Breed library

Basset Hound

Basset Hound photograph.
BassetHound profil.jpg - Cali1008. Public domain. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:BassetHound_profil.jpg. License: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:BassetHound_profil.jpg#Licensing. License: Public domain.

Breed overview

The Basset Hound is a short-legged breed of scent hound. The Basset Hound was developed in Great Britain from several now-extinct strains of French basset breeds. It was bred primarily for hunting rabbit and hare on foot, moving slowly enough that horses were not required. Their sense of smell and ability to ground-scent is second only to the Bloodhound. Basset Hounds are one of six recognized "basset"-type breeds in France. The name Basset is derived from the French word bas, meaning 'low', with the attenuating suffix -et, together meaning 'rather low'. Basset Hounds are usually bicolours or tricolours of standard hound coloration.

  • Breed classification: houndBreed reference breed group.
  • Breed classification: hunting dogBreed reference breed group.
  • Breed type: dog breedBreed reference breed kind.
  • Country of origin: FranceBreed reference country of origin.

Breed facts

  • The Basset Hound was developed in Great Britain from several now-extinct strains of French basset breeds.
  • Basset Hounds are one of six recognized "basset"-type breeds in France.
  • The name Basset is derived from the French word bas, meaning 'low', with the attenuating suffix -et, together meaning 'rather low'.
  • Basset Hounds are usually bicolours or tricolours of standard hound coloration.
  • Basset Hounds are proportionally akin to a large breed dog with short legs.

Size and appearance

Basset Hounds are proportionally akin to a large breed dog with short legs. Their slightly-curved tail is held high above their long backs. Size and weight is variable between bloodlines, but weigh between 20 and 35 kg on average. This breed, relative to size, is heavier-boned than any other breed. Similar to the bloodhound, the Basset Hound has wrinkled, loose skin that incites a sad expression. The loose skin around the neck is known as the dewlap. The characteristic long ears help to stir up ground scent. They have slightly crook'd legs that help to support the broad chest and ribs.

  • Body mass reference: 20.412 - 29.484 kgAdult breed reference quantity from the article infobox. Original value 45 - 65 lb. Unit conversion where applicable: 1 inch = 2.54 cm; 1 pound = 0.45359237 kg. Original field and references are retained in the revision-pinned article evidence.
  • Body mass reference: 24.948 - 34.019 kgAdult breed reference quantity from the article infobox. Original value 55 - 75 lb. Unit conversion where applicable: 1 inch = 2.54 cm; 1 pound = 0.45359237 kg. Original field and references are retained in the revision-pinned article evidence.
  • Body mass reference: 32 kgBreed reference body mass. mean, adult.
  • Height reference: 27.94 - 35.56 cmAdult breed reference quantity from the article infobox. Original value 11 - 14 in. Unit conversion where applicable: 1 inch = 2.54 cm; 1 pound = 0.45359237 kg. Original field and references are retained in the revision-pinned article evidence.
  • Height reference: 30.48 - 38.1 cmAdult breed reference quantity from the article infobox. Original value 12 - 15 in. Unit conversion where applicable: 1 inch = 2.54 cm; 1 pound = 0.45359237 kg. Original field and references are retained in the revision-pinned article evidence.
  • Height reference: Up to 38 cmBreed reference height. maximum.
  • Height reference: 33 cm or moreBreed reference height. minimum.
  • Coat length: short
  • Coat texture: smooth
  • Height category: medium
  • Height category: short
  • Weight category: large
  • Weight category: medium

Personality and behavior

The Basset Hound is a friendly, outgoing, and playful dog, tolerant of children and other pets. Their temperament is typically mild and extremely devoted, though not timid.

