Basset Hound – Key Facts and Features

The Basset Hound is a short legged, loose skinned and powerfully built member of the hound dog breeds. Bassets are stronger and heavier than they appear and are direct descendants of the Bloodhound and have inherited a great sense of smell.

The Basset’s head resembles that of a Bloodhound and its ears hang in folds. The hound’s body is long and deep and it has very large paws. The tail is natural and carried upright when the hound picks up a scent.

The Basset’s coat is smooth, short and shiny and there are no color rules. The common hound colors are white with chestnut, tan or black markings.

These hounds range from 12 to 15 inches at shoulder height and weigh from 45 to 75 pounds.

History of The Basset Hound

The breed seems to have originated in the late sixteenth century France where the name ‘Basset’ derived from the French word ‘bas’ (low). The hound’s head shape and keen sense of smell suggest the breed was probably developed as a dwarf mutation of the Bloodhound.

The Basset developed into a good hunting dog for rabbits, foxes, and pheasants. Hunters appreciated the slow pace of the hound that allowed them to follow on foot. Bassets ranked 27th out of 154 dog breeds in 2005 AKC registrations.

Temperament of a Basset Hound

Bassets are one of the easiest-going and best-natured of all dog breeds. A Basset is very gentle, friendly and trustworthy. These hounds adore their masters and children and even let the kids dress them up and push them around in a baby carriage.

They get along well with other animals and strangers and will even accept unwanted intruders. Bassets can be stubborn, especially when they are investigating an intriguing smell. The hound responds well to early obedience training, as a puppy, especially when food is used as a reward.

Bassets love to eat and must not be allowed to become overweight as it leads to serious health problems. Bassets have an independent streak and are slow to obey commands but always exhibit a sense of humour. These dogs are very suitable for first-time owners.

Exercise

Bassets are one of the easiest-going and best-natured of all dog breeds. A Basset is very gentle, friendly and trustworthy. These hounds adore their masters and children and even let the kids dress them up and push them around in a baby carriage.

They get along well with other animals and strangers and will even accept unwanted intruders. Bassets can be stubborn, especially when they are investigating an intriguing smell. The hound responds well to early obedience training, as a puppy, especially when food is used as a reward.

Bassets love to eat and must not be allowed to become overweight as it leads to serious health problems. Bassets have an independent streak and are slow to obey commands but always exhibit a sense of humour. These dogs are very suitable for first-time owners.

Grooming

The smooth short-haired coat is easy to look after. Brush with a firm brush and only bathe when necessary.

Health Issues

The Bassets’ life expectancy is about 10 to 12 years and many of its common health problems are related to obesity.

Check out more dog breeds that start with B

You might also like the Basset Bleu de Gascogne.

You might also like the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen.

Joanne Spencer (2026, April 27). Basset Hound – Key Facts and Features. Animal Corner. Retrieved 2026, October 10, from https://animalcorner.org/dog-breeds/basset-hound/

Joanne Spencer. "Basset Hound – Key Facts and Features." Animal Corner, 2026, April 27, https://animalcorner.org/dog-breeds/basset-hound/.