Exercise
Plan for around 30 to 45 minutes of daily activity. Breeds with this profile stay more settled when activity includes both movement and mental engagement.
HoundMedium
France
FranceBasset Hound
Weight
40-65 lb
Height
11-15 in
Lifespan
10-12 yrs
Coat
Smooth Short
A low-slung scent hound with a powerful nose, loose skin, and a famously easygoing attitude.
Hound group breedOrigin: FranceExercise needs: 2/5
Breed Names
Official, native, and commonly used variants
No widely used alternate names are recorded for this breed.
Laid-BackFriendlyPatientStubbornSociableGentle
Weight
40-65 lb
Height
11-15 in
Lifespan
10-12 yrs
Coat
Smooth Short
At A Glance
Daily living snapshot
A quick read on energy, upkeep, and what day-to-day life with this breed usually feels like.
Energy
Low
Barking
Moderate
Drooling
High
Shedding
Moderate
Grooming
2/5
First-time owner
Yes
Overview
The Basset Hound originated in France and was developed for slow, deliberate scent trailing on foot. A low-slung scent hound with a powerful nose, loose skin, and a famously easygoing attitude.
In daily life, this breed is often described as laid-back, friendly, patient. It usually adapts well to smaller homes and usually does best in family homes that can manage weight, ears, and drool.
Temperament & Personality
Laid-BackFriendlyPatientStubbornSociableGentle
This breed tends to suit homes looking for a laid-back, friendly, patient companion, with daily rhythms shaped by low energy, moderate barking, and high drooling.
Coat type
Smooth
Coat length
Short
Shedding
Moderate
Colors
Tricolor, Lemon and White, Red and White
Lifestyle Compatibility
Family Friendly5/5
Good with Kids5/5
Good with Dogs5/5
Good with Strangers4/5
Apartment Friendly4/5
Exercise Needs2/5
Grooming Needs2/5
Trainability2/5
Good fit if you want
- A family-friendly companion
- A home-friendly apartment match
- A more forgiving first ownership experience
Plan ahead for
- 2/5 exercise needs
- moderate shedding and coat upkeep
- moderate barking in daily life
Care Guide
Grooming
The short smooth coat has moderate shedding and grooming demand rated 2/5. Brush regularly and stay current with ear, nail, and skin checks.
Training
This breed is independent and benefits from patient repetition. Early socialization and short, consistent sessions usually produce the best results.
Nutrition
Feed a quality diet sized for a medium dog and keep body condition lean. Split daily portions into measured meals and adjust intake for activity level.
Behavior & Environment
Energy level
Low
Barking level
Moderate
Drooling level
High
Watchdog ability
2/5
Guard dog ability
1/5
Climate tolerance
Cold weather2/5
Heat tolerance3/5
Health Considerations
Common concerns to discuss with your vet and breeder.
Ear infectionsIntervertebral disc diseaseObesity
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Basset Hound good for apartment living?
The Basset Hound usually adapts well to smaller homes. Daily structure and realistic exercise are the deciding factors.
How much exercise does a Basset Hound need?
Most Basset Hound dogs need around 30 to 45 minutes of daily activity. Mental work helps just as much as physical activity for many individuals.
Is the Basset Hound good for first-time owners?
Yes, this breed can suit prepared first-time owners when training and care are consistent.
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