Breed Guide — No. 39 of 205

The Basset
Hound

A low-slung French scent hound with the second-best nose in dogdom, endless floppy ears, and a soulful, unbothered charm. Gentle, stubborn, and permanently convinced the sofa belongs to them.

40–65Lbs, Adult
10–13Years, Lifespan
#39AKC Popularity
1885AKC Recognised
Close-up of a Basset Hound with long floppy ears
Energy
Shedding
Trainability
Good w/ Kids
Bark Level

Temperament, honestly

4 traits
01A nose that runs the show
The Basset was bred to trail scent for hours, and its nose is reckoned second only to the Bloodhound's. This matters enormously day to day: once a Basset locks onto a smell, the rest of the world — including you and your commands — politely ceases to exist. It's not disobedience so much as single-minded devotion to the trail, which is exactly what they were built for.
02Stubborn, gloriously so
Bassets are intelligent but famously independent — a hound bred to work on its own initiative rather than await instructions. Training takes real patience, humour and a bottomless supply of treats, and even then a Basset reserves the right to consider your request and decline. Food motivates them like almost nothing else, which is both the key to training and a lifelong dieting problem.
03Low energy, real needs
Bassets have a reputation as couch potatoes, and they do love a long nap, but don't mistake that for needing no exercise. A daily walk is essential — both to burn energy and to keep weight off a body already carrying a lot of dog on short legs. They amble rather than sprint, and their nose will set the pace, stopping to investigate every fascinating smell along the way.
04Gentle to the bone
Bassets are famously easy-going, patient and affectionate — pack hounds by breeding, they crave company and get on beautifully with children and other dogs. That mellow, tolerant nature makes them wonderful family dogs. The flip side is that they hate being alone and, left to their own devices too long, will bay mournfully and find trouble to occupy themselves.

Living with one

4 essentials

Clean those ears

Long, low ears trap moisture and air poorly, making infections common. Check and clean them weekly, without fail.

Wipe the eyes

Those droopy lower eyelids expose the eye to irritation. Gentle wiping and vet checks keep them comfortable.

Protect the back

A long spine on short legs means disc risk. Discourage jumping on and off furniture and manage their weight carefully.

Watch the waistline

Bassets live to eat and gain weight fast, which strains their back and joints. Measured meals are non-negotiable.

Coat colours

5 common coats

Tri-colour

The classic Basset — black, tan and white in bold patches.

Lemon & White

Soft pale tan on white. Gentle and much-loved.

Red & White

Rich chestnut and white. Warm and striking.

Brown & White

Liver and white, sometimes with ticking. Understated and classic.

Blue (rare)

A dilute grey. Uncommon, and can carry skin issues — buy carefully.

Most Bassets are some combination of black, tan, red, lemon and white — the classic tri-colour is the icon, but any recognised hound colouring is fair game. The rare "blue" dilute looks striking but can carry skin and coat problems, so treat premium prices for it with caution. Whatever the markings, a Pawtrait renders them faithfully — every patch, freckle and floppy ear.

Did you know

The Basset Hound's nose is second only to the Bloodhound's — they have around 220 million scent receptors, and their long ears actually help sweep scent up towards that remarkable nose.
The 60-second match test

Is a Basset Hound right for you?

Six honest questions. No email required, no judgement. Mostly.

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Basset vs the other scent hounds

3 breeds
Basset Hound Beagle Dachshund
Adult weight40–65 lbs20–30 lbs16–32 lbs
EnergyLow–mediumHighMedium
SheddingModerateModerateLow–moderate
Nose powerEliteExcellentVery good
StubbornnessHighHighHigh

What one actually costs

First-year estimates, USD
Puppy price$800–$2,000

Reputable, health-testing breeders. Be wary of "rare" dilute colours; rescues far lower.

Insurance / yr$500–$1,000

Cover for back problems, ear infections, eye issues and bloat is well worth having.

Food / yr$450–$750

They'd eat all day if allowed. Measured, quality food keeps weight off that long back.

Vet & extras / yr$500–$1,100+

Routine care plus ear cleaner, eye wipes, a ramp for the sofa, and back-friendly bedding.

Still unnamed?

The Basset name dealer
Beau
French, handsome, and a nod to those soulful eyes.

See your Basset Hound as a Pawtrait

6 styles
Photorealistic Basset Hound custom pet portrait preview

Bring it home

Starting at $19
Canvas Print

Framed Canvas

From $69
Phone Case

Phone Case

From $24
Mug

Photo Mug

From $19
Tote Bag

Tote Bag

From $22

Basset Hound FAQ

The questions everyone Googles
Do Basset Hounds shed a lot?

More than you'd expect. That short, dense coat sheds steadily year-round, so regular brushing and a good vacuum are part of Basset life. Their skin also produces a natural "houndy" odour, so occasional baths help. Low-maintenance coat, but not a low-shedding one.

Are Basset Hounds hard to train?

They're not stupid — far from it — but they are famously stubborn and independent, bred to follow their nose rather than your commands. Training works with patience, short sessions and a lot of food motivation, but expect a hound that weighs up every request. Recall is especially tricky: once a Basset catches a scent, it may simply stop listening. A secure garden is essential.

Are Basset Hounds good with kids?

Wonderfully so. Bassets are gentle, patient, sturdy and famously tolerant, which makes them one of the best family hounds around. As pack dogs they love company and generally get on well with other pets too. Supervise young children as always, but a Basset's easy-going nature does most of the work.

How much does a Basset Hound cost?

Roughly $800–$2,000 from a reputable, health-testing breeder in the US. Then budget around $1,300–$2,500 a year for food, insurance and vet care — factor in their tendency towards ear, eye and back problems, which can add up over a lifetime.

Can Basset Hounds be left alone?

Not happily, and not for long. As pack-bred hounds they crave company and are prone to separation anxiety, boredom and mournful baying when left too long. They do best in homes where someone is around for much of the day, or with another dog for company.

Do Basset Hounds bark a lot?

They're not constant barkers, but they are hounds — and they have a deep, loud, unmistakable bay they'll use for visitors, excitement, loneliness or simply because they feel like it. It carries a long way, which is worth thinking about if you have close neighbours. Trainable, but the voice is very much part of the breed.

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