  • Attachment and attention seeking (C-BARQ mean): 2.04 / 4Owner-reported attachment and attention seeking factor mean for US reference population Basset Hound.
  • Chasing (C-BARQ mean): 1.63 / 4Owner-reported chasing factor mean for US reference population Basset Hound.
  • Dog-directed aggression (C-BARQ mean): 0.67 / 4Owner-reported dog-directed aggression factor mean for US reference population Basset Hound.
  • Dog-directed fear (C-BARQ mean): 0.75 / 4Owner-reported dog-directed fear factor mean for US reference population Basset Hound.
  • Energy (C-BARQ mean): 1.57 / 4Owner-reported energy factor mean for US reference population Basset Hound.
  • Excitability (C-BARQ mean): 2.14 / 4Owner-reported excitability factor mean for US reference population Basset Hound.
  • Familiar-dog aggression (C-BARQ mean): 0.97 / 4Owner-reported familiar-dog aggression factor mean for US reference population Basset Hound.
  • Non-social fear (C-BARQ mean): 0.81 / 4Owner-reported non-social fear factor mean for US reference population Basset Hound.
  • Owner-directed aggression (C-BARQ mean): 0.37 / 4Owner-reported owner-directed aggression factor mean for US reference population Basset Hound.
  • Separation-related problems (C-BARQ mean): 0.97 / 4Owner-reported separation-related problems factor mean for US reference population Basset Hound.
  • Stranger-directed aggression (C-BARQ mean): 0.33 / 4Owner-reported stranger-directed aggression factor mean for US reference population Basset Hound.
  • Stranger-directed fear (C-BARQ mean): 0.52 / 4Owner-reported stranger-directed fear factor mean for US reference population Basset Hound.
  • Touch sensitivity (C-BARQ mean): 1.03 / 4Owner-reported touch sensitivity factor mean for US reference population Basset Hound.
  • Trainability (C-BARQ mean): 1.75 / 4Owner-reported trainability factor mean for US reference population Basset Hound.

Exercise and activities

Care planning: build a weekly routine with walks, play and time to explore. Enter the minutes and sessions that work for your dog, then compare the weekly total with your available time. Keep notes about the activities your dog enjoys and adjust the routine together.

Training and enrichment

Care planning: choose one everyday skill to practice and keep a record of each session. Note the cue, the reward your dog enjoys and what went well. Rotate familiar games and new activities, and use your notes to choose the next small step.

Coat and grooming

Care planning: use the coat details above to discuss a grooming routine with your groomer. Record brushing sessions, baths and appointments in the app. Add the tools you use and your preferred schedule so the whole household can follow the same routine.

  • Coat length: short
  • Coat texture: smooth

Health and lifespan

A 2015 French study found a life expectancy of 10.3 years. A 2024 study in the UK found a life expectancy of 12.5 years compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds.

  • Lifespan reference: 11.5 yearsBreed reference lifespan years.

Living with this breed

Care planning: compare this profile's adult dimensions, coat care and available activity information with your household's routine. Make a shortlist, plan who will handle daily care and save the questions you want to ask a breed club, rescue or breeder.

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Breed history

The Basset Hound was developed in Great Britain from several now-extinct strains of French basset breeds. Basset Hounds are one of six recognized "basset"-type breeds in France.

Clubs and further reading

Sources

  1. Basset Hound - WikipediaWikipedia contributors Retrieved 2026-10-14.License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted excerpts from Wikipedia contributors, Basset Hound, revision 1377320056. CC BY-SA 4.0. Formatting, citations and selection changed. Source history: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Basset_Hound&action=history
  2. Wikidata structured breed dataWikimedia contributors Retrieved 2026-10-14.License: CC0 1.0. Wikidata contributors (CC0).
  3. National C-BARQ breed and all-breed means from USA.PLOS ONE / Figshare Retrieved 2026-10-14.License: CC BY 4.0. Bohland, Kyle R.; Lilly, Meghan Leanne; Herron, Meghan E.; Arruda, Andréia G.; O’Quin, Jeanette M. (2023). National C-BARQ breed and all-breed means from USA.. PLOS ONE. Dataset. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0289356.s003 CC BY 4.0. Selected rows and field names adapted; values unchanged.
  4. File:BassetHound profil.jpgWikimedia Commons Retrieved 2026-10-14.License: Public domain. BassetHound profil.jpg - Cali1008. Public domain. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:BassetHound_profil.jpg. License: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:BassetHound_profil.jpg#Licensing.
  5. Palipaws everyday care planningPalipaws Retrieved 2026-10-14.License: Palipaws original factual summaries. Palipaws. Original care-planning text, separate from breed measurements and licensed article summaries.
  6. AKC national parent club directoryAmerican Kennel Club Retrieved 2026-10-14.License: Factual reference only. Names and verified external links only. No source descriptions, logos or endorsement reused.