Discover Everything About Basset Hound
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
Basset Hound overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
The Basset Hound receives a D grade because its extreme anatomy leads to significant health challenges. Chronic issues such as ectropion (drooping eyelids) and hip dysplasia (HD) are exacerbated by the breed's typical build, necessitating very strict breeding selection. Furthermore, genetically linked Lafora epilepsy poses a serious neurological risk, which can, however, be managed through targeted DNA testing.
Lifespan
10–12 yrs
Height
33–38 cm
Weight
20–34 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,200 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Short, smooth, dense
- Origin: Great Britain
Typical coat colors
- Usually tricolor (black
- brown
- white) or bicolor
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Basset Hound, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Basset Hound right for you?
The Basset Hound is a laid-back looking but extremely enduring low-slung Meutehund (pack hound) — bred to spend hours following hares through dense brush with their nose to the ground and a loud baying voice.
Perfect for you if:
- You appreciate a dog with a mind of its own and take it with a sense of humor when a command is first given some serious thought.
- You enjoy scent work and leisurely outings — they were bred for hours of endurance on the trail, not for sprints.
- You live on the ground floor or have an elevator, as their low-slung build is not made for stairs.
Less ideal if:
- You expect a dog that remains reliably recallable in the woods — when a fresh scent appears, this pack hound's hearing completely shuts off.
- You have to leave them alone for long periods daily, which is pure stress for this extremely pack-oriented operating system.
- You are fussy about cleanliness and are bothered by the dirt they inevitably carry into the house with their long ears.
The real vibes check
A Basset Hound doesn't argue loudly; they simply slow down until you give up. What shines in the undergrowth as iron-willed focus on a trail means in everyday life that a walk in the pouring rain might just end right at the front door. You aren't getting an obedient command-follower, but a stubborn yet incredibly charming philosopher who enjoys life at their own rhythm.
Breed Profile
The Basset Hound is a medium-sized dog with a distinctive appearance. Its short legs and elongated body make it a unique creature. His large, floppy ears and sad-looking eyes give him a charming and expressive look that makes him incredibly likeable. The Basset Hound belongs to FCI Group 6, which includes running dogs and bloodhounds. There are no specific lines within the breed, as is the case with some other dogs. A special characteristic of the Basset Hound is its exceptionally good nose. In fact, it is second only to the Bloodhound in terms of ability to detect scents, making it an excellent sniffer dog.
| Height | 33 - 38 cm (Female), 33 - 38 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 20 - 29 kg (Female), 25 - 34 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 10 - 12 years |
| Character | Loyal, relaxed, patient |
| Coat | Short, smooth, dense |
| Coat Color | Usually tricolor (black, brown, white) or bicolor |
| Price | 1200 - 2500 € |
History
The Basset Hound has its roots in France and is closely related to the Bloodhound. The name "Basset" comes from the French word "bas", meaning "low" means, and refers to the short legs of the breed. The breed is believed to have originated in the 16th century, with the first written mentions of the Basset Hound being found in the 17th century. The Basset Hound was originally used to hunt small game such as rabbits and hares. Its short legs made it move slower than other hunting dogs, allowing hunters to follow it on foot. The breed first became popular in Britain in the 19th century and later in the United States. The Basset Hound was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1916.
The Basset Hound was bred to hunt hares and rabbits and is known for its excellent nose and calm nature.
Great Britain
1800
Character & Temperament
The Basset Hound is a relaxed and cozy companion. If you are looking for a calm, even-tempered dog who enjoys spending time with family, the Basset Hound could be exactly what you are looking for. His calm nature makes him a great family dog. He is patient and gets along well with children. However, he tends to be a bit stubborn, meaning he has a mind of his own at times. This little stubbornness can sometimes cause him to be a little picky when it comes to activities that he doesn't necessarily like. But don't worry, with a little patience and understanding he will be a loyal and loving companion. The Basset Hound is known for its exceptional tracking skills. His nose is almost as good as the Bloodhound's, and he loves to follow it. So during walks he can sometimes be a bit stubborn and follow the scent trails he has picked up. It's important to make sure he doesn't stray too far from his path, especially when he's not on a leash. When it comes to other dogs, the Basset Hound is generally sociable and gets along well with them. He is also not overly alert, meaning that while he can alert strangers, he is not necessarily a watchdog. Since the Basset Hound was originally bred for hunting, it has a certain hunting instinct. While he won't necessarily hunt, his nose may tempt him to follow an interesting scent. As for the people side, the Basset Hound is very affectionate and loves to be around his people. However, he is also independent enough to stay alone as long as it is not for too long. In terms of temperament, the Basset Hound can be said to be on the calm side. He is not hyperactive, but he still needs regular walks and mental stimulation. Be careful not to overwhelm him with activities, as his body structure can make him prone to joint problems.
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Noticeable drive — needs attention around small animals. | Moderate |
Fun Fact!
Basset Hounds have the second best sense of smell of all dog breeds - only surpassed by the Bloodhound!
What Awaits You
Bassets suffer from some torturous breeding traits due to overemphasis on traits. Due to loose connective tissue, the skin wrinkles can be extreme, so constant care is necessary to avoid inflammation. A surgical eye lift may be necessary in the eye area. Musculoskeletal problems are also common.
