MediumGreat Britain

Basset Hound

"The Basset Hound is a soulful aristocrat of the hound world, celebrated for its velvet ears, melancholic gaze, and an iconic, laid-back personality that radiates charm."

Your Height:

180 cm

Shoulder Height: 36 cm

Age12-13 years

Average life expectancy with species-appropriate husbandry and good health.

Height

Shoulder Height: 33-38cmHead Height: ~54cm (est.)

The standard size measured from the ground to the highest point of the shoulder (withers).

Weight20-35 kg

Ideal body weight for a healthy, adult breed.

Cost/Month€80+

The sum of food, insurance, and basic care per month.

Character Profile

Activity Level

A measure of the daily urge to move and the necessary mental stimulation.

Rather laid-back and calm, but requires moderate daily walks.

Trainability

The willingness of the breed to cooperate with humans and learn commands quickly.

Known for being headstrong and stubborn; requires a lot of patience and consistent training.

Family Friendliness

Describes patience and adaptability when dealing with children and family bustle.

Very patient, gentle, and extremely affectionate towards family members.

Sociability

Behavior towards strangers and other dogs/pets.

Extremely social, gets along well with other dogs, and is friendly to strangers.

Beginner Friendly

Indicates how well the breed is suited for first-time owners without much experience.

Friendly nature, but their strong hunting instinct and stubbornness can be a challenge for beginners.

Apartment Friendly

Considers barking behavior, space requirements, and the general need for rest indoors.

Well-suited for apartments due to its calm nature and low energy levels indoors.

Grooming Effort

Time required for brushing, bathing, and nail care. Long-haired breeds often need daily care.

The short coat is easy to care for, but ears and skin folds require regular attention.

Shedding

How much loose hair the breed loses in the house. Important for allergy sufferers and cleaning effort.

Sheds fairly consistently throughout the year despite having a short coat.

Did you know?

Keeping a pet of this size costs over 80€ per month on average. Plan your finances wisely.

Character & Training

Beneath that sleepy exterior lies a stubborn but deeply affectionate soul. Basset Hounds possess a legendary independent streak and a famous sense of 'selective hearing,' making training a charming test of patience. They are not mindless followers but partners who respond best to humor and consistent, positive motivation. Within a family, they shine as gentle, patient companions who rarely show aggression and thrive on the social connection of their pack.

Living & Exercise

A ground-level, barrier-free living situation is ideal, as stairs put unnecessary strain on their long spine. Despite their hunting heritage, they are ultimate indoor 'couch potatoes' who only truly activate their senses once outside. While they enjoy a yard, their calm temperament makes them excellent apartment dwellers, provided they receive daily opportunities for scent-driven exploration. They are highly social and do not cope well with extended periods of isolation.

Health & Grooming

Grooming focuses on their distinctive features: those long ears and skin folds require meticulous hygiene to prevent infections. Due to their unique chondrodysplastic build, they are prone to intervertebral disc disease and joint issues. Strict weight management is vital, as obesity significantly endangers their skeletal health. To prevent life-threatening bloat, owners should provide multiple small meals and ensure the dog rests for at least an hour after eating.

History

Originally developed in France, their name comes from the word 'bas,' meaning 'low.' Bred from the scent hounds of St. Hubert's Abbey, they were designed for the French aristocracy to hunt small game like rabbits at a walking pace. This allowed hunters to follow the pack on foot rather than horseback. In the late 19th century, British breeders refined the dogs into the stout, charismatic breed we recognize today.

Similar Breeds

Based on character, activity level, and grooming needs – not by appearance.