Basset Hound Breed Facts and Information

Basset Hounds are easy to groom, but they do shed and drool a lot. With weekly brushing and a regular bath, their fur should be in good shape and manageably contained. Their skin is loose and thin, so it’s helpful to go slow and pay attention to avoid accidents and injuries while you brush.

One of the most important grooming practices for Basset Hounds is cleaning their folds and ears. Since they hang low and easily capture dirt, their ears and dewlap need regular cleaning to avoid infection and irritation. Aside from regular maintenance cleaning including ears, teeth, and eyes, it’s generally an easy breed to keep groomed.

Coat length: Short

Grooming: Occasional

Shedding: Most members of the family known as “Hounds” have shedding issues, and the Basset Hound is no exception. Their short fur ends up everywhere they go, so it’s up to you to tackle the shedding problem to help contain the mess. First, you need to do weekly brushing with a good quality dog brush. Take the opportunity to collect as much hair as possible in a controlled environment –don’t wait for those little hairs to break or fall out on their own. Another key strategy to tackle the Basset Hound shedding problem is working with the right tools. A proper vacuum and sanitary wipes can help pick up the hair and drool left by your lovable companion.

Training: Since they can be a bit stubborn and difficult to keep focused, Basset Hounds do well when they get proper training suited to their personality. Positive reinforcement and leaving room for some independence is crucial. Basset Hounds don’t respond well to harsh training or forceful education. Take it easy and help your Basset Hound to build his confidence and trust over time.

Basset Hounds are strong and agile, but their limbs are relatively fragile. Don’t let them jump off couches or car seats – lift them to the ground instead.

Barking: Basset Hounds do bark, but it’s not something strongly associated with the breed. If your companion is howling and barking all day, it may be a sign of a medical or behavioral problem lurking under the surface. As a pack animal, the Basset Hound often competes for attention with constant barking, especially out on the hunt.

Temperament & Behavior: Basset Hounds can be stubborn with a high prey drive, but they are also loving and affectionate companions. Once they settle into family life, Bassets are laid back and relaxed most of the time. They are usually very tolerant and happy to share their space with other people and pets. Basset Hounds don’t like to be left alone all day, and they prefer to live in a pack with other pets - dogs or cats. As with all breeds, the Basset Hound thrives with early socialization and dog obedience classes. It pays to lay a foundation as a puppy to help your dog develop the proper habits and behaviors later in life.

Behavior with kids: Basset Hounds make a great family pet since they have a gentle and loving manner around children and other pets. They are very tolerant and playful, and they are used to a bit of rough-and-tumble play as a pack breed meant for hunting. As always, supervise any small children or people not used to being around dogs.

Protection: A Basset Hound’s friendly disposition overrides any strong instinct to protect their home and family. They aren’t timid dogs, but they won’t scare off many burglars or unwanted guests.

Life Span: On average, Basset Hounds live to be about 11-12 years old.

Inherited health issues: Elbow dysplasia, Basset Hound thrombopathia, Panosteitis, Cervical vertebral malformation, Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), Primary seborrhea, Ectropion, Entropion, Eversion of the cartilage of the nictitating membrane, Glaucoma, Macroblepharon, Persistent hyaloid artery, Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, Nasal cavity tumors, Malassezia dermatitis, Mycobacterium avium complex, X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency and Lafora’s disease.

Preventive care: Due the nature of the Basset Hound’s achondroplasia (form of dwarfism), they are prone to developing elbow dysplasia. While there is no definitive measure to prevent this condition, maintaining your Basset Hound at a healthy body weight is critical to reduce the stress placed on these joints. Due to a Basset Hound’s long back, lifting your pet off of furniture and out of the car can be helpful to decrease the impact on the back caused by jumping down. Pet stairs can also be a beneficial tool around the house.

Regular ear cleaning and wiping of skin folds with a veterinary anti-fungal product can be helpful in maintaining skin health since Basset Hounds are prone to developing fungal infections. There are genetic screening tests for some of the inherited conditions in Basset Hounds that are particularly useful prior to breeding in an attempt to decrease the dissemination of these conditions.

Proper portion control is the key to feeding a Basset Hound in order to maintain a healthy body weight. Overweight Basset Hounds are more likely to develop problems associated with their elbows and backs should they become obese. Always use a measuring cup to measure your dog’s food intake.

Daily Consumption: Average daily consumption for an adult Basset is 2-3 cups

Energy Level: Enjoys some moderate exercise every now and then

Exercise: It is easy to take care of a Basset Hound, but they do need a little TLC to stay happy and healthy. A regular walk and some playtime running around the house are both crucial to burn off excess energy and keep their minds stimulated. Always keep your Basset on a leash – their legendary prey drive will get them into trouble, and your commands may fall on deaf ears. Better safe than sorry – use a leash out in public.

Wanderlust is common to the breed. Even if you have a fenced backyard, a Basset Hound may try to break out of containment to follow a really enticing scent. Before you let your Basset run free in the yard, it’s worth shoring up your fence. Keep a close eye on your Basset over the first few hours in the backyard. Your companion will let you know if there are any holes!

Climate: Basset Hounds can withstand most climates, but they don’t do well in extreme cold or heat. If you live in a very cold or very warm place, it’s worth playing extra attention to your Basset Hound. Be on the lookout for sign of health distress such as extreme panting or shivering.

Living space: Basset Hounds are easy to fit into a small space. They don’t have abundant energy, and their medium-sized packaging should feel at home in the smallest apartment.