Housing & Care
Despite their size, Basset Hounds are surprisingly adaptable and can be kept in both apartments and houses with a garden as long as they get regular exercise. They are known for their friendliness and patience and tend to get along well with children and other pets. Their calm, easy-going nature makes them good candidates for multi-dog households.
| Family Friendly Lives for its family — the born family companion. | Ideal family dog |
| Child Friendly Extraordinarily patient and loving — a true family dog. | Excellent with children |
| Dog Friendly Actively enjoys the company of other dogs. | Dog-friendly |
| City Friendly Adapts well to city living and urban environments. | Well-suited to city life |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
Raising a Basset Hound can be challenging as they often have a stubborn, independent personality. They respond best to positive reinforcement and patience. Although they don't necessarily tend to be ball junkies, they love walks and sniffing games because they have a keen sense of smell. It's important to encourage their mental stimulation and give them plenty of opportunities to use their nose.
Nutrition & Care
Basset Hounds can be prone to being overweight, so a balanced, healthy diet is essential. Depending on the dog's age, size and activity level, needs may vary, so it is always good to consult your veterinarian about this. When it comes to grooming, the Basset Hound has a short, dense coat with an undercoat that should be brushed regularly to remove loose hair and promote skin health. They shed moderately and cope well with the climate in Germany.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Needs 1–2 hours of real exercise daily. | Active |
| Shedding No or minimal hair loss — suitable for allergy sufferers. | No shedding |
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
Elevated risks
Health grade
The Basset Hound receives a D grade because its extreme anatomy leads to significant health challenges. Chronic issues such as ectropion (drooping eyelids) and hip dysplasia (HD) are exacerbated by the breed's typical build, necessitating very strict breeding selection. Furthermore, genetically linked Lafora epilepsy poses a serious neurological risk, which can, however, be managed through targeted DNA testing.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should consistently avoid stair climbing, maintain a healthy weight, and regularly care for their skin folds and ears to prevent infections.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the parent animals' eyes, joints, nerves, and blood clotting tested and focus on a moderate build without extreme skin folds.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Experiences with the Basset Hound
Steffi M., Halterin aus dem Münsterland (Rüde, seit 2018)
Wer sich einen Basset Hound ins Haus holt, sollte sich auf ein ganz neues Tempo im Alltag einstellen. Unser Rüde Buddy ist der liebenswerteste Kerl der Welt, aber man braucht unendlich viel Geduld. Wenn wir spazieren gehen, ist seine Nase die meiste Zeit am Boden festgeklebt. Er liest jeden Grashalm wie eine Zeitung und lässt sich dabei absolut nicht hetzen. Wenn man es mal eilig hat, sollte man ihn besser nicht mitnehmen.
Was man vor dem Kauf unbedingt wissen sollte: Diese Rasse hat einen sehr typischen, intensiven Eigengeruch. Sie riechen einfach extrem nach 'Hound', was nicht jeder in der Wohnung mag. Zudem sind sie ausdauernde Läufer – nicht im Sinne von schnellem Rennen, sondern stundenlangem, gemütlichem Traben. Treppensteigen sollte man ihnen wegen des langen Rückens absolut ersparen, weshalb wir ihn im ersten Stock immer tragen müssen.
Carola H., Züchterin aus Hessen (Hündinnen, seit 2015)
Als Züchterin und Halterin höre ich ständig das Vorurteil, Bassets ließen sich überhaupt nicht erziehen. Das stimmt so nicht, aber man muss einfach sturer sein als der Hund selbst! Mit unserer Hündin Lotte haben wir die Hundeschule besucht. Natürlich läuft ein Basset keine perfekte Obedience-Unterordnung, aber die Grundkommandos wie Sitz, Platz und das Ablegen klappen mit viel Liebe, Konsequenz und kreativer Motivation hervorragend.
Die größte Herausforderung im Alltag ist und bleibt jedoch der Jagdtrieb. Ein Basset Hound ist genetisch ein leidenschaftlicher Spürhund mit einer der besten Nasen überhaupt. Wenn man da nicht von Anfang an mit einem konsequenten Anti-Jagdtraining gegensteuert, läuft er jeder Fährte hinterher und blendet die Umwelt komplett aus. Man darf sich von dem gemütlichen Blick nicht täuschen lassen – im Herzen sind sie echte Arbeiter.
Manuela K., Halterin aus dem Westerwald (Hündin, seit 2014)
Unsere Adele ist mittlerweile stolze 12 Jahre alt und bereichert unser Familienleben jeden Tag. Sie ist unglaublich lieb, kinderfreundlich und im Haus ein richtiger Kuschelbär. Allerdings muss man ehrlich sagen, dass die Rasse auch Schattenseiten hat. Man sollte sich vor dem Kauf gut mit den rassetypischen Gesundheitsproblemen auseinandersetzen. Die hängenden Augenlider sind sehr empfindlich für Schmutz und Bindehautentzündungen, und auch die Ohrenpflege darf man niemals vernachlässigen.
Jetzt im Alter merken wir, dass das Laufen mühsamer wird. Ihr langer Rücken macht ihr zu schaffen, weshalb wir ihr ganzes Leben lang penibel auf ihr Gewicht achten mussten – Übergewicht ist pures Gift für ihre Gelenke. Wer einen absolut pflegeleichten, sportlichen Hund sucht, ist hier falsch. Wer aber mit Sabber an den Wänden, extremem Haaren und einem charmanten Dickkopf leben kann, findet keinen treueren Freund.
sinngemäß aus echten Halterberichten
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Frequently asked questions about the Basset Hound
Is a Basset Hound the right dog for me?
The Basset Hound is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Basset Hound live?
The average life expectancy of a Basset Hound is 10-12 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Basset Hound need?
Basset Hound grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Basset Hound good for families with children?
The Basset Hound can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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