Basset Hound behind a white, transparent background

Basset Hound

Everything you need to know about Basset Hounds

Size
Medium
Life Expectancy
typically 10+ years
Shedding
Short length with moderate shedding

Basset Hounds are moderately active dogs. They have short legs, a smooth coat and large, pendulous ears. They are known for their keen sense of smell. Basset Hounds can be a mixture of two or three colours — most commonly lemon and white or black, white and tan. 

There’s lots of doggy behaviour that comes naturally to all breeds of dog, including Basset Hounds, from digging and chasing to searching and retrieving.  

Thinking about giving a Basset Hound a forever home? Here are some Basset Hound facts that might help you decide.  

Caring for Basset Hounds 

Every dog is different with their own personality and needs. Here are some areas to think about when taking care of a Basset Hound.  

Health issues 

Before you give any dog a home, it’s important to know about possible health issues. Not every dog will suffer them but it’s good to be prepared.   

To find out more about potential health issues for Basset...

How much food does a Basset Hound need?

The amount of food a Basset Hound needs depends on their:  

  • age  
  • size  
  • activity levels  
  • fitness  
  • weight.   

You can use the info...

An infographic showing the key indicators of healthy body condition for a dog

How much exercise does a Basset Hound need? 

Basset Hounds are usually moderately active dogs who need regular exercise and stimulation to keep them physically and mentally healthy. They'll need daily walks, plus plenty of time and opportunity to explore, b...

How much grooming does a Basset Hound need? 

Basset Hounds have short fur that only needs a weekly brush. Basset Hounds often have skinfolds which require regular cleaning. Speak to your vet for advice on how to do this for your dog. 

To help you...

What size crate do you need for a Basset Hound?

When inside their crate, your dog should have plenty of space to: 

  • sit and stand up at their full height 
  • turn around without touching the sides 
  • lie down fully stretched out&...

Basset Hound behaviour and training  

Even if you think you know about Basset Hounds, it’s important to remember that every dog has their own personality.

What’s the temperament of a Basset Hound? 

Just like you, every dog is an individual with their own unique personality and prior experiences. So, every Basset Hound temperament is different. As dogs grow from puppies, they learn all about the world. They devel...

Are Basset Hounds easy to train? 

You can teach any breed of dog new tricks! It’s all about positive learning. Find out what your dog loves so you can use this to reward them after a success. Whether it’s small food treats, toys or lots of praise, tra...

Are Basset Hounds good with children? 

Every dog has their own unique personality that has been shaped by their own experiences of the world. They’ll have their own likes and dislikes and will respond to situations in different ways. However, there are som...

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