Bassets 101

Hound group

Few breeds are as instantly recognizable as the Basset Hound, known both for a heavy, low-slung body and long, velvety ears. This hound is no lightweight and is essentially a full-sized dog on short legs. Also full-sized is this dog's voice: A full-throated bay once used to alert hunters but now sounded as an alarm or a sign of this dog's playful nature. Bassets aren't as high-energy as other hounds, but they do enjoy getting out and exploring the world with their noses. Devoted to their families, these dogs can be selective when it comes to people they don't know.

What we love about Bassets

Sweet hound with a distinctive look and voice

Energy level
Bark level
  • Talkative
Size
12 to 15 inches tall
Lifespan
12 to 13 years
Weight
40 to 60 lbs

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My pet’s health plannerSM

Mature adult Basset

5 years to 8 years

Risk level for common Basset conditions

Ear infection

Intervertebral disc disease

Dental disease

Senior Basset

9+ years

Risk level for common Basset conditions

Splenic cancer

Lymphatic cancer

Cushings disease

Basset puppy

0 to 9 months

Risk level for common Basset conditions

Ear infection

Foreign body ingestion

Gastroenteritis

Young adult Basset

10 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Basset conditions

Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid)

Foreign body ingestion

Ear infection

Mature adult Basset

5 years to 8 years

Risk level for common Basset conditions

Ear infection

Intervertebral disc disease

Dental disease

Senior Basset

9+ years

Risk level for common Basset conditions

Splenic cancer

Lymphatic cancer

Cushings disease

Basset puppy

0 to 9 months

Risk level for common Basset conditions

Ear infection

Foreign body ingestion

Gastroenteritis

Young adult Basset

10 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Basset conditions

Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid)

Foreign body ingestion

Ear infection

Bassett Hound health planner

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Basset hound introduction

Bassets have appeared in numerous TV shows and movies and have been cartoon characters many times. Elvis Presley thought being "nothin' but a hound dog" was just fine, so he had several Bassets.

Basset Hound coat care and colors

Although Bassets have a short, smooth coat that's easy to care for, they do have special grooming needs because of their ears and wrinkles. All that droopy skin can trap moisture and debris, serving as a breeding ground for infections. Skin folds and ears should be checked and cleaned every week. Your veterinary healthcare team can recommend the best products to use. Bassets also tend to drool, so keep a towel handy.

Basset exercise & training

Loves walks

Exercise level

The Bassett Hound was developed to move at a steady, dignified pace while tracking game with humans walking along. If kept fit, they have good levels of stamina and will enjoy long walks with lots of sniffing.

Independent study

Trainability

As with many hounds, the Basset was developed to follow their nose while pursuing game. They're excellent at this, but they're not as interested in doing what you ask of them.

Basset fun facts

Top girl names for Bassets

100%

of Bassets are female

0%

of Bassets are male

Top boy names for Bassets

Nationwide loves Basset Hounds of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

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