They look like royalty on stilts, long ears trailing, short legs at work, saggy face full of dignity, but a Bassett Hound is more than cute proportions. Under that droopy exterior is a dog whose nose runs departmental investigations, heart runs big, and patience surprises you.
Before you commit to those short legs and long ears, try the Which Dog Breed Is Best for Me? Quiz — you’ll want to know if you can keep up with their sniffing demands.
Great Names for a Bassett Hound
Your Bassett needs a name that hints at dignity, mischief, or heritage. Try these:
Soft & endearing: Snuggle, Mellow, Willow, Cuddles, Dulcie, Misty
Classic & stately: Winston, Rupert, Florence, Beatrice, Henry, Edith
Quirky & fun: Droopy, Lopey, Shamble, Nuzzle, Slouch, Wobble
Heritage & British: Arden, Pembroke, Loxley, Ridley, Basset, Crawley
Still not sure? Let your fingers decide via the Dog Name Generator on CrazyDogs.club.
Exercise
Don’t let their low stance fool you — Bassett Hounds are scent hounds. Their idea of exercise is to stroll, nose down, and sniff every inch. If you rush them, you’ll disappoint that nose.
What suits them:
- ~1 hour daily, at a pace that lets nose work
- Off-lead runs only when recall is rock solid
- Scent trails, games, sniff breaks
- A variety of walk routes, so fresh smells always entice
Pickles’ Aside: They’ll stop mid-stride if the breeze whispers a scent. Be ready.
Working / Nose Warning
Once a Bassett picks up a trail, even politely calling them might fail. Their nose often overrules.
Temperament
Bassett Hounds are mellow, gentle, people-loving, but also pig-headed when scent or comfort calls. They’re like the dignified loungers of the hound world, but with a bit of stubborn reserve.
You’ll often see:
- Friendly, sociable with family
- Calm, patient, good with company
- Sometimes slow to trust strangers
- Stubborn streak when it comes to doing anything that interferes with their sniffing
“I have an 11 week old basset … I have been informed that he will howl constantly when I am away.”
Once they know you, they’re lovely companions with big hearts.
Training
Training a Bassett is like convincing a philosopher to change their view, you need patience, consistency, and a reward that resonates. They won’t do it because you demand; they’ll do it when they believe there’s a benefit.
Helpful strategies:
- Start socialisation early
- Use positive reinforcement (food, praise, games)
- Keep sessions short and engaging
- Emphasise recall, impulse control, leave-it
Pickles’ Aside: You might get stares: “I considered your command, human. Then I smelled cupcakes.”
Need reinforcement? The World’s First AI Dog Trainer can help you tailor training plans when stubbornness or distractions hit.
Stubborn Streak Warning
When they decide a scent or comfort is more interesting than your command, they pause. You must remain consistent without being harsh.
Strangers & Watchdog Potential
Bassett Hounds are more watchers than warriors. They may bark to alert, but aggression is rare. They tend to greet strangers pleasantly, though some reserve is possible.
- Likely to bark at new stimuli or visitors
- Generally friendly once comfortable
- Socialisation helps manage excessive alerting
Other Animals
Many Bassett Hounds get along well with other dogs and pets, especially when introduced early. That said, their chase instinct means small animals require careful introductions.
- Use neutral ground for introductions.
- Supervise initial interactions
- Teach “leave it” and respect boundaries
Grooming
The coat is short and manageable, which is a relief. But those ears, wrinkles, and folds are trouble zones that need regular care.
Grooming essentials:
- Weekly brushing to reduce dead hair
- Clean ears carefully (long ears = ear risk)
- Wipe wrinkles/folds to prevent moisture build-up
- Bath when needed, gentle products
- Nail, dental, and skin upkeep
Pickles’ Aside: If your shirt gets slobbered, consider it a compliment.
Health
Bassett Hounds are robust, but several breed-specific conditions demand awareness and proactive care.
Watch for:
- Hip dysplasia, elbow problems
- Bloat / gastric torsion
- Ear infections (due to long drop ears)
- Eye issues (ectropion, glaucoma)
- Obesity (because they love food)
“Griffs don’t really smell at all but bassets do a bit … it is something a lot of basset owners like.”
Breeders should provide health clearances; refer to our Best in Breeder Guide for what to inspect.
Cost of Ownership
Big in character, moderate in cost. Here’s what a UK owner can expect:
- Puppy price: ~ £1,200–£2,000 (pedigree, health-tested)
- Insurance: £40–£90/month (ears, joints, breed risks)
- Food: ~ £30–£60/month
- Grooming / care: ~ £10–£30/month
- Vet & health costs: £200–£500/year
Famous Owners & Moments
- Bassett Hounds have a storied history in UK hare hunting, known as “poor man’s foxhound.”
- Their droopy faces and soulful eyes have made them popular in art, cartoons, and canine iconography.
Myth-Busting
| Myth | Truth |
|---|---|
| “Bassett Hounds are lazy.” | They pace, sniff-hunt, and may look relaxed but are never truly idle. |
| “They drool uncontrollably.” | Some drooling is real — but not always excessive if health is managed. |
| “Low energy means low care.” | Their ears, joints, scent drive, and stubbornness mean consistent care is essential. |
FAQs
Are Bassett Hounds good with children?
Usually yes — calm and patient — but supervise with young kids due to their low stature and possible inadvertent knocks.
How loud are they?
Moderately — they may bark, bay, or howl, especially when following scent or seeking attention.
Are they easy to train?
They’re capable — but not obedient by default. Training needs patience, rewards, and consistency.
How much exercise do they need?
Around 1 hour a day, plus sniff walks, mental challenges, and a variety of terrain.
Thinking of Bringing One Home?
Inviting a Bassett Hound into your life gives you a loyal, soulful, nose-first companion who’ll trot beside you, explore the undergrowth, and serenade you with howls when the world grows quiet. Their demeanour is gentle yet determined. But it’s not all soft ears and wagging tails. You’ll manage drool, ear cleaning, skin checks in folds, diet control (they love food), and training demands.
Scent will call them. Stability of recall is essential. Some may howl when left too long, so leaving them alone must be eased carefully.
Their short legs make steep stairs or obstacles tricky. But if you commit to daily walks, grooming rituals, health vigilance, and patient training, you’ll find a companion whose personality and loyalty far outweigh the challenges.
Start your new life on solid ground with the New Puppy Paw-rent Planner, and immortalise that woeful, beautiful face with a Custom Cartoon Pet Portrait.
Breed Stats
- Size: Medium to small
- Weight: ~20–29 kg
- Height: ~33–38 cm at the shoulder
- Lifespan: ~10–12 years
- Best Trait: Gentle companion with nose-driven curiosity
- Challenging Trait: Scent obsession, ear concerns, stubbornness