bASSET [bETH] (2024)

FAQs

Is a Basset Hound a good pet? ›

They do well in family environments thanks to their sweet nature and ability to get along so well with children. Basset Hounds are very social and so enjoy the company of their owners for most of the day. They best suit a family home where there is always someone around and lots of opportunities to be with people.

The Basset Hound was originally developed in France as a trailer of small game that hunters could follow on foot. Bassets continued to achieve very notable popularity during the reign of Emperor Napoleon, and in 1880 Queen Alexandra kept Basset Hounds in the royal kennels.

The average basset hound lifespan is twelve to thirteen years. You should plan for a reasonably long life with this dog before deciding to bring one home — especially if you plan on getting one as a puppy. Coat. Basset hounds have smooth, short coats.

Bassets were selected not only for their outstanding scenting skills, but also because hunters could keep up with the slow-paced dogs. They not only hunted rabbits and hares, but were also sometimes used to track larger wounded game. In the United States, the Basset quickly moved on from hunting dog to family pet.

Health Problems

They have very short legs and super long ears. For this reason, they are particularly prone to several health problems. They're prone to ear infections, for instance, as dirt often gets stuck in their ears. They may also develop back problems due to their short legs.

As Ree puts it, "Basset hounds, studies have shown, possess an inherent calming, almost sedative-like effect." Seriously, these pups love nothing more than snuggling up with their humans and soaking up all the love and attention they can get.

While these dogs are intelligent, they are also stubborn and highly sensitive, which can make potty training difficult. Basset Hounds respond well to positive, reward-based methods and learn best when they don't feel lots of pressure to succeed.

Do Basset Hounds Bark a Lot? Just like other hound breeds, Bassets are known to be vocal. They can let out a frequent howl or baying bark that can be heard from many houses away. They are also known to bark if they are left alone for too long—keep this in mind if you have neighbors.

They are a particularly low energy breed, and their fondness for naps means basset hounds rank very highly in the list of dog breeds that can be left alone. Sleeping throughout the day makes them the perfect companion for pet owners that work full time.

Basset Hounds are known for their affectionate and loyal nature, but they can also be independent.

How intelligent are basset Hounds? ›

Basset Hounds have a reputation for being stubborn, but they are also intelligent and have a good sense of smell. They are problem-solvers and have adaptive intelligence, which means they can figure out how to solve problems on their own.

Standing at a height of roughly 15 inches and weighing up to 65lbs., Basset Hounds aren't able to easily hop on and off higher surfaces like couches and beds. Their long bodies and short legs make them prone to jumping-related back and joint injuries as well.

Basset Hounds are fairly low-maintenance dogs as they only require moderate exercise. They are great dogs for first-owners as they are known for being easy to look after.

Almost all are reliably good-natured, sociable, and peaceful with everyone – strangers, children, and other pets, too. At a dog show, one can count on seeing cheerfully wagging tails in the Basset Hound ring. However, this is not necessarily the easiest breed to live with or train!

Basset Hounds are calm, friendly, laidback dogs by nature. They aren't energetic, meaning you usually won't have to worry about them running around a small apartment.