Basset Hound

The breed standard describes the Basset Hound as affectionate, and rightly so. This loyal and loving dog forms strong bonds with their family and thrives on companionship. The Basset doesn’t simply enjoy being around loved ones; they need to feel fully included in daily life to feel truly content and secure. Whether it’s relaxing at home or joining in on everyday routines, the Basset is happiest when treated as a genuine member of the family.

Despite their seemingly solemn and detached expression, the Basset Hound is playful by nature and always up for a bit of fun, whether romping around with other dogs or enjoying time with children.

While tireless and focused when on the scent trail, the Basset Hound is calm and composed at home, traits that make them a wonderfully pleasant and easygoing companion indoors.

Though sometimes stubborn, the Basset Hound is a capable and intelligent dog, both as a hunter and a companion. They take genuine pleasure in putting their abilities to good use, especially when it brings joy to those they are close to.

The Basset Hound is an excellent scent hound, especially when working as part of a pack. Despite their heavy-set appearance, they are remarkably enduring and tenacious in the field. With an exceptionally refined sense of smell, the Basset can follow a trail for hours without showing any signs of fatigue.

Unfortunately, the breed is not as widely valued in hunting circles as it once was, largely due to the limited number of lines still being bred for working purposes.

The Basset Hound is a highly sociable breed, equally friendly with other dogs, different animals, and people. They enjoy interaction, provided they are treated with respect. Naturally gentle and welcoming, Bassets are neither aggressive nor wary, even with strangers. As long as someone seems well-intentioned, they are likely to be greeted with the same cheerful enthusiasm.

Although deeply attached to their social group, the Basset Hound is, at heart, an adventurer, always eager to follow an intriguing scent.

As long as they’ve had enough exercise and their needs are met, this scent hound is usually content to spend a few hours alone at home, especially if given some engaging toys to occupy their time.

That said, the Basset Hound generally needs regular human interaction and should not be left alone for an entire day without outings or social contact.

The Basset Hound puppy can be somewhat stubborn, so early training is important. It should be positive, consistent, firm, and clear. Setting boundaries and establishing rules from the start helps prevent the development of unwanted behaviours.

Once a relationship based on mutual trust is in place, the Basset’s calm and good-natured temperament makes training not only easier but also genuinely enjoyable.

Basset Hounds are known for being quite vocal. They have a distinctive, deep-toned bark and are not shy about using it, whether to alert their family to something unusual, express excitement, or simply join in on the household noise. Some will even ‘talk’ in low, expressive grumbles or howls, especially if they feel left out or want attention. While this vocal nature can be endearing, it’s worth noting that Bassets may not be the quietest choice for those living in very noise-sensitive environments. Early training and plenty of mental stimulation can help keep their chatter in check.

The Basset Hound’s remarkable sense of smell can easily take over their focus, often leading them to follow a scent trail with little regard for their surroundings or their owners. This strong instinct can result in roaming or running off if not properly managed. However, regular scent-based activities, such as tracking games or trailing exercises, can help satisfy this natural drive and reduce the urge to wander.

For those living in the countryside, it’s essential to secure the property with a reliable fence. A well-enclosed outdoor space is especially important during periods when the dog is left unsupervised, as it helps minimise the risk of escape.

Although generally calm by nature, the Basset Hound can become destructive during the juvenile phase or when trying to release pent-up energy. This behaviour often arises if they aren’t given enough daily opportunities for physical activity and mental stimulation. Regular exercise and structured routines are key to helping young Bassets channel their energy in a healthy, manageable way.

The Basset Hound has a hearty appetite, so it’s important to avoid overfeeding. Excess weight can place strain on their long back and short legs, increasing the risk of joint or spinal issues. A balanced diet, portion control, and regular exercise are essential to keeping this breed healthy and comfortable.

Physically, the Basset Hound is not particularly intimidating. In fact, with their affectionate nature and those famously sad eyes, they are far more likely to plead for a gentle pat than to deter anyone. However, if they sense a threat or are made to feel uneasy, they can become alert and vocal. In this way, the Basset serves well as an alarm dog, quick to raise the alarm when something feels amiss.

Despite their sturdy build, it’s generally recommended that the Basset Hound lives indoors. Flat living is perfectly suitable, provided they are taken out for several walks a day.

However, care should be taken in buildings without a lift, as repeated stair use can put strain on their long back and short legs, potentially leading to discomfort or injury.

While this scent hound thrives in the countryside and may enjoy having access to a garden, they should never be left outside for long periods. Regardless of their environment, Bassets need daily walks and regular interaction to stay healthy and content.

The Basset Hound is, at heart, a true scent hound and behaves as such. They benefit greatly from countryside outings whenever possible, as they need plenty of physical activity to stay fit and stimulated. Despite their solid build and short legs, Bassets are surprisingly fast and agile when on the move.

That said, care should be taken to avoid excessive use of stairs. Going upstairs in particular can be uncomfortable, especially for males, for reasons that are easy enough to imagine and best avoided.

Alongside regular walks, this breed thrives on scent-based activities. Games and tasks that engage their exceptional nose, such as trailing, mantrailing, scent games, nosework, or food searches, are ideal ways to keep both body and mind active.

The Basset Hound may appear small due to their short legs, but they are in fact a medium-sized dog. This can make travel a little more complicated in certain situations.

However, if introduced to travel early on and accustomed to different environments and modes of transport from a young age, the Basset Hound generally adapts well. With the right preparation, they can make an excellent travel companion for all kinds of family adventures.

The Basset Hound’s generally peaceful nature often shines through when around cats or other animals. This harmony tends to be even stronger if they’ve been raised alongside other pets and are accustomed to cohabiting from a young age.

That said, the Basset’s hunting instinct can occasionally surface. For this reason, supervision is important, especially in new or stimulating environments. It's also beneficial to teach them how to relax and disengage when needed, helping to maintain calm and safe interactions.

Bred to work within a pack, the Basset Hound is naturally inclined to get along with other dogs, even those of the same sex. Whether out in the field or at home, they tend to avoid conflict and genuinely enjoy the companionship of fellow canines, often taking pleasure in sharing daily life with them.

This scent hound is especially fond of the company of children. Gentle, friendly, and never aggressive, the Basset Hound is well-suited to family life and often proves to be a kind and playful companion for youngsters.

Calm and affectionate by nature, the Basset Hound can be a good match for older owners. However, they should not be subjected to a completely sedentary lifestyle, as a lack of regular physical and mental stimulation may lead to behavioural issues over time.

Sociable and friendly, the Basset Hound is a great choice for first-time dog owners. They adapt well to a range of lifestyles, whether in the city or countryside, in households with or without children, and with or without other pets. This breed’s easygoing nature makes them a versatile and rewarding companion in almost any setting.