Basset Hound
Long ears, soulful eyes, and an easygoing nature define this loyal companion. Basset Hounds are gentle, affectionate dogs who thrive in family settings and cherish close bonds.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
36–38 cm (male)
33–36 cm (female)
WEIGHT
23–29 kg (male)
20–27 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
12–13 years
Basset Hound: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Basset Hound isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Basset Hound's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Basset Hound is gentle, laid-back, and sociable, known for its affectionate nature with family members and tolerance toward children and other pets.
Key Personality Traits
Gentle and welcoming with people and pets
Learns basic commands, can be stubborn
Prefers lounging to vigorous daily activity
Enjoys play but not overly exuberant
Adjusts well to different home environments
Strengths
- Gentle and patient with children
- Affectionate and loyal family companion
- Excellent scent tracking ability
- Generally good with other dogs
- Low to moderate exercise requirements
Challenges
- Prone to ear infections due to long ears
- Can be stubborn and independent-minded
- Tendency to gain weight easily
- Slow to house train compared to other breeds
- May bark or howl when left alone
Protect your Basset Hound
Basset Hound can develop ear infections and intervertebral disc disease. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Basset Hounds are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
Basset Hounds are intelligent but can be stubborn and independent, sometimes showing a slow response to training. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are essential for successful training.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
45–60 minutes daily
recommended per day
This breed has moderate exercise needs and enjoys regular walks and sniffing activities. While not highly energetic, Basset Hounds benefit from daily mental and physical stimulation to maintain health and prevent boredom.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Basset Hounds are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Basset Hound would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Easygoing temperament and manageable exercise needs suit inexperienced owners
Apartment Living
Calm demeanor and moderate exercise needs fit apartment life well
Active Lifestyle
Low energy levels may not match active, outdoorsy lifestyles
Kids
Patient and gentle with children, generally tolerant of family activity
Multiple Pets
Usually accepts other pets due to a gentle, non-territorial nature
Being Left Alone
Dislikes being left alone for extended periods and may become destructive
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Basset Hounds compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Basset Hound
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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