 56% of pet parents don’t bathe their dogs as frequently as they should, and 60% use the sniff test when deciding when it’s bath time.

Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Basset Hound breed hypoallergenic?
No
Basset Hound dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

High 🔼

The Basset Hound has a high chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Basset Hound drool?
The Basset Hound drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool more than others, just like the Basset Hound.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Basset Hound Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Basset Hound dogs get along with other pets? Are Basset Hound dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Basset Hound dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Basset Hound temperament with other people:
Basset Hound dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Basset Hound dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Basset Hound temperament with children:
Basset Hound dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Basset Hound dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Basset Hound breed live with a cat?
Basset Hound dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Basset Hound good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Basset Hound dogs get along with other dogs?
Basset Hound dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Basset Hound can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Basset Hound breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Basset Hound breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Basset Hound dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Basset Hound dogs good office canines? Do Basset Hound dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Basset Hound is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Basset Hound dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Hush Puppy temperament with senior people? Are Basset Hound dogs good for elderly owners?
Basset Hounds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Basset Hound As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Basset Hound be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Basset Hound is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Basset Hound be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Basset Hound be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Basset Hound is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Basset Hound be a sniffer dog?

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Basset Hound breed is a good choice for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Basset Hound be a search and rescue dog?

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people.

The Basset Hound breed is a good choice for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Basset Hound be a boat dog?

Not really

Basset Hound breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Basset Hound be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Basset Hound is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Basset Hound dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Basset Hound Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Basset Hound pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Basset Hound breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Basset Hound: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Basset Hound have in a litter? How many puppies can the Basset Hound breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Basset Hound have? How many puppies can a Basset Hound give birth to?
6-8 puppies

Basset Hound Recognition

AKC Group
Is Basset Hound recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Hound breed.
FCI Group
Is Basset Hound recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Recognized by FCI in the Scent hounds and related breeds group, in the Scent hounds section.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Basset Hound breed?
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryCanadian Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.American Canine Association, Inc.Australian National Kennel CouncilContinental Kennel ClubNational Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel ClubUnited Kennel Club

Basset Hound Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Grooming: Easy to groom: The Basset Hound doesn't require a lot of grooming.
  • Adaptability: Basset Hound dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Basset Hound dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Basset Hound dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Basset Hound dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Basset Hounds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Basset Hound dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog: After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
  • Search and Rescue Dog (SAR): This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Cons
  • Intelligent Rank: Low: The Basset Hound is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
  • Hypoallergenic: Basset Hound dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Friendly: Not an apartment-friendly dog the Basset Hound breed.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Basset Hound drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
  • Stinkiness: The Basset Hound has a high chance of bad smell.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: High: The Basset Hound breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
  • Watchdog Ability: Basset Hound dogs are not the best choice if you want a good watchdog.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Basset Hound dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
  • Office Friendly: Basset Hound is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Basset Hound History

The origins of the short-legged hounds can be traced back to Ancient Egypt, where engravings and recordings were found about them. The present-day Busset Hound is believed to have originated when friars of the Abbey of St. Hubert crossed strains of older French breeds to create a low-built scenting hound; in fact, the French word "basset” is for “low” and even sometimes "dwarf."

The breeders' aim was to create a breed that could navigate in rough terrain while being followed by a human hunting partner on foot. Because of their ability to track rabbits and hare, they were kept by French aristocrats as hunting was a popular pastime. The first representation of them was written by De Fouilloux, who gave a full description of these dogs in his hunting book, La Venerie in 1573. During the numerous political changes in France, lots of primeval breeds became extinct but the Bassets were fortunate enough to remain purebred.

The breed was introduced in the first dog show held in Paris in 1863, five years later in England, one of them was crossed with a beagle, then the descendants were crossed with English bloodhounds. As the result of this procedure the Basset Hound, as the breed itself, was formed, which was officially recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 1880. It's believed that George Washington was a Basset Hound owner; they were gifts presented by Lafayette, a French aristocrat and military officer who commanded American troops in several battles, after the conclusion of the American Revolutionary War. In 1936 the Basset Hound Club of America was established in the United States.

In Europe during the second world war, the population of the Basset Hound was decimated. However, a British breeder, Peggy Keevil freshened the genome with Basset Artesian Normands having a great impact on European rearing. The Basset Hound reached the peak of its popularity in the 1970s. During these years the famous series, Columbo was filmed in which the detective’s dog was a Basset Hound. Thanks to the series, the popularity of the flop-eared increased.

Rate The Basset Hound Breed

Basset Hound Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Luka

    Mar 3, 2023, 5:22:57 PM:

    Super cute bonk

  • Luka

    Feb 14, 2023, 4:43:42 PM:

    Like a 70 year old beagle Also cute Small bloodhound

  • poppy

    Mar 16, 2022, 9:09:23 AM:

  • Nia

    Mar 12, 2022, 1:51:46 AM: