Basset Hound Temperament & Personality
The Basset Hound is known for being gentle, affectionate, laid-back, friendly, patient. Learn everything you need to know about the Basset Hound temperament, including their energy level, trainability, and compatibility with families and other pets.
Quick Facts
Temperament Overview
The Basset Hound is a distinctive breed characterized by its long, low body, droopy ears, and soulful expression. According to AKC standards, Basset Hounds should stand no more than 14 inches at the shoulder but possess substantial bone and weight for their height, creating their iconic short-legged, heavy-bodied appearance. Their coat is short, smooth, and dense, typically appearing in classic hound colors including tricolor, red and white, and lemon and white combinations. The breed's most notable features include extremely long, velvety ears that hang in folds, loose elastic skin, and large, sad eyes that give them their characteristic pleading expression.
Basset Hounds are renowned for their gentle, placid temperament and excellent compatibility with families. They are pack-oriented dogs that thrive on companionship and generally get along well with children, other dogs, and even cats when properly socialized. Despite their calm demeanor indoors, Bassets retain strong hunting instincts and an exceptional sense of smell, second only to the Bloodhound. This scent-driven nature means they can become singularly focused when following an interesting smell, often to the point of ignoring commands. Their laid-back personality makes them excellent apartment dogs, though they do require daily moderate exercise to prevent obesity.
Prospective owners should understand that Basset Hounds are not particularly active dogs and can be quite content with leisurely walks and lounging. However, this low energy level combined with their hearty appetite makes weight management a critical concern throughout their lives. They are known for their distinctive vocalizations, including a melodious bay that can be quite loud, which may be problematic in noise-sensitive living situations. The breed's droopy features, while endearing, require regular maintenance to prevent infections in ear canals and facial folds. Bassets form strong bonds with their families and do not tolerate long periods of isolation well, often expressing their discontent through howling or destructive behavior.
The ideal Basset Hound owner appreciates a dog with personality and charm but understands the breed's inherent stubbornness and unique care requirements. These dogs are not suited for those seeking an obedient, highly trainable companion or an athletic jogging partner. Instead, they excel as affectionate family companions who bring humor and devotion to households willing to accommodate their moderate exercise needs, grooming requirements, and independent nature.
Living with a Basset Hound
Good with Children
Basset Hounds are generally good with children. They tend to be patient and gentle, making them suitable family companions. As always, interactions between dogs and young children should be supervised, and children should be taught to handle dogs with care and respect.
Good with Other Dogs
Basset Hounds typically get along well with other dogs. They are sociable by nature and can thrive in multi-pet households. Early socialization with other dogs helps ensure positive interactions throughout their life.
Training a Basset Hound
Training a Basset Hound requires patience, consistency, and realistic expectations, as they are notoriously stubborn and independent thinkers. Bred to work at a distance from hunters and make their own decisions while tracking scent, Bassets are not naturally inclined toward obedience and can be frustratingly selective about following commands. Positive reinforcement methods work best, utilizing high-value food rewards and praise, though even food motivation may fail when a Basset catches an interesting scent. Training sessions should be kept short (5-10 minutes) and engaging, as Bassets bore easily with repetition and may simply refuse to participate in activities they find uninteresting. Harsh corrections are counterproductive and can damage the trust-based relationship necessary for any training success with this breed. Housetraining can be particularly challenging with Basset Hounds and may take several months of consistent effort. Crate training is highly recommended to establish a routine and prevent accidents, though Bassets may be resistant to confinement initially. Taking puppies out frequently (every 1-2 hours) and rewarding outdoor elimination immediately is essential. Many Bassets remain prone to occasional indoor accidents throughout their lives, especially when distracted or when marking instincts are triggered. Recall training is especially difficult due to their scent-hound nature; a Basset following a scent trail will often completely ignore even the most well-trained recall command. For this reason, Bassets should never be trusted off-leash in unfenced areas, regardless of training level. Early socialization is important to ensure Bassets develop into well-adjusted adults comfortable with various people, animals, and situations. Puppy classes provide structured socialization opportunities and basic obedience training, though owners should not expect their Basset to be the star pupil. Leash training requires special attention, as Bassets are strong pullers when following scents despite their low-energy reputation. Using front-clip harnesses and teaching loose-leash walking from puppyhood helps manage this tendency. Addressing potential behavioral issues like separation anxiety, excessive vocalization, and counter-surfing (their food motivation makes them surprisingly resourceful) should begin early. Overall, successful Basset ownership involves accepting the breed's limitations while appreciating their unique personality, rather than attempting to mold them into something they are not.
Exercise & Energy Level
This breed has modest exercise needs. Short daily walks and some indoor play are typically enough. They are well-suited for apartment living and less active owners, though regular movement is still important for their health.
Grooming & Care
Coat Type
Short
Shedding
Moderate
Grooming
Weekly
Basset Hounds require moderate daily exercise consisting of at least 30-60 minutes of walking, though they should not be over-exercised, especially in hot weather due to their brachycephalic-adjacent features and low-slung bodies. Their exercise should be steady and controlled rather than vigorous, as their long backs and short legs make them prone to spinal issues. Swimming can be challenging for Bassets due to their heavy front ends and short legs, so water activities should be carefully supervised. Mental stimulation through scent work and puzzle toys helps satisfy their hunting instincts and prevents boredom-related behaviors. Grooming a Basset Hound is relatively straightforward but must be consistent. Their short coat requires weekly brushing to remove loose hair and distribute skin oils, with shedding increasing during seasonal changes. The most critical grooming aspect involves their long, pendulous ears, which must be checked and cleaned at least weekly to prevent bacterial and yeast infections due to poor air circulation. Facial wrinkles and skin folds should be wiped daily and kept dry to prevent dermatitis. Nails grow quickly and require regular trimming every 2-3 weeks, and dental care should be performed several times weekly to prevent periodontal disease. Many Bassets develop a characteristic "hound odor" that can be managed through regular bathing every 4-6 weeks. Diet management is crucial for Basset Hounds, as obesity is one of the most common health problems in the breed and exacerbates joint and back issues. High-quality dog food portioned appropriately for their age, size, and activity level is essential, with most adult Bassets requiring 1.5 to 2.5 cups of food daily, divided into two meals. Treats should be limited and accounted for in daily caloric intake. Elevated food bowls may help reduce strain on their necks and backs during feeding. Regular veterinary check-ups should monitor for common breed conditions including hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems such as glaucoma and cherry eye, bleeding disorders like thrombopathia, and signs of intervertebral disc disease. Ear infections are so common that owners should budget for multiple veterinary ear treatments annually.
Health Considerations
Average Lifespan: 12-13 years
Like all breeds, Basset Hounds can be prone to certain health conditions. Being aware of these potential issues can help you work with your veterinarian to provide the best preventive care. Common health concerns include:
- •Hip dysplasia
- •Elbow dysplasia
- •Glaucoma
- •Thrombopathia
- •Intervertebral disc disease
When choosing a Basset Hound, look for a responsible breeder who performs health testing on their breeding dogs. Ask about OFA certifications, genetic testing, and health guarantees to help ensure you bring home a healthy puppy.
History & Origin
France
Scent hunting rabbits and hare
The Basset Hound's origins trace back to 16th century France, where friars at the Abbey of St. Hubert bred various strains of French hounds for hunting. The word "basset" derives from the French adjective "bas," meaning low, describing the breed's distinctive short stature. These low-set hounds were deliberately developed to be slow enough for hunters on foot to follow while tracking rabbits, hare, and deer through dense underbrush. The genetic mutation for shortened legs (achondroplasia) that defines the breed likely occurred spontaneously and was then selectively bred. French aristocracy particularly favored Bassets for hunting, and several distinct varieties existed throughout France, including the Basset Artésien Normand and the Basset Bleu de Gascogne. Basset Hounds were introduced to England in the mid-1800s, with documented imports occurring around 1866. Lord Galway and Sir Everett Millais are credited with promoting and standardizing the breed in Britain. Sir Everett Millais, often called the "father of the modern Basset Hound," exhibited a Basset named "Model" at an English dog show in 1875, marking the breed's formal introduction to the dog fancy. English breeders crossed French Bassets with Bloodhounds to increase size and refine features, creating the heavier, more substantial dog we recognize today. Queen Alexandra of England kept Basset Hounds in the royal kennels, which greatly increased the breed's popularity among British nobility and the general public. The breed's combination of hunting ability and gentle temperament made it suitable both as a working dog and companion. The Basset Hound arrived in America in colonial times but did not gain significant popularity until the late 1800s. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1885, making it one of the earlier recognized breeds. American breeders continued refining the type, emphasizing the breed's characteristic features including the extremely long ears, heavy bone, and loose skin. The breed's popularity exploded in the 1960s thanks to its appearance in advertising, most notably as the logo for Hush Puppies shoes and in the "Fred Basset" comic strip. Television appearances and the breed's photogenic, mournful expression made Bassets widely recognized even among non-dog enthusiasts. Today's Basset Hounds are primarily kept as companion animals rather than hunting dogs, though some still participate in field trials and pack hunts. The breed consistently ranks in the AKC's top 40 most popular breeds and remains beloved for its unique appearance and amiable personality.
Frequently Asked Questions About Basset Hound Temperament
Find Basset Hound Breeders Near You
Ready to welcome a Basset Hound into your home? Browse our directory of verified Basset Hound breeders to find a responsible breeder who prioritizes health, temperament, and socialization.
Browse Basset Hound Breeders